Big Bucks to Restore Oil-Spill Ravaged Chandeleur Islands Wildlife
Published Date: 2/20/2026
Notice
Summary
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill hurt the Chandeleur Islands’ wetlands, wildlife, and coastal habitats. Now, a $372 million plan is set to restore sea turtles, birds, fish, and plants, with Louisiana and federal groups teaming up to bring nature back to life. This big restoration effort kicks off soon, using special funds and extra support from the state.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
$372M Chandeleur Islands Restoration
The trustees chose two preferred alternatives to restore the Chandeleur Islands with an estimated total cost of approximately $372,000,000. About $247,000,000 of that will come from Deepwater Horizon NRDA funds, with allocations including $150,000,000 for Louisiana wetlands/coastal/nearshore habitats, $25,693,273 for federally managed lands habitat projects, $22,000,000 for submerged aquatic vegetation, $30,000,000 for birds, $4,000,000 for sea turtles, $5,000,000 for Open Ocean birds, and up to $10,000,000 for Open Ocean fish and water column invertebrates; the State of Louisiana is pursuing additional funding. The selected habitat alternative (Habitat Restoration Alternative 5) includes beach and dune fill, marsh fill, sand reservoirs, pocket marshes, and feeder beaches and was identified as the most cost‑effective with the highest likelihood of success.
Fishing Outreach to Reduce Bycatch
The trustees selected a fish and water column invertebrates restoration approach (FWCI Alternative 2) that uses education, engagement, and communication with stakeholders to restore injured fish and invertebrates. The outreach is designed to promote sustainable fishing practices that reduce bycatch in commercial fisheries and reduce post-release mortality in recreational fisheries.
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