NFWF Announces More Than $33 Million in New Awards for Restoration Projects in Mississippi
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announces grants from its Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 16, 2025) -- The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today announced the award of more than $33 million in obligations from its Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund (GEBF) for three new projects in the state of Mississippi. Developed in consultation with state and federal resource agencies, the projects are designed to remedy harm and reduce the risk of future harm to natural resources that were affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
“Today’s announcement represents the continuation of significant GEBF investments to benefit natural resources affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the state of Mississippi,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. “These efforts not only restore and conserve vital habitats but also strengthen local economies and support livelihoods that depend on healthy ecosystems. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation appreciates the continued collaboration with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, federal resource agency partners and implementing partners in advancing significant conservation and restoration projects that benefit natural resources in the state of Mississippi.”
The new awards will create coastal marsh and living shoreline at Point Cadet in the City of Biloxi and nearshore artificial reef habitat along the West Hancock County shoreline near Buccaneer State Park. Over 175 acres of new artificial reef habitat in nearshore and offshore areas of Mississippi Sound will benefit commercially and recreationally important fish species through various life stages.
“We appreciate our continued partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the support of the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund in advancing Mississippi’s restoration priorities,” said Chris Wells, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. “These investments help us rebuild and enhance coastal habitats, strengthen our natural resources, and support long-term resilience for our coastal communities.”
Additional information on the new awards and all projects in the Gulf Coast can be found here.
Projects are developed for GEBF consideration following extensive consultation with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,300 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of $11.3 billion. Learn more at nfwf.org.
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Contact:
Matt Winter, 202-857-0166, matt.winter@nfwf.org