NFWF Announces More Than $13 Million in New Awards for Restoration Projects in Alabama

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 16, 2025) -- The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today announced the award of more than $13 million in obligations from its Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund (GEBF) for one new project and one amendment for projects in the state of Alabama. 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 Alabama." 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 of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, federal resource agency partners and implementing partners in advancing significant conservation and restoration projects that benefit natural resources in the state of Alabama."

The new award will restore the rapidly eroding shoreline of Little Dauphin Island, protecting approximately 850 acres of conservation land within the Little Dauphin Island Unit of the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and supporting water quality improvements in Dauphin Island Bay. The amendment will allow for the construction of additional breakwaters and restoration of up to 30 acres of marsh habitat at Salt Aire on the western shore of Mobile Bay.

"I am excited for the funding for these two projects in Coastal Alabama," said Alabama Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship. "Restoration of Little Dauphin Island is critical for the protection of Dauphin Island Bay and the adjoining marshes and bird habitat and the additional work at Salt Aire builds on previous investments in this beautiful, undeveloped area on Mobile Bay's Western Shore."

Additional information on the new awards and all projects in the Gulf Coast region can be found here.

Projects are developed for GEBF consideration following extensive consultation with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 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, [email protected]