AUSTIN — Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D. announced that International Shipbreaking Limited (ISL) and General Land Office (GLO) Geospatial Technology Services (GTS) are the winners of the 2023 Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act (OSPRA) Award.

For 25 years, the OSPRA Award has been presented by the GLO Oil Spill Prevention and Response Program to recognize individuals and organizations for their contribution to keeping Texas coastal water clean and oil free. Through education, prevention and response, the Oil Spill team works to protect coastal ecosystems while supporting the vital Texas petroleum industry and the associated maritime businesses that contribute to Texas' thriving economy.

"Preserving the Texas coast and keeping our coastal waters clean is one of the GLO's top priorities," said Commissioner Buckingham. "International Shipbreaking Limited and GLO Geospatial Technology Services have both demonstrated unwavering commitment to building a better future for coastal communities, habitats, and marine environments. I congratulate them on this well deserved recognition for their hard work."

ISL has performed ship disposal work for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Dept. of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD), Defense Reutilization and Marketing Services and other commercial and private customers, in the U.S. and Europe. They survey every pipe and space within a ship to reduce pollution hazards and their proactive approach protects both their valuable workforce and the Brownsville waterways that create commerce and recreation for many South Texans.

While conducting inspections, they've found historical artifacts, mementos, personal items and letters left behind in these great ships. Every item is treated with respect and care. The company has even sought out owners and donated articles to military and Veterans' organizations. ISL works to not only safeguard their staff and the Texas coast, but to also raise the public perception of the shipbreaking industry and bring economic opportunity to the Rio Grande Valley.

The Geospatial Technology Services at the GLO is the key partner in the development and continued maintenance of the Oil Spill program's TOOLKIT. The Toolkit is free and accessible for use by all parties in an oil spill response. Containing vital reference guides, contingency plans, environmentally sensitive area information and geographic response strategies, the Toolkit is crucial for rapid decision-making and protecting resources during a spill.

Led by Scot Friedman, the GLO GTS team has been essential to the success of the Toolkit since its inception to ensure relevant preparedness and response data. GTS support is also irreplaceable during hurricane season, providing a wealth of storm planning resources. The GTS program continues to support the GLO, going above and beyond to assist the Oil Spill program and other response entities in their efforts to protect the Texas coast during environmental and weather hazards.