The Coastal States Organization represents the nation’s Coastal States, Territories, and Commonwealths on ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resource issues.

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Source: NOAA map by NCEI

Damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton helped push total economic losses from natural disasters in the U.S. to $217.8 billion last year, according to insurance broker Aon PLC. That figure represents an 85.3% increase from 2023, when losses totaled about $117.5 billion. It’s also the largest annual tally of economic losses from natural disasters since 2017.

“In 2024, one of the big differences is we had significant U.S. hurricane events that happened,” said Liz Henderson, global head of climate risk advisory at Aon. “When those events happen, they affect a large area and they affect areas with large values in terms of properties and people and content. So the losses from those events tend to be significantly higher.”

Hurricane Helene tore across six southeastern states last fall, costing $75 billion in economic losses, mainly due to inland and coastal flooding.

At least two other hurricanes, several severe “convective” storms and a draught contributed to the losses from natural disasters in the U.S. last year.

Read more here.

This past week, the US Army Corps of Engineers began emergency dredging of the vital Lake Montauk Inlet. According to USACE, the work is being conducted with the shallow draft dredger Murden. “This critical work will improve navigational safety, support our commercial fishing industry, and help bolster our regional economy. I’m committed to ensuring Montauk’s and Long Island’s future is protected,” said US Congressman Nick LaLota. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was brought in to dredge the inlet to 12 feet to reduce shoaling at Lake Montauk. A second project will start later this year to dredge the inlet further, to 17 feet, which officials believe will allow larger boats to use the port and increase economic activity. Read more here.

North Carolina – Judge Rules to Maintain Coastal Protection Rules

A superior court judge ruled the Coastal Resources Commission acted within its authority by implementing rules to safeguard the state’s coastal habitats. The agency’s power was challenged by a general assembly-appointed body. Wake County Superior Court judge William Pittman issued a order on February 12 in favor of the Coastal Resources Commission and Division of Coastal Management in a lawsuit disputing the agencies’ power to establish coastal protection rules. The Rules Review Commission had rejected 30 of the Coastal Resource Commission’s longstanding coastal protection rules in 2023. After reviewing arguments from both parties, Pittman ordered the Rules Review Commission to approve the 30 rules and return them to the state’s administrative code. Read more here.

Known as a fish aggregating device, the devices widely used by the tuna fishing industry are designed to attract schools of fish, making them easier to catch. FADs often consist of floating rafts with dangling materials, like netting or ropes, to mimic the shade and shelter that smaller fish naturally seek beneath floating debris, Jace Tunnell from the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies explained. Many FADs that wash up on Texas beaches originate from tuna fisheries as far away as West Africa, carried by ocean currents across the Atlantic. While they offer valuable insight into the far-reaching impacts of the fishing industry, Tunnell said, “they also serve as a reminder of the importance of reducing marine debris and promoting sustainable fishing practices.” Read more here.

Alabama – Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales Spotted Off Orange Beach Gulf Coast

Two North Atlantic right whales were spotted on Feb. 2 near Orange Beach’s shore from about 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. as they slowly swam west along the coast. Ruth Carmichael, senior marine scientist at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, said this species of whale has approximately only 370 remaining in the world, making it “among the most endangered large whale species.” North Atlantic right whales are typically spotted in the Atlantic Ocean around New England, mid-Atlantic and the U.S. southeast. As right whales are “slow-moving animals,” they are at a high risk of boat collisions. One of the whales was confirmed to be adult female, Curlew, while the other could not be confirmed. “It is estimated that reproductive adult females comprise less than 25% of the remaining right whale population, making sightings of adult females even more rare,” Carmichael said. Read more here.

Minnesota Attorney General Asks Supreme Court to Protect Great Lakes From Asian Carp

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson filed a brief Monday asking the United States Supreme Court to order emergency injunctive relief to protect the Great Lakes – the largest freshwater system in the world – from the potential invasion of Asian carp. “Lake Superior is an important environmental and economic asset to the State of Minnesota. Asian carp – which reproduce rapidly and consume huge amounts of food – threaten the Great Lakes ecosystem. Emergency action must be taken to prevent the introduction of Asian carp into the Great Lakes,” Swanson said in her brief. The threatened entry of Asian carp into the Great Lakes through Lake Michigan is a matter of pressing concern. In November, DNA testing by the Army Corps of Engineers found that Asian carp have likely passed electronic barriers installed on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near Chicago to prevent the entry of invasive species like Asian carp into Lake Michigan and that the carp may be within six miles of Lake Michigan. Read more here.

Illinois – Why Are So Many Dead Birds Washing Up on Lake Michigan’s Shore?

In early February, a large number of dead birds were seen washed up on numerous beaches along Lake Michigan in Chicago. According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, conservation officers received reports over the weekend of “ducks, red-breasted mergansers, and Canada geese washing ashore.” The sightings were reported at Oak Street Beach, North Avenue Beach and Tower Beach in Cook County. Officials believe the birds died from bird flu amid an ongoing outbreak, though they have not yet been tested for confirmation. They say the thawing of Lake Michigan likely led to such a large quantity washing to shore. Read more here.

A coastal community in Southern California is shifting downslope — and closer to the Pacific Ocean — at a rapid rate, according to NASA. The Palos Verdes Peninsula is well-known for its landslides, which have been occurring for decades. But radar imagery recently revealed that the Los Angeles County community is experiencing a slow-moving landslide — averaging about 4 inches per week between Sept. 18 and Oct. 17, 2024, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory found. The landslide both expanded and accelerated last summer, drawing attention to a populated region that historically had not been moving. It can be credited to record-breaking rainfall in Southern California in 2023 and heavy precipitation in early 2024. Read more here.

State of Washington Proposes Changes to Dungeness Crab Fishery to Reduce Whale Entanglement Risk

Fishery regulators in Washington are considering changing the rules for its commercial Dungeness crab fisheries in an attempt to further reduce risks of whale entanglements. The vertical lines used in American pot fisheries, including Dungeness crab fisheries, risk entangling endangered whale populations, including humpback whales on the U.S. West Coast. The presence of humpback whales off the coast of California in 2024 forced state regulators to delay the state’s Dungeness crab season opening for several weeks, depriving crab harvesters of critical fishing time. Dungeness crab seasons have also been closed early due to whales in recent years, leaving harvesters with limited time to get their traps in the water and haul in their catch. In 2020, the Washington state introduced line marking to help identify the owners of gear that entangles whales. Part of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s new proposal is updating those line markers to improve visibility and traceability. Read more here.

Are you passionate about protecting our ocean and looking to make a difference? Arm yourself with skills and tools to be a powerful advocate for ocean and watershed health: become an Inland Ocean Ambassador! The Inland Ocean Ambassador Training Program is a 5-session, 5-week online program that prepares individuals to take action to protect our ocean and waterways. Join this land-to-sea movement showing people across the United States and the globe that it’s NOT too late to act for the health of our oceans. Applications are due March 12. Learn more here.

[NEW] Student Writing Competition: Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal Law and Policy

The Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School, together with New York Sea Grant, is pleased to announce a writing competition for law students interested in writing on legal and policy issues associated with marine carbon dioxide removal. The competition is being held in connection with a one-day symposium on the topic “Navigating Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal: From Science to Regulation” which will be co-hosted by the Sabin Center and New York Sea Grant in September 2025. The winning article will be published in a special issue of the Sea Grant Law & Policy Journal, an online, scholarly publication of the National Sea Grant Law Center that will accompany the symposium. The winning author will also be invited to attend the symposium in New York to present their work. The top two pieces will each receive a cash prize of $500. The dealine is June 15, 2025. Learn more here.

Request for Input: ASFPM Floodplain Management Materials

ASFPM requests your input to improve our floodplain management future training, tools and products. The questionnaire will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. The questions focus on types of training (in-person workshops, webinars, asynchronous courses), training activities, and how that training is delivered. The deadline to participate is the end of the day February 28, 2025.The link is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J69LYR7. If you have any questions, please contact the project team at allie@floods.org.

Input Opportunity: National Tidal Datum Epoch Survey

NOAA’s Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) is gathering input from users of tidal datums and coastal tools, like flood forecasting models and inundation maps, on the upcoming National Tidal Datum Epoch (NTDE) update. This quick, 3-minute survey will help NOAA understand how these changes may affect coastal practitioners and guide the creation of resources to better support communities facing coastal flooding and other challenges. Your feedback will be valuable in shaping tools to meet the needs of those working along our coasts. Access the survey here.

Center for Water Policy Publishes “Great Lakes States’ Coastal Armoring Laws: A Comparison”

The UW-Milwaukee’s Center for Water Policy has published a report on shoreline armoring in the Great Lakes. Given increased climate disruption and uncertainty around the natural fluctuations of Great Lakes water levels, people are grappling with how to respond to waters that threaten the built environment of houses, roads, and other infrastructure. One common response is to armor the shoreline with structures like riprap revetments and seawalls. The report, “Great Lakes States’ Coastal Armoring Laws: A Comparison”, examines and compares coastal armoring statutes and regulations across the eight Great Lakes states. By comparing each state’s approach, this report highlights best practices and identifies areas for improvement to enhance compliance with public trust obligations and promote coastal resilience in response to evolving environmental hazards. Learn more here.

ASFPM Announces Update of Great Lakes Coastal Resilience Planning Guide

The new Great Lakes Coastal Resilience Planning Guide continues to connect Great Lakes community officials with the maps, tools, data, organizations, and resources to replicate successful coastal resilience efforts. Additionally, it features community stories that showcase how communities are using science-based information, high resolution data, and robust decision-support tools to address coastal hazards, while also helping users learn more about the planning process and legal aspects of planning, such as Public Trust Doctrine and the Ordinary High Water Mark determinations in Great Lakes states. This guide was developed for community officials, in particular community planners. Should you have questions, contact Jenna Moran at jenna@floods.org.

UC Santa Cruz Professional Development Course in Coastal Climate Resilience

Gain expertise from top sustainability and resilience professionals with a multi-sector network of instructors that share a dedication to implementing practical solutions to coastal resilience projects. This course is tailored for those actively working across the United States at the interface of climate and coastal adaptation; especially those in positions to plan, finance, implement, model, or incentivize coastal adaptation projects. Course starts March 20, 2025. Fellowships are available! Register here.

Request for Proposals: Pascagoula Relocation to Restoration Project

Buy-In is seeking a technical delivery partner specializing in community and stakeholder engagement, design charette workshops, landscape architecture, Landscape Restoration Ecology, Open Space planning, and/or Gulf Coast Ecosystems to support the development of a Relocation to Restoration plan for a neighborhood in East Pascagoula. Since 2022, Buy-In has been working with Community-Based Organization Cherokee Concerned Citizens (CCC) to explore voluntary buyout programs for residents in the Cherokee Forest subdivision of Pascagoula, MS, who are interested in relocating due to industrial pollution and flood risk. Buy-In and Cherokee Concerned Citizens (CCC) are seeking expert support in the development of the end use and restoration plan for the acquired land within Cherokee Forest subdivision and surrounding bayous. Expected start date is April 1, 2025. Completion of work and deliverables must occur by November 15, 2025. Full RFP here.

Sea & Shore Solutions Ocean Innovator Award

The Ocean Innovator Award recognizes and promotes innovative ocean-related research and applied solutions. This award is open to early career individuals (loosely defined as up to 3 years into your career) in ocean, coastal, or estuarine fields, including current students, with a particular interest in projects that create unique solutions to salient ocean and coastal topics, such as renewable energy, conservation, and beyond. Top winners will be selected based on the quality and originality of their research. Winners will receive a cash prize up to $2,000 and be featured on an Ocean Innovators Webinar to elevate their work across the nation. Applications are due March 2, 2025. Learn more here.

Hosts Wanted for New Workshop on Building Trust

Let’s Talk About Trust is a new workshop for coastal managers focused on building strong relationships with marginalized communities. This instructor-led workshop will be offered both onsite and online through NOAA’s Digital Coast Academy, the go-to source for coastal management training. NOAA is seeking partner organizations interested in bringing this workshop to their community. By hosting this course, partners provide a space for participants to explore trust- and relationship-building resources, discuss key concepts among peers, and collaboratively identify successful strategies to overcome challenges. All experience levels are welcome, and the six-hour workshop can be customized to fit the group’s needs. For more information or to request to host this course, visit here.

EPA Releases Clean Water Resource Guide

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a resource guide, “Clean Water & Drinking Water State Revolving Funds: Resource Guide for Wetland Applications”, to increase awareness about the availability of the State Revolving Fund program to fund wetlands restoration and protection projects. This guide highlights case studies and best practices to aid potential applicants in pursuing the use of funds to support their CWSRF or DWSRF eligible projects where there may also be an opportunity for wetland protection. This resource guide can be used by municipalities, local organizations and others to support additional protection in wetland ecosystems vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and degradation. The EPA continues to support and actively encourages flexibility in the implementation of SRF funding included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Read more here.

FEMA Seeks Leaders for National Youth Preparedness Council

FEMA is accepting applications for the National Youth Preparedness Council. The YPC program brings teens interested and engaged in community preparedness together from across the nation. Council members are selected based on their dedication to public service, their efforts in making a difference in their communities and their potential to expand their impact as national leaders for emergency preparedness. Students in grades eight through eleven are eligible to apply. Applications are due March 3. Read more here.

Funding Opportunities

Nearly all federal grant opportunities are being re-evaluated and updated – awards using IRA and BIL funds are getting extra scrutiny. NOFOs are being removed, replaced, and updated. Be aware the opportunities posted below may be de-listed when you read this.

Funding Opportunity: Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund

On Jan. 14, 2025, FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance Division published the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund FY25 NOFO. The opportunity provides $178 million in grant funding, the largest available in a single fiscal year yet for this program. Funding is available for capitalization grants for states, territories, eligible Tribal Nations, and D.C. to administer revolving loan funds that provide low-interest loans to local governments to reduce their vulnerability to disasters, foster greater resilience, and reduce disaster impacts. Eligible entities may apply on a rolling basis through the end of FY25 (September 30, 2025) on Grants.gov. Summary of changes available here.

FEMA Releases BRIC and FMA Obligations Dashboard

On Jan. 14, 2025, FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance Division released the BRIC and FMA Obligations Dashboard. The dashboard shows, by location, where mitigation investments (excluding FMA Swift Current) are being directed, using Open FEMA GO datasets. The tool provides greater transparency and accessibility to better communicate FEMA’s progress in obligating pre-disaster hazard mitigation investments. View the dashboard here.

Funding Opportunity: WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects for FY 2025 and 2026

The Department of the Interior invites all Tribal and State governments in the Western United States, as well as Nonprofits in partnerships with governments in this region, to apply for grants through the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project Funding, totaling $95 million in awards. AERP provides a framework for Federal leadership and assistance to restore and protect aquatic ecosystems in support of the Department’s priorities to study, design and construct aquatic ecosystem restoration projects that are collaboratively developed, have widespread regional benefits, and result in an improvement to the health of fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic habitat through restoration or improved fish passage. Applications are due April 15, 2025. Learn more here.

Fiscal Year 2024 BRIC Notice of Funding Opportunity

On January 6, 2025, FEMA published the Fiscal Year 2024 BRIC Notice of Funding Opportunity, totaling $750 million in available funding. There is a $150 million funding cap for each applicant. These funds will help state, local, Tribal and territorial governments address high-level future risks to natural disasters, foster greater community resilience and reduce disaster suffering. Applications will be accepted from January 6 – April 18, 2025 at 3pm ET on grants.gov. Subapplicants must contact their state, territory, or Tribal application agency to determine internal deadlines. View the fact sheet for this grant here.

Fiscal Year 2024 FMA Notice of Funding Opportunity

On January 6, 2025, FEMA published the Fiscal Year 2024 FMA Notice of Funding Opportunity, totaling $600 million. These funds will help to reduce the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Applications are due April 18, 2025 at 3pm ET on grants.gov. Subapplicants must contact their state, territory, or Tribal application agency to determine internal deadlines. View the fact sheet for this grant here.

Funding Opportunity: $100 Million Available from NOAA-NMFS

NOAA is seeking proposals for transformational projects that will restore coastal habitat and strengthen community resilience under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. NOAA will accept proposals with a federal funding request of between $750,000 and $10 million for the entire award. Typical funding is anticipated to range from $4 million to $6 million. Applications are due by April 16, 2025. Learn more here.

Funding Opportunity: $20 Million Available for the Final Opportunity under BIL NMFS Funding

NOAA will support capacity building and restoration activities that benefit tribes and underserved communities and enhance their resilience to climate change. NOAA will accept proposals with a federal funding request of between $75,000 and $2 million for the entire award. We anticipate typical funding to range from $250,000 to $1 million. Applications are due by May 12, 2025. Learn more here.

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability is Now Accepting Grant Applications

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant is inviting researchers across Micronesia to apply for competitive grants aimed at addressing critical challenges in coastal ecosystems, communities and economies. This opportunity aims to support research projects that address critical challenges facing Micronesia’s coastal ecosystems, communities, and economies. Researchers from Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Freely Associated States are encouraged to submit proposals for two-year projects. The program is looking to fund 6-7 research projects for up to $120,000. The deadline for full proposal submissions is February 28, 2025. Learn more here.

The Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) is Now Accepting Grant Applications

The grants offer funding (up to $100,000 per award) along with training and technical support. These funds can be used over 12 months for activities such as risk assessments, community engagement, project prioritization, and initial implementation. Eligible communities must be in the U.S. and face significant climate-related challenges, considering environmental and socioeconomic factors. The application requires collaboration with a community-based organization, a government partner (local, regional, or Tribal), and a climate adaptation professional. A key feature of CSCI is the Registry of Climate Adaptation and Resilience Professionals, which connects communities with expert practitioners. The initiative will accept grant applications into March of 2025 and expects to announce multiple awards in the summer of 2025. For more details on the grant program, including the benefits, the requirements, the application, and the Registry, please visit their website.

Grant Opportunity: Regional Resiliency & Vulnerability Assessments for Ocean and Coastal Acidification

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program is requesting proposals for collaborative projects that synthesize ocean and coastal acidification information at a regional scale. This announcement specifically addresses priorities for how ocean and coastal acidification – in the context of changing ocean conditions – affects dependent human communities (the human dimensions of ocean and coastal acidification). Funding is contingent upon the availability of Fiscal Year 2025 Federal appropriations. Projects funded under this announcement will have a September 1, 2025 start date. Approximately 1–6 projects for up to 3 years in duration are expected to be funded at the level of approximately $100,000 – $400,000 per year per proposal. It is anticipated that a total of up to $3 million may be available in FY25 to support the first year of these projects. The deadline is March 5, 2024. Read more here.

Flourishing in Community Application

The Flourishing in Community Grantmaker is offering noncompetitive awards to support capacity-constrained communities and community-based organizations (CBOs) within Region 2. These $75,000 subawards are designed for ease of access, with a streamlined process that does not require participation in the competitive review process. Any person or organization in Region 2: New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and eight federally recognized Indian Nations may submit a nomination, including self-nominations. The application deadline is March 31, 2025. Apply here.