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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Photos courtesy of US Fish and Wildlife Service

A key finding in the new report is that wetland loss is still occurring. Freshwater wetlands were most commonly lost to development. Losses to upland forested plantations were also common. Within the saltwater environment, wetlands were most commonly lost to marine and estuarine deepwater (e.g., open ocean). These saltwater wetland losses are most likely related to factors such as sea level rise, land subsidence, and decreased sediment supply.

The rate of wetland loss in coastal watersheds of the conterminous United States from 2009–2019 was less than for the two previous study periods. The decreased rate of loss was greatest for freshwater wetlands.

Read more here.

Officials with the Donal C. O’Brien Sanctuary and Audubon Center at Pine Island hope to add to their toolkit for mitigating the effects of sea level rise on marsh environments with help from a recent $3.05 million grant. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awarded the money to the sanctuary in Currituck County in late 2024, “to fund innovative marsh restoration pilot projects.” The marsh, in order to grow as water levels change, needs a steady supply of sediment, but the main source of that supply has been choked off by efforts to control ocean beach erosion. “By fixing the (Outer Banks) in position, we are limiting these over water dynamics,” Dr. Sid Narayan, assistant professor in the East Carolina University Department of Coastal Studies, told Coastal Review recently. Read more here.

Maryland – Army Corps of Engineers Plans to Restore James Island in Chesapeake Bay

An island in Dorchester County that has slowly been submerged by Chesapeake Bay waters over the years could soon be revived. The US Army Corps of Engineers has announced plans to restore more than 2,000 acres of James Island, which has been largely forgotten as erosion has gradually reduced its size. “Restoration of island habitat is necessary and valuable to the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. In the last 150 years, it has been estimated that 10,500 acres of this type of habitat have been lost in the middle-eastern portion of Chesapeake Bay,” USACE said. The restoration plan involves a process of recycling dredged materials. Channels leading into the Port of Baltimore require regular dredging, and the material will be redirected to James Island to aid in the island’s restoration. Read more here.

NFL Green works to mitigate the environmental impact of Super Bowl every year by supporting local projects with the host city. Super Bowl LIX takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana, a state losing one football field’s worth of wetlands into open water every 100 minutes. This is among the fastest rates of land loss in the world, and is caused by sea level rise, hurricanes, levees and the loss of sediment that once replenished coastal wetlands. The creation of a living shoreline from oyster shells is a Super Bowl project NFL Green is supporting in Leeville, a community 90 minutes south of New Orleans. The oyster reef will slow erosion, protect inland communities from storm surges, and provide a habitat for new oysters and wildlife. Read more here.

Florida – Red Tibe Triggers Health Alerts Along Florida’s Gulf Coast Following Active Hurricane Season

A large red tide bloom in the Gulf of Mexico is raising concerns across Southwest Florida, with several popular beaches now under health alerts. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Karenia brevis, the organism responsible for the red tide, was detected in at least 75 samples recently collected from along the Gulf Coast following hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Officials say the red tide bloom is expanding, but the event is not unexpected, as NOAA satellites have been tracking significant levels of chlorophyll following hurricanes Helene and Milton. Read more here.

Wisconsin – Freight Steamer, Fireboat Among Another Record Number of Lake Michigan Shipwreck Discoveries

For a second year in a row, a record number of shipwrecks were discovered in Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan waters last year. According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, 17 total shipwrecks were discovered last year, thanks to maritime historians and a federal mapping effort in Lake Michigan. The previous record was set in 2023 with 13 shipwrecks found. One discovery was a freight steamer hidden near Racine for more than 130 years as well as a Milwaukee fireboat scuttled in the lake 95 years ago. These discoveries help fill in the blanks about the area’s history, said Jerry Guyer, Milwaukee diver, shipwreck enthusiast and business owner. Read more here.

U.S. House Reintroduces Measure Extending Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Through 2031

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), established in 2010, provides funding to states, tribes and local communities, for on the ground efforts to address the largest concerns facing the Great Lakes. This includes ensuring fish are safe to eat, water is safe for recreation, areas of concern are delisted, sources of drinking water are safe, the elimination of harmful algal blooms, controlling and preventing the introduction of invasive species and the protection and restoration of native habitats. The program has provided funding to more than 7,563 individual projects throughout the region to date, totaling $3.7 billion. Don Jodrey, the Alliance for the Great Lakes’ director of federal government relations thanked the bill’s sponsors in a statement, noting that the program supports tens of millions of Americans living in the Great Lakes Region. Read more here.

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (CTSI) has been awarded a three-year, $1.56 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to support tribal efforts to return sea otters to the Oregon and Northern California coasts. Sea otters have long been recognized as a keystone species that promotes the biological productivity and ecological resilience of nearshore and estuarine ecosystems. “I am pleased that after years of collaboration with the Elakha Alliance and others, we will now be able to take steps with other tribal nations and partner organizations to return this culturally important species to their ancient home,” Tribal Chairman Delores Pigsley said. “This funding will enable us to build capacity and expertise to lead or participate in sea otter reintroduction and management and to elevate the role of coastal Indian tribes in marine stewardship.” Read more here.

Hawaii – Kaho’olawe Island Reserve Nominated for the 2025 Blue Park Award

The Marine Conservation Institute’s priority is to help create an urgently-needed worldwide system of Blue Parks, or recognized highly protected areas, to ensure the future diversity and abundance of marine life. The Blue Park Awards celebrate marine protected areas (MPAs) that stand out as leaders in ocean conservation. Kaho’olawe Island Reserve encompasses the entire island and its surrounding waters, preserving coral reefs, algal beds, and sandy beaches critical to Hawaii’s marine biodiversity. Endemic species thrive here, supported by restoration efforts led by the Kaho’olawe Island Reserve Commission. Over the coming weeks, these nominees will undergo a thorough evaluation process, including public comments and a detailed review by our Science Council of 30 international experts. Read more here.

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 21, 2025.The link is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J69LYR7. If you have any questions, please contact the project team at allie@floods.org.

[NEW] 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.

[NEW] 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.

[NEW] 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.

[NEW] 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.

[NEW] 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.

[NEW] 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.

Report: Nature-Based Solutions: Evidence for Hazard Risk Reduction and Ecosystem Services

The Institute for Defense Analyses released a report in December 2024 studying the performance of nature-based solutions; actions that protect, sustainably manage, or restore natural or modified ecosystems. This report integrates academic and practitioner perspectives to evaluate the effectiveness of 23 nature-based solutions to address hazards and to provide ecosystem services. It also provides recommendations, both to systematically consider nature-based solutions and to accelerate research, innovation and adaptative learning. Read more here.

OHWM Field Delineation Manual for Rivers and Streams Now Available

The final version of the National Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) Field Delineation Manual for Rivers and Streams is now available! The manual is a culmination of over 10 years of work by the National Technical Committee on OHWM. The Final National OHWM Manual serves as a non-mandatory technical resource which can be used in appropriate situations to assist with identifying and delineating the OHWM of rivers and streams located throughout the Nation. The Final National OHWM Manual provides a standardized process, a uniform datasheet, and unified field procedures. Learn 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.

Request for Proposals: Multi-media Outreach Project

The BIA Branch of Tribal Community Resilience and the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals are seeking videographer(s), animator(s), and/or graphic designer(s) to produce a series of 3-5 minute videos, infographics, and 2-3 minute animations to accompany a report, The Estimated Unmet Need of Coastal Tribes in the Lower 48 States Facing Relocation Due to Climate Impacts. The purpose of these outreach materials is to enhance the awareness and understanding by Congress and broader audiences about the challenges faced by coastal Tribes in the lower 48 states as they address climate-related relocation and protection-in-place issues. Deliverables are due by March 14, 2025. Learn more here.

Request for Proposals: Coastal Tribal Climatic Impacts Analyses

The BIA Branch of Tribal Community Resilience and the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals are seeking a contractor to develop regional summaries of climate change projections for approximately 30 federally recognized Tribes currently located along the shores of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Puget Sound, Gulf of Mexico, and the shores of the Great Lakes. These regional summaries would accompany a report, The Estimated Unmet Need of Coastal Tribes in the Lower 48 States Facing Relocation Due to Climate Impacts. The purpose of the projections would be to support Tribal climate change adaptation planning efforts and provide supplemental information for the report describing anticipated climate change impacts for coastal Tribes and associated timeframes that the impacts might take place. Deliverables are due by March 20, 2025. Learn 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: ACFHP Announces FY26 Funding Available for Habitat Conservation Projects

The Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership is requesting project applications for funding to restore and conserve habitat necessary to support coastal, estuarine dependent, and diadromous fish species. Federal funding available through the National Fish Habitat Partnership program will be used to support the top ranked proposals. A total of approximately $200,000 in funding is available to support 2-4 projects each year; however, exceptional projects may be funded for the full amount. As mentioned, successful proposals are expected to demonstrate at least a 1:1 non-federal match. The deadline to apply is February 14, 2025. Learn more 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.

Funding Opportunity: $75 Million Available for Fish Passage from NOAA NMFS

NOAA is looking to provide funding for projects that reopen migratory pathways and restore access to healthy habitat for fish around the country. NOAA will accept proposals between $750,000 and $8 million for the entire award, with typical funding anticipated to range from $3 million to $5 million. Applications are due by February 10, 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.