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 North Carolina, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Hawai’i Sea Grant

This essential funding will be leveraged by Sea Grant programs and combined with 50% match funding from collaborative partners to establish or expand projects that address resilience needs throughout the U.S. Funded projects include investments in hazard assessment and preparedness, nature-based solutions, local and regional resilience planning and implementation assistance, and increasing staff capacity to improve resilience education and engagement opportunities. Collaboration and co-production are pillars of Sea Grant’s approach to working alongside communities and partners, including Tribal, Indigenous, and economically disadvantaged groups.

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On January 14, 2025, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced it will initiate an environmental review of Vineyard Mid-Atlantic’s proposed offshore wind energy project, located in the federal waters offshore New York and New Jersey. The Vineyard Mid-Atlantic Offshore Wind project is in one of the six lease areas within the New York Bight Wind Energy Area, and as proposed would generate over 2,000 megawatts of electricity from up to 117 wind turbines, enough to power more than 700,000 homes. “Our environmental reviews are essential for helping us identify, evaluate, and address the possible impacts of our renewable energy efforts on other uses of the offshore environment and marine ecosystems,” said BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein. “Continued engagement with Tribes, local communities, ocean users, and others is critical for ensuring future decisions are well-informed.” Read more here.

South Carolina – SCDES Launches New Coastal Atlas to Provide Valuable Information about SC’s Coastal Environment

On January 6, 2025, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services’s Bureau of Coastal Management (BCM) launched a new public resource providing valuable information about South Carolina’s coastal environment. The new South Carolina Coastal Atlas is an ArcGIS StoryMap designed to provide graphics, imagery and information about the history, data, tools, and services offered by South Carolina’s Coastal Management Program. “We’re excited about the launch of the South Carolina Coastal Atlas, which is a one-stop-shop, providing the public with quick and easy access to valuable information and data from the Coastal Program,” said Chris Stout, Chief of SCDES’s Bureau of Coastal Management. “This new tool also provides a historical overview of how the state’s coastal environment has been protected over the years.” Read more here.

For the first time in the city’s history, Jamaica Beach officials this week began discussions about a project to restore beach dunes after Hurricane Beryl damaged the community’s coastlines. Large channels opened up along the shoreline in some places after the storm surge retreated on July 8.  “Obviously after Beryl the landscape of our beach has changed dramatically, most notably the removal of our dunes and the dune fencing that was there,” Kendal Francis, a Jamaica Beach city administrator, said during a council meeting on Thursday. The Jamaica Beach city council is now weighing options to address the damaged coast by establishing a permanent dune restoration site on the beach, potentially using hay bales, hauling in extra sand to restore the dunes, and removing old signage. Read more here.

Alabama – Gulf Shores Secures $2 Million to Complete Laguna Cove Restoration Project

The City of Gulf Shores, Alabama, has received an additional $2 million in funding from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) to finalize the Laguna Cove Little Lagoon Natural Resource Protection Project. The new funding raises the total investment in the initiative to $6.4 million. The project aims to transform 53 acres of coastal habitat along Little Lagoon’s south shore into a natural sanctuary. Dan Bond, the city’s Director of Natural Resources, expressed gratitude for the funding, stating, “The protection of this property will have a significant impact on the health and vitality of Little Lagoon and its surrounding areas.” Read more here.

Ohio – Walleye Numbers are Down in Lake Erie

Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODW) officials have released their 2024 trawl survey indexes for Lake Erie’s two most-sought sportfish: yellow perch and walleye. This year’s results bring an end to a streak of wildly successful hatches for walleye. For yellow perch two of Ohio’s three management zones were above average, with the third zone down by 70% over last year. The final numbers, derived from combined information from Ohio and Ontario, are intended to give fisheries managers a glimpse into the future and help them guide current decision-making with knowledge about how many young fish will become part of the catchable population. Read more here.

Michigan – New Film Captures Sault Tribe’s Mission to Protect Great Lakes Whitefish

The crystal waters of the St. Mary’s River in northern Michigan and southern Ontario once teemed with whitefish, a vital food source for the Anishinaabek people. But after two centuries of colonization, overfishing and invasive species, these culturally significant fish populations have declined sharply. Now, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is working to restore them, a story documented in a new short film, Sacred Waters: Anishinaabeg Naagdawenmaanaanig Giigoonhkewin (The First People Taking Care of the Fishery). “The Anishinaabek have always had a deep history and connection to our local lands and the waters. We are very proud that our fisheries program has been a longtime leader helping to protect and sustain the Great Lakes and its resources, but we’ve only recently started focusing on telling that story,” Sault Tribe Chairman Austin Lowes said. Read more here.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has initiated an Administrative Order on Consent with the C&H Sugar Company Inc. in response to Clean Water Act violations at the company’s sugar refinery in Crockett, California. The order targets the plant’s unauthorized discharges of pollutants into the Carquinez Strait, a body of water that connects with the San Francisco Bay, in direct violation of the Clean Water Act. “With this order, EPA is ensuring that C&H Sugar will act to protect the Bay and prevent further unauthorized discharges into the Carquinez Strait,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. Sugary wastewater can be high in Biological Oxygen Demand, which can rapidly deplete dissolved oxygen when discharged into water bodies and thus endanger fish and other aquatic life. Read more here.

CNMI – Pacific Coastal Research & Planning Completes Major Abandoned Derelict Vessel Removal

Pacific Coastal Research & Planning, a Saipan-based non-profit organization, has successfully completed the removal of the derelict fishing vessel Charito from the nearshore area of Lower Base in Tanapag Harbor. The project, which ran from April 9 to December 31, 2024, marks a significant milestone in environmental conservation and marine safety efforts in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Its removal is expected to prevent further environmental impacts to sensitive habitats such as coral reefs and mangroves, protect endangered species, and improve vessel access to the area. Becky Skeele, executive director of PCRP, stated, “The Charito has been a community hazard, an environmental liability, and an eyesore for decades. We are pleased that PCRP was afforded the funding and the opportunity to finally remove it and are grateful for the hard work and perseverance of the removal contractors despite the challenges that arose in removing a wreck that had been grounded for almost thirty years.” Read more here.

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.

[NEW] 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.

[NEW] 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.

[NEW] 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.