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

NOAA is conducting research that matters. Here are a few examples:

Ensuring safe drinking water with an underwater robot

A long-range autonomous underwater vehicle equipped with water sampling and analysis tools was launched in Lake Erie to detect toxins that are found in harmful algal blooms (HABS) that are harmful to humans, animals and ecosystems. The uncrewed system

showed its ability to transmit the analysis of water samples back to shore in under two hours. Piloted from shore to areas of the lake near algal blooms, the system can measure the spatial extent and intensity of the bloom, enabling water managers to take quick action to protect drinking water supplies and warn the public of HABs.

Better flood maps, helping communities plan

NOAA is implementing new experimental flood inundation maps to help NWS issue timely and effective flood watches and warnings. The flood mapping information predicts the timing and the magnitude of flooding, allowing emergency managers to pre-position resources, secure critical infrastructure, recommend evacuations and evacuation routes and support recovery efforts. As of September 2024, over 30% of the U.S. population had access to this information through the National Water Prediction Service. Flood inundation maps will be expanded to cover much of the U.S. in fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

Sequencing fish genes for a healthy fishery

Understanding the genetic structure of fish populations is vital to managing them sustainably. NOAA and partners completed a new study that sequenced the genome of juvenile sablefish that confirms North Pacific sablefish migrate and mix throughout their northern range in the waters off Alaska and Washington state.

Read more here.

Along the 1 1/2-mile-long row of historic homes on the eastern end of Commercial Street in Provincetown, a few houses sit high — newly elevated — in the flood-prone area. A handful more have been approved to be raised. Sea levels on Cape Cod could rise 2.5 feet by 2050 and 4.3 feet by 2070, according to the Massachusetts Coast Flood Risk Model. Originally built in the 1850s, a former picture framing business was raised nine feet in 2019. Federal Emergency Management Agency flood zones dictate whether a structure needs to be raised and by how much. Town officials are crafting a town-wide coastal resilience plan on track to be published soon. Read more here.

New Jersey- New Invasive Species Clings to Jersey Shore: European Sea Anemones

A new invasive species has been discovered on the Jersey Shore: an anemone from across the Atlantic Ocean. The Actinia equina, also known as the beadlet anemone, has established itself on artificial jetties that protect the coastlines of a half-dozen beaches from Long Branch to Barnegat Bay on the Jersey Shore. “ Ecosystems are actually very complicated things,” Monmouth University marine biology professor Jason Adolph said. “ When you find an invasive species like this, all of a sudden, or an introduced species that’s potentially invasive and destructive, we want to document that and learn about it.” Adolph said he first began noticing unfamiliar “anomalous squishy blobs” on the jetties in 2021. The next step is to map beadlet anemone sightings. Researchers will then try to determine what effect the anemones could have on the Jersey Shore’s ecosystem. Read more here.

Through a variety of funding sources, ADCNR has used more than $218 million for Alabama State Parks improvements, has facilitated the investment of more than $385 million in Coastal Alabama, and has ensured more than $37 million has gone to boating and fishing access improvements. “We do a lot of different things, particularly on the coast with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill restoration work and with GOMESA (Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act) funds. We manage all of our state’s natural resources, state parks, the Forever Wild program, and offshore oil and gas exploration and management,” Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner said. “We’re also managing a little more than $1 billion in Deepwater Horizon restoration projects.” Read more here.

A 637-Pound Great White Shark is Heading Toward Louisiana’s Coast

A 637-pound great white shark has traveled thousands of miles over the last two years and is now heading toward Louisiana’s coast. The nearly 10-foot-long shark known as Ormond was located on March 4 just off the coast of the Florida-Alabama line, according to scientists at OCEARCH, a global non-profit that tags and tracks hundreds of sharks. If Ormond continues moving toward Louisiana, he could become one of a few great white sharks that OCEARCH researchers have pinged so far west in the Gulf of Mexico. Since Ormond was first tagged in November 2022 near St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, the “sub-adult” shark has traveled roughly 4,300 miles along the U.S. East Coast to Nova Scotia and back down. Read more here.

Lakes Michigan and Huron were nine inches lower and Lake Superior is six inches lower than the historical average, according to March data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The levels are expected to rise during the spring thaw, but low water levels can cause shipping vessels to run aground, limit recreational access and increase erosion. “Some of that evaporation is going to be immediately turned into snow and lake-effect precipitation, but that’s not going to feed back into the lake until you get in the melting season,” said Richard Rood, a professor emeritus of climate and space sciences and engineering with the University of Michigan. Read more here.

Michigan- Winter Sampling Helping to Bolster Fisheries, Water Quality, Productivity, and Biodiversity

Winters on the North American Great Lakes historically have been long and harsh — conditions that make it difficult to collect water samples during the coldest months of the year. Thanks to funding from Michigan Sea Grant, Tristy Vick-Majors at Michigan Tech University has been working to coordinate “winter grabs” of these hard-to-get water samples. In February 2025, multiple groups of researchers across all five Great Lakes ventured onto the ice to retrieve frigid samples. Scientists are gathering this data to help improve understanding of the connection between seasonal processes in the lakes and ecology and health of their ecosystems. The results of this research will help scientists and managers understand productivity and under-ice conditions in the Great Lakes during winter, which can impact fisheries, spring blooms that form the basis of food webs, and potentially summer harmful algal blooms. Read more here.

Volunteers from various local government agencies, including the Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Public Works, Department of Corrections, Department of Agriculture, Guam National Guard and Guam Environmental Protection Agency gathered on the shore of Pago Bay in Yona on Monday morning to conduct a cleanup of the area. The beach, in recent years, has grown inundated with debris brought in by the currents and litter from homeless people encamped in the area. “What I ask is that we, as an island community, and we, as a community of Yona and Chalan Pago, continue to work together in protecting our resources, protecting what has been given to us – what has been afforded to us by our ancestors and by our people,” said Yona Mayor Brian Terlaje. Read more here.

Snowy Plover Nesting Season Returns to the Oregon Coast

Plover nesting season has arrived on the Oregon Coast and officials are reminding beachgoers to be mindful in their habitat. From March 15 through Sept. 15, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department says beachgoers can help with recovery efforts for the western snowy plover, which is threatened, and their population has been declining. Officials said that during nesting season, the nests and chicks are well camouflaged and that human disturbances can scare away the adult plovers, but left alone too long, the eggs and chicks can die from exposure or predators. “With the support of the public and improvements to plover habitat, we’re making great strides in reversing the decline of this species,” said Cindy Burns, Siuslaw National Forest wildlife biologist. “Keep doing your part to understand nesting season rules and to share the beach this spring and summer.” Read more here.

The Coastal States Organization (CSO) is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a contractor to address coastal and nearshore habitat restoration Engineering and Design needs in the Great Lakes. To carry out this project, the contractor will work with CSO and the state and local partners identified in the Statement of Work to complete Engineering and Design work on the project. The project is funded via the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan III Focus Area IV (Habitats and Species) and slated to take place between April 20, 2025 and March 31, 2026. The Statement of Work includes additional detail about work to be performed, timing, project locations, contractor qualification, and bid requirements. Click here to access the Request for Proposals. All proposals are due by 5:00 PM EDT April 1st, 2025. Proposals shall be submitted electronically in OCR PDF format to Vidya Balasubramanyam and consist of two components in separate documents: 1) Technical Proposal, and 2) Budget and Fees. Learn more here.

[NEW] Manoomin Stewardship Guide- We All Live Together Now Available for 2025

The Michigan Wild Rice Initiative is a collaboration between the twelve federally recognized Anishinaabe nations that share geography with the state of Michigan and several Michigan state agencies. Since 2017 this group of managers and specialists has worked together to protect, preserve and restore Manoomin and its culture for the benefit of current and future generations. As part of this work, they released We all live together in a good way with Manoomin: Stewardship Guide in 2025. This document is different from similar documents because it includes ways of conveying important information through traditional stories and Anishinaabe-centered language. It prioritizes an Anishinaabe perspective because they are the original people to enjoy relationship with Manoomin. Learn more here.

[NEW] The Continuum Ocean Enterprise Accelerator is Now Accepting Applications for 2025!

Braid Theory’s 90-day Continuum Ocean Enterprise Accelerator is now open for applications, offering U.S.-based ocean data technology startups a unique opportunity to develop and commercialize innovative solutions. This NOAA-funded program is free and supports startups in building capability, capacity, and intellectual capital through a curriculum focused on business development, product-market fit, and go-to-market strategies. Running virtually from May 6 to August 1, 2025, the program aligns with NOAA’s Ocean Enterprise initiative to drive economic and societal benefits in the growing blue economy. Applications are due by April 3, 2025—apply now to accelerate your impact! Learn more here.

[NEW] Funding Opportunity: FY2025 Young Fishermen’s Career Development Projects

National Sea Grant Office (NSGO) anticipates approximately $1,000,000 in FY2025 federal funds will be available to eligible applicants to support 2-3 projects that will develop and execute local, regional and national programs, workshops and services to enable fishermen to enter career paths and make a living supplying seafood from our oceans, coasts and Great Lakes. Applications are due April 23, 2025. Learn more here.

Aquaculture Regulation in the Great Lakes

As one of the Great Lakes Aquaculture Collaborative (GLAC) 2.0 partners, the National Sea Grant Law Center completed a report on aquaculture laws, regulations, and policies for each of the Great Lakes states. The summary report of research findings will help enhance understanding of the legal framework governing aquaculture in the Great Lakes. Read the report here.

Call for Abstracts: Proposals for Posters, Speaker Presentations, and Panel Discussions

MARCO is now accepting proposals for presentations and panel discussions to be held on May 7 for the seventh annual Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum at The Lord Baltimore Hotel in Baltimore, MD. The Forum is an excellent opportunity to share your work with ocean leaders including federal, state and local officials, as well as ocean stakeholders from private sector, non-governmental organizations and the public. Abstracts relevant to ocean planning, science, and policy in the Mid-Atlantic are encouraged. See the submission form page for sample topics for each theme. The deadline for submission is March 28, 2025. Learn more here.

Funding Opportunity: Environmental Literacy for Community Resilience in the Gulf

NOAA’s Environmental Literacy Program is partnering with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Gulf Research Program (GRP) to enhance community resilience and increase the environmental literacy of community members across the U.S. Gulf States (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida) through place-based education. With NOAA’s support, GRP is offering a funding opportunity titled Environmental Literacy for Community Resilience for projects that educate community members on local environmental challenges, engage learners in solutions-oriented activities, and empower participants to engage in them. A total of $4M is available for this funding opportunity. Applicants must request between $100,000 and $750,000 for projects, commensurate with the scope of work, that are between 12 and 36 months in duration. Applications are due May 21, 2025. Learn more here.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.