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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Coastal Management Grant funds, which are matched dollar-for-dollar by states and territories, support the core functions of coastal zone management programs. To be eligible to receive these funds, states and territories, must have federally approved coastal zone management plans. Currently, 34 coastal states and territories receive annual federal funds for coastal management.

For the past fifty years, CZMPs have balanced competing uses of the coastal zone, including economic development, coastal resource use, and conservation, as well protecting coastal communities from the unique natural hazards they face. For example, Pennsylvania has used CZM grant funding to monitor PFAS pollution in the tidal waters of the Delaware River. Through these efforts our nation’s coasts remain economic drivers, producing more than $10 trillion in goods and services annually and employing 54.6 million people.

The passage of the CJS appropriations bill by the committee and release of draft language in the House comes just two and a half weeks after the Trump Administration released details of their proposed NOAA budget for FY 2026. The Administration, as part of their ongoing efforts to shrink the federal government, proposed the elimination of all coastal management grants along with several other programs within the National Ocean Service. In response, more than one thousand coastal stakeholders, including ports, harbormasters, local government officials, national and local businesses and organizations, and coastal community residents called on Congress to fund coastal zone management efforts.

The decision by Congressional appropriators to set aside the President’s proposal and maintain funding for these programs is recognition of the value CZMPs bring to their communities, states and the nation as a whole. While the passage of the Senate bill in committee is promising, CZMPs still have a long funding fight ahead.

Read CSO’s full statement here.

One funding concern we’re tracking is the cuts to beach nourishment funding at the US Army Corps. Beach funding comes from a variety of sources (annual appropriations, disaster supplementals, IIJA/BIL, etc), and can be included in different USACE line items depending on the size of the nourishment, and whether it’s for rebuilding post-disaster (“FCCE”), regular cycle nourishment, or a new project. So fully accounting for beach funding is tough… but we have seen recent spend plans NOT include any beach projects and have seen this compounded by the FY26 House approps bill for USACE also not include regular cycle beach nourishment (we haven’t seen the Senate companion). Here’s the statement from our close partner, American Shore & Beach Preservation Association:

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has published its Spend Plan for the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (DRSAA 25), which includes funding for beach projects in Florida, Louisiana, and New York. However, this funding does not align with USACE capacity for Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) projects needed to sustain resilient coastal communities. If Congress repeats limited USACE construction funding from FY25, beach projects will face challenges in FY26. Adding fuel to the fire are cuts to NOAA coastal resilience programs, FEMA hazard mitigation, and Category G beach nourishment reimbursement. This adds up to a coastal funding crisis at the federal level. With Congress in recess until September, August is a good time to urge your Senators to support USACE construction funding in the FY26 budget.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) has awarded Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) grants to 32 communities to strengthen their resilience to increasingly hazardous weather events. A total of $1.9 million was provided for completion of RCCP Phases 1 and 2 for technical assistance in risk assessment and resilience planning, and to incorporate resiliency into Coastal Area Management Act Land Use Plans. Additionally, grants totaling more than $4 million were awarded to communities for Phases 3 and 4 of the RCCP to assist with engineering, design, construction and implementation. “Increasingly catastrophic storms like Helene and Chantal underscore how important it is for communities to take concrete steps to strengthen their resilience to hazardous weather events,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “These grants provide technical assistance and resources so that community leaders can identify the most important actions they can take to safeguard their residents, their infrastructure, and their economies.” With the latest round of funding, the RCCP has awarded approximately $16 million through 108 grants to 56 coastal communities to help increase their resilience to weather hazards. To learn more about awarded projects, visit the RCCP Experience Builder. Read more here.

The Gulf of Maine is Warming Faster than Pretty Much Anywhere Else

Spanning roughly 36,000 square miles, stretching from Cape Cod in the south to the Canadian province of Nova Scotia in the north, the Gulf of Maine is a vast ecosystem teeming with life. Its waters, traditionally colder than the nearby waters of the Atlantic Ocean and rich with phytoplankton and kelp forests, have long been home to marine species as diverse as the humpback whale, the harbor seal, the American lobster, and the Atlantic cod. But today this extraordinary ecosystem and the communities that rely on it are under threat. The Gulf of Maine is warming faster than 95% of the world’s oceans, a disruption with far-reaching consequences. Water expands as it warms—and, coupled with melting glaciers and ice sheets—causes sea levels to rise. This increases the likelihood of severe flooding that can damage working waterfronts and coastal communities. To respond to these serious and fast-moving challenges, the Gulf of Maine Research Institute in Portland, Maine, is deploying research and piloting a range of programs to help municipalities, businesses, and concerned citizens meet the realities of the climate crisis. Read more here.

A barrier island restoration project damaged during the 2020 hurricane season will make a comeback with a fresh delivery of sand from the Outer Continental Shelf. Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority officials announced Thursday that the West Belle Headland, originally part of the larger beach and barrier island restoration project in Terrebonne Basin, will be revamped with nearly 4 million cubic yards of fresh sand. West Belle Headland was nearly done when Hurricane Zeta hit in October 2020. Nearly 75% of the newly laid sand and sediment washed away with the storm and severely damaged the project, which provides high-quality nesting habitat for birds as well as storm and flood protection for lower Lafourche Parish. This time, the restoration plan is slightly different from the original. It will be constructed with sand dredged from federal waters instead of from a mixed sediment source nearby. Pure sand is a better restoration tool for Louisiana’s barrier islands, according to the CPRA news release. Read more here.

Beach Communities Hit by Major Storms Search for Ways to Reclaim Lost Sand

Last year, Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton walloped Florida’s central Gulf of Mexico coastline. With Helene, in particular, many communities endured storm surges of four to eight feet, which carried and deposited boatloads of sand beyond the beaches. In some places, sand accumulation reached four feet and presented a materials management nightmare. Returning the sand directly would mean that “broken up shingle, insulation, window pane glass, frames, wood, debris, and oils and greases from the parking lots [would be] placed on our beautiful beach.” Several communities, like Manatee County, sought inventive means to repurpose all the storm sand they could salvage. A few even managed to redirect the nonreusable “trash” sand to sustainable uses that ultimately benefited beleaguered local residents. Any sand remaining on the beach was tractor-raked and sifted multiple times with tines reaching two inches down to remove debris. For the cleaner sand they collected that might be upcycled back to beaches, Hunsicker “borrowed from heavy rock construction practices” to sift and clean it where it was hauled into a publicly owned space. Read more here.

Wisconsin announced it is embarking on a wetland project through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), together with the help of Ducks Unlimited, on the North Branch of the Manitowoc River on the northwest side of the Brillion State Wildlife Area in Calumet County. This project aims to remove the excess cattail mats and sediment in portions of the channel and improve flow within the river and the surrounding marsh. The river channel has become closed off due to the presence of dense mats of invasive and hybrid cattail. As a result, these thick mats are slowing stream flow and degrading habitat quality for waterfowl and other species of wildlife. Once the project is completed, the improved stream flow will promote the reestablishment of native wetland plants and open water areas on the property, which will result in increased waterfowl use. Other benefits include improved public accessibility by canoe or kayak into the marsh for waterfowl hunters, bird watchers and other recreational activities. Read more here.

Study Measures Magnitude, Distribution of PFAS Chemicals in Great Lakes

Scientists with NCCOS’ Mussel Watch Program published a retrospective assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Great Lakes, based on mussel tissue samples collected in the region from 2013 to 2018. Bivalve shellfish, such as mussels, serve as ideal indicators of chemical pollution because they tend to bioaccumulate pollutants from the large amounts of water they filter, they have limited mobility, and they are found throughout the U.S. coastal zone. PFAS are a large group of manufactured chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in a variety of consumer and industrial products, including electronics, insecticides, and fire-fighting foams. They are often found in surface coatings that repel oil, grease, water, and heat. PFAS are highly resistant to degradation, and their persistence in the environment poses risks to both people and animals. Water quality management plans for the Great Lakes, developed jointly by the U.S. and Canada, recognize that there is a lack of data about PFAS to make informed decisions. Mussel Watch’s contaminant database, one of the largest for the Great Lakes, offers the region a way to meet its PFAS information needs. Read more here.

Did you know that many of Washington’s wetlands completely dry out most years? Wetlands are areas where water is at or near the soil surface for at least a couple of weeks during the growing season. In early spring, Washington’s wetlands typically have ponded water or saturated conditions which affect the types of plants that can grow there. When conditions are much drier, the influence of water still shapes the functions and values of those wetlands. Although it can be hard to identify wetland areas in late summer when they may appear as dry as the surrounding areas, it doesn’t make them any less important as waters of the state. The seasonal drying cycle is an important process for maintaining water quality. The transition from anoxic conditions—when the wetland is full of water and there is no oxygen in the soil—to oxic conditions when the surface of the soil is exposed to oxygen—results in chemical changes that help reduce pollution. Read more here.

University of Hawai’i Teams Up with Makai Watch to Host ‘Eat the Invaders’ Fishing Tournament

The Kāneʻohe to Kualoa Makai Watch (KKMW) Program, a community-led initiative dedicated to the health and sustainability of Hawaiʻi’s nearshore marine environments, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa are proud to announce two tournaments this weekend, the “Heʻeia Pier Keiki Fishing Tournament” and the “Eat the Invaders” Fishing Tournament this Saturday, July 26, in Kāneʻohe Bay. These tournaments build on an annual fishing tournament, the “Heʻeia Pier Jackpot Fishing Tournament,” also taking place the same day and organized by one of our KKMW members. In addition to being fun-filled events for the community, the tournaments serve to educate the public about significant threats posed by introduced fishes such as the Roi (Peacock Grouper), Taʻape (Bluestripe Snapper), and Toʻau (Blacktail Snapper). These introduced species have unfortunately outcompeted native fish and disrupted delicate reef ecosystems. By targeting these invasive fishes, participants will directly contribute to the health and recovery of Kāneʻohe Bay’s precious marine resources. The Kāneʻohe to Kualoa Makai Watch Program is one of many communities in the State of Hawaiʻi Makai Watch Program -collaborative, statewide initiative where citizens and non-governmental organizations directly engage with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) in the management of marine resources. Read more here.

NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management is hosting a photo contest to celebrate National Estuaries Week from September 20 to 27, 2025. Send them your best photos from the National Estuarine Research Reserves that display the beauty of the reserves, critters that live there, and the people who work and play there. Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges and will be featured in their social media campaign during National Estuaries Week. Learn more here.

[NEW] Funding Opportunity: Fiscal Year 25 Community Assistance Program

The Community Assistance Program – State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) program provides funding to states to provide technical assistance to communities in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and to evaluate community performance in implementing NFIP floodplain management activities. Designation, duties and responsibilities of State Coordinating Agencies are found in 44 CFR 60.25. These regulations identify the states commitment to the minimum floodplain management criteria and to demonstrate the capability and responsibility to implement the program. In this way, CAP-SSSE helps to; ensure that the flood loss reduction goals of the NFIP are met, build state and community floodplain management expertise and capability, and leverage state knowledge and expertise in working with their communities. Learn more here.

Request for Proposals: 2025 Climate Resilient Fisheries Engagement Grants

To foster climate resilient fisheries and fishing communities around the world, the Blue Convergence Fund aims to fund projects and support engagement that advance (1) our understanding of climate resilient fisheries and (2) climate resilient fisheries management practices and strategies around the world. This request for proposals (RFP) will support science-based efforts and collaborations that use existing knowledge to catalyze climate resilient fisheries practices and strategies. Specifically, this RFP will support projects where new research is not the primary focus, but rather activities that bring people together to promote knowledge exchange, the uptake of research into management, network building, and planning and implementation. Projects should be 18-24 months in duration with a maximum total budget of $150,000 USD. Proposals are due September 4, 2025. Learn more here.

Bow Seat’s True Blue Fellowship

The True Blue Fellowship offers peer-mentorship, capacity building, and funding of up to $2,500 USD to youth who are developing projects that address ocean, waterways, and/or climate issues through a creative arts lens. The Fellowship is free to enter and open to youth ages 13 – 24 worldwide, whether as individuals, classes, groups, clubs, or organizations. Applications are due September 1st. Learn more here.

Study: United States of Plastics Report Examines State Progress Against Plastic Pollution

The Ocean Conservancy’s “United States of Plastics” report offers a tool for advocates and decisionmakers in each state to assess their progress against plastic pollution and identify opportunities for local action. A study by Ocean Conservancy in 2024 found that nearly 80% of Americans consider plastic pollution to be the most pressing problem for the health of our ocean. The United States is the number one generator of plastic waste worldwide and a major producer of virgin plastic. The “United States of Plastics” report analyzes laws to address plastic pollution in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. and assigns a score to each on a five-point scale. Read more here.

NOAA Webinar Series: Sargassum Research, Management, and Impacts

NOAA’s Southeast and Caribbean Regional Collaboration Team is launching a five part webinar series to raise awareness about key issues surrounding sargassum. Each webinar will highlight different aspects of sargassum research, management, and its impacts on coastal communities and ecosystems. The goal of this series is to foster knowledge-sharing and regional collaboration across affected areas as impacts continue from recent sargassum inundation events. See the NOAA website for details and registration.

Study: Impacts of Rock Sill Design on Sediment Dynamics and Marsh Stability in Living Shorelines

Rock sills are commonly placed at the seaward edge of constructed marshes in living shoreline projects to reduce erosion, stabilize shorelines, and improve coastal resilience. However, it is not clear how the design of these sills, whether continuous or segmented, affects sediment dynamics and marsh stability. In this study, two marsh sill living shorelines are investigated — one featuring tidal gaps and the other without — in comparison with an adjacent natural marsh in Ocean City, Maryland, USA. The analysis focuses on changes in surface elevation, sediment and vegetation characteristics, and offshore suspended sediment concentration (SSC) through field survey. Read more here.

ASBPA Student Award Nominations Now Open

The Students and New Professionals (SNP) Chapter of ASBPA announces student award nominations to be awarded at the National Coastal Conference this October 7 – 10 in Long Beach, CA. Awards and scholarships are open to undergraduate and graduate students. ASBPA Student Awards and poster abstracts are due by August 15. Note: self-nominations are encouraged! Learn more here.

Funding Opportunity: Port Infrastructure Development Program

The US Department of Transportation has announced up to $500 million in funding for the Fiscal Year 2025 Port Infrastructure Development Program. State governments, County governments, Native American Tribal governments, special district governments, and city governments are eligible to apply. The deadline is September 10, 2025. Learn more here.

ASBPA National Coastal Conference 2025 Call for Abstracts

The ASBPA is excited to share the call for abstracts is open for the “Coasts on the Leading Edge: Bridging Science, Policy and Community” on October 7-10 in Long Beach, California. Technical, policy-oriented, and coastal floodplain resource and flood risk management presentations or posters are invited for a broad range of coastal and estuarine ecology, science, engineering, economics, and policy. We will also have sessions on the Blue Flag USA Award criteria such as environmental management; water quality; beach accessibility; beach safety and operations; and community engagement. Abstracts are due August 15 for Poster Presentations. Learn more here.

202-800-0580 | cso@coastalstates.org | www.coastalstates.org