Courtesy of California Sea Grant:
Kelp forests are fundamental to California’s marine biodiversity and its ocean economy. However, kelp is also under threat as ocean conditions change. California’s north coast has experienced devastating kelp loss following a recent marine heat wave and some areas on California’s central and south coasts are experiencing significant declines as well.
The California Ocean Protection Council (OPC), California Sea Grant, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) are now soliciting proposals for projects that will accelerate and scale up kelp research and restoration in California to address remaining research needs, support action while a statewide Kelp Restoration and Management Plan (KRMP) is being developed by CDFW, and promote a “learn by doing” approach to kelp conservation.
Proposals should address:
Applicants must clearly demonstrate how their proposed work will support the development of solutions to the kelp crisis, address knowledge gaps (in particular those identified in OPC’s Kelp Action Plan and CDFW’s Giant Kelp and Bull Kelp Enhanced Status Report), and inform CDFW’s efforts to develop a statewide Kelp Restoration and Management Plan. Applicants are strongly encouraged to view the results of the 2020-2023 Kelp Recovery Research Program projects and identify how proposed work will build upon the outcomes of these projects.
There is a total of $5,000,000 available for this research solicitation. California Sea Grant will contribute an additional $300,000 of NOAA Sea Grant funds to support the participation of undergraduate students from groups that are underrepresented and underserved in marine and coastal sciences. See the Request for Proposals (RFP) for detailed research priorities of this funding opportunity.
Important Dates
- July 25, 2023, 1:00 p.m. PT – Informational Webinar (Register here)
- August 15, 2023, 5:00 p.m. PT – Letter of Intent (LOI) due
- October 3, 2023, 5:00 p.m. PT – Full Proposal due*
*Only applicants who have submitted a letter of intent may submit a full proposal.
Dates are subject to change. Please refer to the RFP for the most up-to-date information.
Recent Comments