The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) has officially released a funding announcement targeting coastal hazard mitigation, hazard preparedness, and natural infrastructure solutions.
Opportunity Overview
This grant competition seeks research teams – including regional end-users – to develop state-of-the-art information and actionable products that advance the use of natural infrastructure for coastal flood protection. The goal is to establish practical, efficient, and cost-effective cross-sector solutions led by state, local, and private partners.
Granting Agency: NOAA / NOS / NCCOS Competitive Research Program (CRP)
Total Project Funding: Up to $2,000,000 per project (Max $500,000/year)
Award Duration: Up to 4 years
Expected Awards: 1 to 6 projects
LOI deadline: November 9, 2026
Application Deadline: February 12, 2027
Eligible Applicants: For-profit businesses, non-profits, higher education institutions, state/local governments, and tribal entities
Targeted Focal Areas
Submitted projects must align with at least one of the following priority areas:
- Public-Private Partnerships: Fostering cross-sector collaboration to fund, design, and deploy natural infrastructure solutions.
- Innovative Insurance Products: Developing novel insurance models and financial mechanisms that reward ecosystem restoration and shoreline protection.
- Improved Sediment Management: Advancing techniques to retain, manage, and place sediment to buffer coastal communities against storm surge and flooding.
Strategic Relevance for Aquaculture Operators
Coastal aquaculture operations – including shellfish farming, seaweed cultivation, and estuarine management – are uniquely positioned at the intersection of working waterfronts and natural shoreline protection. Projects that incorporate restorative aquaculture, living shorelines, or public-private sediment strategies represent strong candidates for this funding call.
Get Administrative Help from the CAA
If you are a member of the California Aquaculture Association (CAA) with a proposal concept or are interested in building a collaborative regional team for this solicitation, CAA is ready to support you.
The association can assist members with:
- Project coordination and stakeholder outreach
- Partner matching across academic, industry, and municipal sectors
- Administrative and proposal preparation guidance
Have a grant proposal idea? Contact CAA to discuss your concept and explore administrative assistance options before the submission deadline.
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