Monitoring and Synthesis to Inform Offshore Development and Marine Ecosystem Management in California: 2027 Request for Proposals
California Sea Grant seeks research to monitor and synthesize data on marine ecosystem changes tied to offshore development, focusing on key species and wind energy areas in California.
Funder: California Sea Grant
Due Dates: October 9, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | November 17, 2026 (Full Proposal)
Funding Amounts: $50,000–$750,000 per project (up to 30 months); total program funding $2,700,000; 3–5 awards expected
Summary: Supports applied research to enhance California’s capacity to detect and understand ecological change in marine ecosystems as offshore development expands.
Key Information: Letter of intent required to submit a full proposal; no-cost extensions not allowed.
Description
This opportunity, administered by California Sea Grant in partnership with the California Ocean Protection Council, seeks applied research projects that strengthen California’s ability to monitor, detect, and understand ecological change and disturbance in the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME) associated with offshore development, including ocean energy. Two research tracks are supported: (1) synthesis and analysis of existing monitoring data to evaluate the capacity to detect ecological disturbances, and (2) targeted new field data collection in areas with insufficient or outdated monitoring. Priority is given to projects focused on marine mammals, sea turtles, seabirds, fish, and invertebrates within and around the Humboldt and Morro Bay wind energy areas. Research should deliver actionable outcomes that inform ocean and species management as California navigates offshore development challenges.
