Ocean Acidification, Hypoxia, and Harmful Algal Bloom Solicitation

The Monitoring, Research, and Modeling to Support Ocean Acidification, Hypoxia, and Marine Harmful Algal Bloom Management in California grant program is administered by the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) and funded by California Climate Investments through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The OPC is a state agency committed to ensuring the protection, conservation, and sustainable use of California’s ocean and coastal resources. This grant initiative supports California’s broader climate and environmental objectives, particularly those that enhance the state’s ability to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of ocean acidification (OAH), hypoxia, and harmful algal blooms (HABs) on marine ecosystems and public health. The primary objective of this solicitation is to advance scientific understanding and management practices around OAH and HABs in California waters. It supports two key tracks: Track 1 focuses on investigating the biological impacts of ocean acidification and hypoxia on ecologically and economically important marine species, and Track 2 emphasizes improving early warning systems and understanding environmental drivers of harmful algal blooms. Eligible activities include in situ monitoring, modeling, synthesis of existing datasets, biological threshold and indicator development, HAB control efficacy testing, and improved understanding of toxin pathways in marine food webs. Proposals must be specific to California-relevant species, waters, or data. A total of $6 million in funding is available, with individual awards ranging from a minimum of $200,000 to a maximum of $3,000,000. Projects can span up to 2.5 years and must commence no earlier than October 1, 2026. Match funding is not required but may improve application scoring. Awarded projects are expected to generate long-term benefits (15 to 30 years), particularly by informing water quality standards, improving early detection systems, and supporting the sustainable management of marine resources. All data generated must be made accessible via OPC’s DataONE platform and may require a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for inclusion in the State Water Resources Control Board Integrated Report. The application process involves a two-phase approach. The first step is submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI) by March 6, 2026. Only applicants whose LOIs meet all scoring criteria will be invited to submit a full proposal. LOIs are scored based on eligibility, alignment with solicitation priorities, and potential public and ecosystem benefits. Full proposals are due June 12, 2026, and must include a detailed scope of work, project schedule, budget, resumes of key personnel, permitting status, and letters of support. Evaluation of full proposals will be conducted by subject-matter experts and agency staff based on specific criteria, including relevance, scientific rigor, management applicability, community benefits, and readiness. Eligible applicants include public and private universities, nonprofit organizations, local, state, and federal agencies, private entities, and both federally recognized and non-federally recognized tribes (through fiscal sponsors). Applicants must demonstrate authority to accept state funds and comply with environmental permitting requirements, including CEQA and NEPA where applicable. Projects with demonstrated benefits to priority populations, such as disadvantaged or tribal communities, are strongly encouraged and will be prioritized. An informational webinar is scheduled for February 10, 2026, and virtual office hours will be held on February 12, 2026, to assist prospective applicants. All application materials must be submitted to [email protected]. Selected projects will be recommended for approval by OPC at the September 22, 2026 quarterly meeting, with awards executed and projects beginning in the last quarter of 2026. This grant program is not currently listed as recurring, and applicants are advised to monitor the OPC website for future solicitations.

Proposals should demonstrate alignment with Track 1 or 2 priorities, clear community benefit (especially to priority populations), and feasible implementation within the 2.5-year window. Data transparency and actionable outcomes are highly valued.