The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) through its Competitive Research Program (CRP) supports the development of actionable information and tools to improve how the Nation protects, manages, and conserves ocean and coastal ecosystems. NCCOS/CRP bolsters sound coastal management decisions by involving resource managers, planners, policymakers, and impacted communities as research project partners or advisors to ensure useful results.

A key objective of NCCOS/CRP research is the production of user-driven tools that will enable resource managers to assess alternative management strategies to restore degraded ecosystems and protect healthy ones. Research supported is outcome-oriented towards increased scientific understanding that will provide managers and the public with sound scientific information for making decisions in support of societal objectives. Articulation of outcome-based management goals is required in proposals and recipients must report progress toward achieving outcome-based goals annually.

Funding is contingent upon availability of Federal appropriations. If funds become available for this program, two projects are expected to be supported for up to three to four years, with an approximate annual budget for each project up to $500,000, not to exceed $2,000,000 per project.