CALIFORNIA — The California Ocean Protection Council is accepting urgent proposals for monitoring and responding to El Niño-related effects on the state’s coastal and marine ecosystems. The main application deadline is Friday, November 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time.
What kind of projects qualify?
The expedited solicitation identifies two tracks. Track 1 covers time-sensitive environmental monitoring, research and assessment that can inform an immediate response. Track 2 covers targeted management or response to anticipated or observed effects on marine species, habitats, health, public safety, coastal access and coastal communities.
The program favors applicants able to mobilize quickly with existing partnerships and infrastructure, and those able to communicate findings rapidly to resource managers and the public. Laboratory-only projects are not eligible under the published solicitation. Potential applicants must consult the complete instructions for organizational eligibility, budgets and supporting documents.
Is November 6 an absolute cutoff?
The published deadline is November 6 at 11:59 p.m. PT. The council says proposals may nonetheless be considered if submitted by Friday, November 13 at 11:59 p.m. PT when the expedited process requires additional time. Applicants should not assume that an extension is automatic or replace the official filing instructions with this article.
An additional $1 million is proposed, not guaranteed
The State Coastal Conservancy says it is proposing an additional $1 million for projects in this solicitation, subject to approval by its board on December 3, 2026. Officials are particularly interested in comparing restored nature-based shorelines with hardened or degraded sites, including in San Francisco Bay and Southern California.
The funds concern monitoring and targeted response projects; this is not the separate state’s longer-term beach-restoration grant round with a December 15 letter-of-intent deadline.
How to submit
Applicants must use the official proposal template and email the required materials to the contact listed in the State Coastal Conservancy announcement. The announcement lists the exact email subject format and supporting budget and FAQ resources. Organizations should check that page for any newer instructions before submitting.
Primary sources: State Coastal Conservancy, November 3, 2026; Ocean Protection Council funding information.
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