As part of our efforts to restore resilient coral ecosystems, NOAA has announced the availability of approximately $500,000 in funding for coral restoration in 2020. The competition is in direct response to the recently completed National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine study on Interventions to Increase the Resilience of Coral Reefs. The deadline for proposals is March 20, 2020. Contact: Liz Fairey.

Two NOAA-sponsored habitat restoration projects in Louisiana have been approved for $30 million in funding by the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) Program. These projects will restore habitat along Louisiana’s coast, increase protection for people and property, and benefit some of America’s richest fisheries. Contact: Cecelia Linder

In one of two stories being highlighted from our veteran and conservation corps programs this month, the first is a testimonial from Army veteran Ryan Sharrow. He was at a tough time in his life and found a job posting with the California Conservation Corps, which partners with NOAA. That job posting and his application turned things around in a positive way and he now helps restore salmon habitat. Contact: Bob Pagliuco

In our second veteran and conservation corps highlight, we spoke with Chris Sutherland, who was forced to retire from the Coast Guard after a severe on-the-job injury. He too found a habitat restoration job posting, this time with partners at the Mt. Adams institute in Oregon. Now Chris is gaining habitat conservation career skills and giving back to local at-risk youth along the way. Contact: Megan Callahan-Grant

After three successful years, the fourth year of a Deepwater Horizon project to restore oceanic fish kicked off in January. Led by partners at the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the project engages fishing vessel owners to take a break from pelagic longline fishing, with opportunities to use other bycatch-reducing gear. Contact: Amy Piko; Photo: © Jay Fleming Photography/NFWF

Throughout 2020, NOAA is celebrating 50 years of science, service and stewardship. Since its inception on October 3, 1970, NOAA has become one of the world’s premier science agencies with a mission that spans from the surface of the sun to the floor of the ocean.

NOAA’s National centers for Coastal Ocean Science is working with East Carolina University and partners to evaluate the condition of living shorelines and more conventional shoreline protection structures following the September 2019 storm. The researchers are also surveying North Carolina’s coastal residents for their perceptions about different shoreline protection designs.

Whether in Alaska or on the East Coast, a healthy habitat is key to outdoor recreation. The experience of fishing, kayaking the nearshore waters, or bird watching in a salt marsh are all thanks to a healthy habitat. Sean McDermott, Hydropower Coordinator in the Habitat Conservation Division from NOAA Fisheries in Gloucester, MA shares habitat comparisons from his work assignment in Alaska.

Seals, dolphins, and whales are some of the marine mammals affected by oil spills and marine pollution events. To prepare for future disasters, NOAA’s experts worked together to publish "Guidelines for Assessing Exposure and Impacts of Oil Spills on Marine Mammals,” including important highlights in an interactive story map. Contact: Meg Ewald

The world's coastal ecosystems—coastal salt marshes, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows —are incredibly efficient at capturing and storing large quantities of carbon. These types of habitat are also known as carbon sinks and contain large stores of carbon accumulated over hundreds to thousands of years. Learn more about coastal blue carbon.

The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office seeks applications for its Chesapeake Bay-Watershed Education and Training grant program. Proposals to support systemic efforts to enable student experiences and teacher training are due by March 6, 2020. Learn more about this year’s opportunity and updates about the FY19 projects. Contact: Elise Trelegan

Consider submitting a proposal for the 2020 National Coastal and Estuarine Summit hosted by Restore America’s Estuaries and Coastal States Organization. The conference will be held on October 4-8, 2020 in Providence, RI. The National Coastal and Estuarine Summit is the largest international gathering of coastal professionals. The Summit program emphasizes lessons learned and best practices in every aspect of coastal and estuarine restoration and management.