California Sea Grant Marine Debris Challenge

The California Sea Grant Marine Debris Challenge, under the administration of the National Sea Grant College Program, is focused on supporting innovative research to application (R2A) projects geared towards the prevention and/or removal of marine debris. With a funding pool of approximately $16,000,000 for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, this initiative seeks to fund projects that can create tangible outcomes such as prototypes, products, processes, or tools. The grant encourages applications that propose cutting-edge solutions to intercept and remove marine debris, including but not limited to, technologies for the removal of microplastics and nanoplastics, and reusable systems. Successful proposals will extend existing knowledge on marine debris, leveraging broad partnerships across community, government, academia, NGOs, tribal groups, and the industry. The program emphasizes the importance of embedding principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility (DEIJA) in all aspects of the work. Projects are encouraged to integrate Sea Grant education and extension professionals and demonstrate a strong commitment to involving a diverse range of stakeholders. Additionally, the challenge supports the Justice40 Initiative and the objectives outlined in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), aiming to significantly mitigate marine debris's impact while fostering transformational changes in behavior and technology. Applications are urged to show potential for leveraging additional funds, although a non-federal match is not required.