Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ocean Acidification Program (CFDA 11.017) awarded the University of Alaska Southeast $382,965 in Project Grant funding beginning September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2028. This grant supports adaptation planning initiatives for tribal communities throughout Southeast Alaska, where ocean acidification (OA) poses significant threats to marine resources critical to commercial fishing, subsistence harvesting, and traditional ways of life.

The project deliverables include synthesized data products, interpretive visualizations, and decision-support resources for Southeast Alaska tribal nations. Key outputs encompass maps, socio-ecological system models, and vulnerability assessments that integrate scientific data on ocean acidification with local and traditional knowledge gathered through the Southeast Alaska Tribal Ocean Research Consortium (SEATOR). The research team will develop accessible figures and analytical frameworks that enable tribal harvesters and decision-makers to evaluate their vulnerability and identify adaptive resiliency strategies. All products will be developed in consultation with traditional and local knowledge holders while maintaining tribal data sovereignty and protecting sensitive information, ensuring that tribal partners can effectively incorporate synthesized environmental and resource harvest information into their long-term resiliency planning.