FY25 Ocean Acidification Coastal Research: Uniting Investigations and Shipboard Experiments (OA CRUISE)

NOAA's Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) is soliciting proposals to complement core observing activities on its upcoming East Coast Ocean Acidification Cruise (ECOA-4), which targets U.S. Coastal Large Marine Ecosystems on the North American East Coast from the Scotian Shelf to the port of Miami, extending from shore to beyond the shelf break. The proposed activities should expand the ocean acidification (OA)-focused observational and experimental capabilities of this repeated quadrennial oceanographic research cruise to better achieve the strategic aims of the program. Projects should complement the existing Level 1 capabilities of the ECOA-4 cruise by fulfilling Level 2 and/or Level 3 priorities outlined in the OA Cruise Science Priority Guidance document (https://bit.ly/OAP_NOFO2023). Proposals should demonstrate how their proposed efforts, in concert with the planned Level 1 core activities on ECOA-4, would address regionally relevant objectives in the NOAA Ocean, Coastal, and Great Lakes Research Plan: 2020-2029.

Subject to the availability of funding, the OAP anticipates approximately $350,000 will be available to support approximately 1-3 projects total, with each project funded at $100,000 - $250,000 total. This document sets out requirements for submitting to this opportunity. For additional guidance and tips on how best to prepare an application, please contact the program managers listed in section VII.

This funding opportunity is being released in tandem with a non-grant opportunity to sail on the ECOA-4 cruise. The opportunity, "Non-Grant Access to ECOA-4" will provide awardees with berth space, lab space, and sampling opportunities aboard the ECOA-4 cruise without a monetary award. The application process will require a 2-page description of the project along with logistical information regarding equipment needs, lab space and water needs, berth space requests, and others. Those interested in applying for space on ECOA-4 without receiving funding can contact the program managers listed in section VII.