OPC and California Sea Grant Microplastic Research Program Request for Proposals

The California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) and California Sea Grant are seeking applications for two separate research calls to advance microplastics understanding and management in California, consistent with the priorities outlined in the California Ocean Litter Strategy and Statewide Microplastics Strategy. Proposals should address either:

Research Call 1: Improved understanding of aquatic microplastic contamination sources and ecological sensitivity, or

Research Call 2: Microplastic removal efficacy of low impact development (LID): Structural best management practices.

There is a total of $1,450,000 available for this combined research solicitation to fund projects up to 2 years. See the Request for Proposals (RFP) for detailed research priorities of this funding opportunity.

California Sea Grant and OPC encourage applicants to integrate diversity and inclusion in the scientific project and/or research design. Guided research experiences and mentorship to students, with the goal of increasing retention in STEM and launching careers in coastal science, and supporting research programs within or building research relationships with Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) are highly encouraged. Partnerships with local community-based organizations, tribes, and impacted communities are also highly encouraged, where applicable, to inform the proposed research design and/or location(s).

Image courtesy of NOAA

Letters of Intent are due on March 24, 2023 at 5:00 PM PST. Only applicants who have submitted a letter of intent may submit a full proposal.

Important Dates

Informational Webinar: March 7, 2023, 3:30 – 4:30 PM PT
Letter of Intent (LOI) due: March 24, 2023, 5:00 PM PT
Full Proposal due: May 15, 2023, 5:00 PM PT

Dates are subject to change. Please refer to the RFP for the most up-to-date information.

View our Marine Pollution: Plastics webpage for more information about OPC’s efforts.