Infographic: CRP by the numbers (NCCOS).

NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Competitive Research Program (CRP) is celebrating 30 years of competitive coastal ocean science research in 2020. The NCCOS-managed program remains committed to funding cutting edge science that improves the management of coastal resources and communities and supports NOAA’s mission.

Program History:

The program began in 1990 as the Coastal Ocean Program (COP), one of NOAA’s first matrix-style programs, with the goal to sponsor research that would help answer pressing coastal issues by providing research, monitoring, assessments, and technical assistance to NOAA. In 1999, the NOAA Ocean Service undertook a reorganization, which included the creation of the NCCOS. Within NCCOS, the Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research (CSCOR) was formed and became the new home of the COP. The program was renamed the Competitive Research Program in 2017. Despite undergoing several name changes, the program mission and principles remain largely the same.

Today, CRP is committed to supporting the needs of coastal communities by funding leading scientists that provide groundbreaking and innovative research focusing on harmful algal blooms, hypoxia, coastal change, and regional ecosystems. These research projects contribute to the development of the blue economy, and help support the coastal science workforce. Hundreds of students, scientists, and managers have been funded throughout these 30 years, promoting their success in the coastal workforce through academia, government, NGO’s, and industry.

To learn more about CRP, download the CRP 30th Anniversary One Pager for top program highlights throughout the years. If you’ve been part of our journey, we encourage you to share your research using the hashtag #30YearsofCRP.

Learn more about CRP Funding Opportunities.