Coastal Hazards & Resilience
California’s iconic coastline and communities contribute significantly to the state’s economy, robust ecological resources, and culture. However, these landscapes and the communities that depend on them also face a growing list of challenges impacting their health and resilience. How we address degraded habitats, coastal development, equitable resource use and climate change impacts are all important and integrated questions vital to the sustainability of both our natural and human coastal communities.
California Sea Grant supports applied research, education, and extension activities that can help bridge scientific understanding with real world management needs. We also identify and provide critical information needs to help communities plan, prepare for, and adapt to environmental and socio-economic change. This includes research related to changing ocean and coastal conditions and information that helps communities adapt to future changes through an equitable and just lens.
COASTAL RESEARCH PROJECTS
- Expanding Sea-Level Rise Science
-
EXPANDING SEA-LEVEL RISE SCIENCE, UNDERSTANDING AND USE
Extension Specialists: Nick Sadrpour, Laura Engeman
Project Number: A/AE-39H - Coastal Resilience Solutions
-
ADVANCING COASTAL RESILIENCE SOLUTIONS AND SCIENCE
Extension Specialists: Nick Sadrpour, Laura Engeman, Carolynn Culver
Project Number: A/AE-39I - Coastal Hazard Science
-
COASTAL HAZARD SCIENCE TO INFORM COMMUNITY RESILIENCE
Extension Specialists: Nick Sadrpour, Laura Engeman
Project Number: A/AE-39J - Beach Management and Adaptation
-
SUPPORTING CALIFORNIA BEACH MANAGEMENT AND ADAPTATION
Extension Specialists: Nick Sadrpour, Laura Engeman
Project Number: A/AE-39K
PARTNERS AND RESOURCES
BEACON
The Beach Erosion Authority for Clean Oceans and Nourishment (BEACON) is a California Joint Powers Agency (JPA) established to address coastal erosion, beach nourishment and clean oceans from Point Conception to Point Mugu. In its effort to better manage coastal sediment and water quality, BEACON seeks to advance formal science efforts and partnerships.
CALIFORNIA’S COASTAL DUNE SCIENCE NETWORK
The California Dune Science Network strives to expand understanding of coastal dunes and their role in building a resilient, transitional, and adaptive coast for all future generations.
CENTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS AND ADAPTATION
The Center for Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation (CCCIA), part of Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, aims to build a more resilient future through the advancement of climate science, academic-community partnerships, and adaptation strategies.
COASTAL PROCESSES GROUP
The Coastal Processes Group (CPG), part of Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego focuses on observing and modeling coastal processes including beach evolution, cliff erosion, and nearshore waves. Research in this lab is intended to expand understanding of coastal dynamics and hazards, improve coastal flood and erosion forecasting, and support community resilience in response to changes in coastal sea level and storm characteristics.
EXPLORE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BEACHES
Sandy beaches are part of the Southern California lifestyle but not for just surfers and sunbathers. Beaches support an entire sandy beach ecosystem. Learn more about these important ecosystems.
CALIFORNIA COASTAL RESILIENCE NETWORK
The California Coastal Resilience Network promotes knowledge exchange to support adaptation solutions that strategically and comprehensively prepare California’s coastal habitats and communities for climate induced impacts.