eSeaGrant Instructions

How to report

California Sea Grant uses the software, eSeaGrant, to solicit, accept, and review funded research, fellowship, and other project proposals. California Sea Grant also uses eSeaGrant to solicit and track all award reporting requirements as necessitated by the award funder. 

As an awardee of California Sea Grant, you are required to use eSeaGrant to submit reports using the forms provided. If you encounter technical issues, please contact sgproposal@ucsd.edu. 

eseagrant instructions

Refer to the below instructions for completing basic functions in eSeaGrant. 

For more detailed instruction, we invite you to watch reporting and eSeaGrant training videos, Overview of Sea Grant Reporting via eSeaGrant. These videos describe how to navigate and use California Sea Grant’s reporting software, eSeaGrant, providing in-depth information about the forms that funded researchers and Extension Specialists are required to complete as part of their awards. Note: The videos are reflective of the new reporting requirements created by the National Sea Grant Office in 2024. Note that the content and availability of these videos are subject to change at any time. 

How to log into eSeaGrant

Everyone who submits a proposal through eSeaGrant, has created an eSeaGrant account. To go in, visit eSeaGrant and enter your login information. If you do not remember your email and password combination, select “Forgot Password” and follow the prompts to reset your password.

If you have never used eSeaGrant, you will need to create an account. To create an account, register in the portal. You will receive a “welcome” email with login credentials. If you do not receive a “welcome” email with login credentials, please contact California Sea Grant at sgproposal@ucsd.edu.

Once you login, you can change your password if you would like. To change your password, click on your name in the upper-right corner of the screen, and select “My Profile”.

For more information about logging into and navigating through eSeaGrant, watch the training video, Welcome to eSeaGrant - Navigating eSeaGrant. 

How to add a collaborator to a project

If you need to be added to your team member’s project to support with annual reporting, create an account in eSeaGrant and ask your team leader to complete the following directions: 

  1. Logs into their eSeaGrant account
  2. Selects “Projects” in the sidebar menu of their dashboard and selects the relevant project from the list
  3. Clicks “Actions” under “Project Information” and then “Add a Collaborator” 
  4. Search for name or email of individual that needs to be added to the project
  5. Check box if you don’t want to inform the individual that they’ve been added as collaborator
  6. Save

Once these steps are complete, you can log into your eSeaGrant account and see the associated project on your dashboard.

For more information about adding a collaborator to a project in eSeaGrant, watch the training video, Welcome to eSeaGrant - Adding a Collaborator. 

How to submit a report in eSeaGrant

To start a report, or revisit/edit an existing report, click on “Assignments” in the left sidebar menu and click the assigned report that you wish to start or edit. In order to submit a report, you must work down the sequence of sections (“Start Here” through “Submission Preview”) listed on the left side of the window. 

Be sure to read the directions in the report call and on each form. Refer to “Help Text” for more information, including definitions, guidance, and additional context to the form questions. When "Help Text" is available, it is indicated by a blue circle and white question mark next to the question. Questions that are marked with a red asterisk are required and you will not be able to submit your report until these questions are answered. 

You will only be able to edit content with the red or green dot. The red dot will turn green once you have completed each section and clicked on the "Mark [section] as complete" box. Once you have submitted your report, you will receive an automated confirmation email. Your report is not considered submitted until you receive this email. 

For more information about submitting a report in eSeaGrant, watch the training video, Sea Grant Reporting - How to Submit a Report.

How to submit a proposal in eSeaGrant

To start a proposal, or revisit/edit an existing proposal, click on “Current Tasks” on the banner head. Then click on “Add Proposal” under the selected opportunity. In order to submit a proposal, you must work down the sequence of sections (“Start Here” through “Submission Preview”) listed on the left side of the proposal window.  

We recommend that eSeaGrant users access the system, review submission requirements within it, and start to upload necessary documents well in advance of the submission deadline.   This will give users the opportunity to obtain any necessary clarification or assistance before the deadline. You can continue to submit updates to your proposal up until the proposal deadline.   Last minute submissions run the risk of encountering problems that cannot be resolved in time. The submission deadline will not be extended. Note: the eseagrant proposal portal will close at the date and time stated in the call for proposals and late applications (even 1 minute late) cannot be accepted. It is the applicant's responsibility to get all required materials submitted before the deadline. We advise to not wait until the last minute to submit your application; when eseagrant experiences high user traffic, you may experience page loading delays. 

Each time you submit an application, you will receive a confirmation email. Your application is not considered submitted unless you receive a confirmation email.