California Sea Grant is working to leverage decades of state, local, and regional investment in coastal management and climate and sea-level rise adaptation in the Santa Barbara Littoral Cell, covering Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Through a critical partnership with the Beach Erosion Authority for Clean Oceans and Nourishment (BEACON), our work attempts to link the pathways from science to policy development and decision-making.

Coastal bluffs and cliffs in California are subject to undercutting, erosion, and catastrophic failure. Coastal communities and resources are also subject to elevated water levels, storm surge, flooding and erosion. The specific conditions and thresholds that lead to bluff collapse are not fully understood. Flooding is better understood but advances in forecasting and interconnectedness are needed. 

California’s coastal communities face growing shoreline erosion and coastal flooding hazards, and these threats are expected to be exacerbated as sea levels rise.

California Sea Grant develops sea-level rise science education and training materials.  These are tailored for the general public, coastal managers and planners, and educators across the State.

Our extension team are developing science education lessons, activities and field trips for informal and formal educators to expand engagement of diverse and underrepresented communities in STEM learning.