Including coves, bays and islands, California's shoreline stretches 3,427 miles. While this coast is in dire need of conservation efforts amidst climate change, development and other threats, it is also a valuable resource to help the state and nation secure a sustainable future.
The
CSU Council on Ocean Affairs, Science & Technology (COAST)—the research consortium dedicated to ocean and coastal research, education and workforce development—brings together faculty, researchers and students to understand and promote the protection and potential of these systems. It works toward this goal by providing funding to faculty and students engaged in related research and education; forwarding workforce development by training students for future careers; and serving as a resource on ocean and coastal issues for government, industry and local communities. To forward its mission, COAST announced two sets of grants last week supporting both faculty and student researchers.
Supporting Faculty Innovation
Nine CSU researchers across three projects on offshore wind development will be supported by new COAST funding. From top left: Eric Bjorkstedt, Jose R. Marin Jarrin, Andrew Kinziger, Daniel Barton, Arne Jacobson, Dawn Goley, Micaela Gunther, Jeremy Claisse and Daniel Pondella
Through the
State Science Information Needs Program (SSINP), COAST announced
$830,000 in funding across three faculty projects focused on floating offshore wind energy development on October 1, 2025. COAST developed the SSINP using one-time funding of $8 million from the state of California to address the state's most pressing ocean and coastal science needs. The team works with government agencies to identify those areas, and previous rounds of SSINP funding have focused on
microplastics and microfibers,
sea level rise and
ocean and coastal compensatory mitigation.
“COAST is thrilled to fund this research and contribute to the state's goal of achieving 100% clean and renewable energy by 2045," said COAST Executive Director Krista Kamer. “This is a fabulous opportunity for our students to be working at the leading edge of new technology and honing their skills for future careers."
“Ecological profile of the Humboldt Wind Energy Lease Area and anticipated transit route: seabirds, marine mammals, salmonids, and other fish"
A team from Cal Poly Humboldt plans to collect environmental data on the Humboldt Wind Energy Area, a location of current and future offshore wind energy production, to determine the potential impact of installing offshore wind turbines on wildlife, including seabirds, fish, krill and marine mammals. For example, one aspect of the study will look at the birds' flight patterns and the likelihood of bird strikes. The research team includes Eric Bjorkstedt (lead), Jose R. Marin Jarrin, Andrew Kinziger, Daniel Barton and Arne Jacobson.
“Harbor Seal Abundance, Distribution, and Diet in the Humboldt Bay California Wind Energy Area"
A second Cal Poly Humboldt project will also look at the Humboldt Wind Energy Area's potential effects on the ecosystem, but with a specific focus on harbor seals—the most common marine mammal in the area. Researchers Dawn Goley (lead) and Micaela Gunther will use drone technology to survey sites where seals come ashore and collect feces samples to study the seals' diet. In addition to providing guidance on installing offshore wind turbines, the work will support future research on harbor seals and establish study methods that can be used in the Morro Bay Wind Energy Area.
“Estimating cumulative impacts of the floating OSW platforms and associated infrastructure on demersal fishes in California's Wind Energy Areas"
Cal Poly Pomona's Jeremy Claisse (lead) and Cal State Long Beach's Daniel Pondella will collaborate on research looking at how offshore wind energy across California would potentially impact fish species. Using existing data on fish populations, habitats and activity, the team will build models demonstrating how the installed structures would affect the marine environment and fish populations, as well as estimate which areas will be most impacted. Finally, the team will provide guidance for tracking the environmental changes as the wind farms develop.
Empowering Exceptional Students
COAST Graduate Student Engagement Awardees, from left to right, Alexandra Grant, Dominic Ypil and Ava Besecker
Then at its annual meeting on October 3, 2025, COAST announced the
three 2025 recipients of the
COAST Graduate Student Engagement Award. First funded in 2024, the award honors faculty-nominated graduate students for their accomplishments in research, teaching and community engagement focused on ocean or coastal issues—as well as their efforts to cultivate a more inclusive and diverse marine science community. Two awardees received $2,500, and the honorable mention awardee received $1,250.
Alexandra Grant, San Diego State
A master's student in environmental engineering at SDSU, Alexandra Grant works in the Water Innovation and Reuse Lab with Professor Natalie Mladenov. Her research on the pollution crisis in the Tijuana River focuses on monitoring and analyzing wastewater indicators with the goal of highlighting the need for water treatment measures to protect the community and ecosystem. Grant's work with a cross-border team on direct community engagement and outreach earned her this year's award.
Dominic Ypil, San José State
Through SJSU, Dominic Ypil is completing a master's degree in marine biology and biological oceanography at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. His research focuses on microbial community composition in estuarine systems—areas where freshwater mixes with seawater. Ypil also serves as a student body officer at Moss Landing helping build community through events and student success initiatives. He received the award for his student leadership in helping mentor and inspire the next generation of scientists.
Honorable Mention: Ava Besecker, Cal State Monterey Bay
Enrolled in the marine science program at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories through CSUMB, Ava Besecker is a master's student in the Marine Ecological Physiology and Genomics Lab. Her research focuses on thermal tolerance and climate resilience in corals from the Galápagos Islands, and she has led three fully funded expeditions to the Galápagos. In addition to serving as Moss Landing's student body president and a mentor for CSUMB undergraduate researchers, Besecker is a CSUMB teaching associate, a role in which she created an accessible and supportive classroom environment for students and that earned her COAST's recognition.
COAST Graduate Student Engagement Awardees, Dominic Ypil and Ava Besecker, attend COAST's annual meeting on October 3, 2025, to receive their honor.
Resource for California
Part of COAST's mission is to highlight ocean and coastal issues to keep key partners and constituents informed. In that vein, COAST is convening a November 5th event in Sacramento in collaboration with Sacramento State's
Center for California Studies. Titled "Wildfire & Water Quality: State of the Science, Policy Needs and Legislative Solutions," the briefing will explore the impacts of wildfire on California's water quality, highlighting the latest scientific findings, policy gaps and potential legislative solutions to address these challenges. Panel discussions will bring together academic experts, agency representatives and policymakers to identify solutions that protect communities, ecosystems and water resources in a changing climate.
Learn more about
COAST and other CSU Multi-Campus Collaborations.