The Coastal Zone Enhancement Program
Improvements to state and territory coastal management programs are encouraged through this program. The focus is on nine enhancement areas: wetlands, coastal hazards, public access, marine debris, cumulative and secondary impacts, special area management plans, ocean and Great Lakes resources, energy and government facility siting, and aquaculture. The program was established in 1990 under Section 309 of the Coastal Zone Management Act.
Every five years, states and territories review their programs to identify priority needs and opportunities for improvement. The programs then work with NOAA to develop multi-year improvement strategies that focus on one or more of the priority enhancement goals.
State and Territory Assessments and Strategies (2021-2025)*
*Note: The California Coastal Management Program has two components—the California Coastal Commission and the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC)—that develop assessments and strategies for the Coastal Zone Enhancement Program. Illinois, Minnesota, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have not developed an assessment and strategy for this period yet.
Projects of Special Merit
NOAA administers the annual Projects of Special Merit (PSM) competition to support innovative projects that further support state and territories’ Section 309 Strategies.
More Information
- Section 309 of the Coastal Zone Management Act
- Section 309 Coastal Zone Enhancement Grants Regulations
- Coastal Zone Management Act Section 309 Guidance (2021-2025)
- Coastal Zone Management Act Section 309 Guidance (2016-2020)
For more information, contact us.