In July 2024, as climate-driven disasters increasingly threatened California's coastal communities, the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation (CMSF) launched an unprecedented regional effort to advance climate resilience across the Monterey Bay region.

CMSF rapidly mobilized local governments, community organizations, academic institutions, and nonprofit partners in response to a highly competitive funding opportunity through NOAA's Climate Resilience Regional Challenge (CRRC). CMSF convened more than 100 stakeholders for an initial virtual meeting—demonstrating both the urgency of the challenge and the region's commitment to collaborative action.

This remarkable response led to the formation of Climate Resilient Monterey Bay (CRMB), a coalition of 30 partners united by a shared vision to strengthen climate resilience across the region. Through CMSF's leadership and coordination, the coalition successfully secured $71.1 million in NOAA funding, one of the largest climate resilience investments ever awarded in California.

The grant supports a comprehensive portfolio of adaptation projects designed to reduce climate risks, protect communities, and strengthen regional resilience. It also established the Monterey Bay Climate Adaptation Action Network (MBCAAN), a regional network dedicated to advancing collaboration, innovation, and long-term climate adaptation efforts.

Learn more about Climate Resilient Monterey Bay and the Monterey Bay Climate Adaptation Action Network.