NOAA Funding Available for monitoring of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia

 NOAA’s U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Ocean Technology Transition (OTT) program released its 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity. This opportunity seeks in-demand prototype ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes observing technologies including hardware and software platforms, sensors, and data transfer technologies that collect observations in the marine and Great Lakes environments.
The OTT program improves ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes observing by accelerating the infusion of technologies that address known needs in observing to real world applications. Results include lower cost/more accessible technologies which lead to expanded observing capabilities; implementation of applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence to operations, creating new ways to automate, interpret, and apply observing data; and expanded and more effective monitoring of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia.


U.S. IOOS expects to fund five or six projects up to $400,000 per project per year for one to three years, subject to the availability of funds. Full applications are due July 15, 2026. You can view the full funding opportunity here.

Postdoc in HAB optics – University of GA Skidaway

This project seeks to enhance Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) monitoring by developing remote sensing methods for the detection of common and emerging HAB species in the southeastern U.S and contributing to filling gaps in the undersampled region of coastal Georgia. The postdoc will combine laboratory work and computational analysis by: 1) building a hyperspectral library of HABs optical properties with the PhytoPlankton Light Scattering (PPLS) prototype instrument and 2) Developing species-specific remote sensing algorithms using the spectral information gathered from the PPLS or HAB risk maps based on satellite-derived environmental parameters. The PPLS is an innovative new instrument in development and one of the first to simultaneously measure hyperspectral absorbance and backscattering properties of phytoplankton in vivo in the lab. The successful applicant will have certain freedom to design and perform original research within this general project framework in a highly collaborative environment. There will be potential opportunities to participate in fieldwork activities in collaboration with local stakeholders such as aquaculture farmers, UGA Marine Extension, or SeaGrant Phytoplankton Monitoring Network. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to present their research at scientific conferences and benefit from professional development activities.

Posting Number G/R32411P

Hiring Manager: Sara Rivera-Calle

Find out more and apply here

GEO Symposium 2026 is happening May 26-27, 2026 in Geneva!

The 2026 GEO Symposium is taking place on 26-27 May at the World Meteorological Organization headquarters in Geneva, the Symposium will convene leading voices in Earth Intelligence under the theme Investing in Earth Intelligence for a Resilient Future. We’ll bring together leading scientists, practitioners, policymakers, and innovators to explore how transformative solutions and strategic partnerships can drive impact across disciplines and sectors.
Symposium Sponsorship
The 2026 GEO Symposium offers a unique platform to enhance visibility, influence and thought leadership. By becoming a sponsor, you will support meaningful engagement and demonstrate commitment to mobilising investment and co-designing solutions with real-world value.
Opportunities include supporting travel for speakers from developing countries to enhance representation, hosting a youth networking event to connect the next generation of Earth Intelligence leaders, sponsoring the participant reception where cross-sector collaborations take shape, and contributing to the GEO Innovation Fund that will directly enable the co-design and scaling of innovative Earth Intelligence solutions with tangible societal impact. Contributors to the GEO Innovation Fund will be recognised as Founding Donors at the Symposium (and other future GEO events).
GEO welcome’s sponsorship from both public and private sectors to amplify the Symposium’s impact. To discuss this unique opportunity, please contact the GEO Secretariat (secretariat@geosec.org) by 31 March 2026.
Reminder: Symposium Registration Deadline is 31 March 2026.
Community Event – Coveners GEO AquaWatch & GEO BluePlanet (along with other partners) have proposed a Community Event showcasing how Earth Intelligence can support Marine Protected Areas.  We will keep you posted on Community Event Details if it is accepted into the agenda.
For more details of the Symposium, please visit the event website.
As always, for any inquiries, do not hesitate to contact  the secretariat@geosec.org.