Scripps coastal monitoring programme receives historic US$40 million funding
UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography has secured a landmark US$40 million, five-year funding agreement with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to further its Coastal Data Information Program (CDIP). This announcement comes as the programme, recognized for its pivotal role in coastal research and monitoring, approaches its 50th year of operation.
Launched in 1975, CDIP operates a robust network of more than 90 stations along US coastlines. Its signature yellow buoys provide vital data on waves and sea-surface temperatures, which is freely accessible to the public. This information underpins a wide range of critical activities, from managing storm risks and coastal flooding to supporting dredging, maritime traffic and surf forecasting.
The latest funding, provided in partnership with USACE’s Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), will sustain CDIP through to mid-2029. Key areas of focus include maintaining the national buoy network, enhancing wave measurement technologies and expanding nearshore research to monitor and model beach changes. This latter initiative will be spearheaded by Scripps’ Coastal Processes Group.
Evolving coasts
“ERDC’s partnership with UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography delivers crucial coastal observations such as those from CDIP to our nation,” said David W. Pittman, director of ERDC. “These long-term measurements help us to understand how our coasts are evolving and inform better management of sediment resources and coastal hazards. Together, we aim to advance coastal monitoring and prediction capabilities, increasing the resilience of our coastal communities.”
USACE has been a key supporter of CDIP since 1977, fostering its expansion and establishing it as a leader in coastal monitoring and instrumentation. The programme also benefits from partnerships with California’s Department of Parks and Recreation. CDIP’s data has become indispensable for validating shoreline infrastructure designs and tracking extreme events, particularly as climate change intensifies coastal challenges.
“Our beaches face growing threats from climate change and erosion,” stated Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49). “Without beaches, we jeopardize not only tourism but also critical infrastructure such as the LOSSAN Rail Corridor. CDIP’s work is essential in addressing these challenges, and I’m proud to have helped secure US$40 million in federal funding to support this vital programme.”
Over the next five years, Scripps and USACE will deepen their collaboration, with CDIP’s wave data continuing to inform National Weather Service advisories during major storm events such as hurricanes and atmospheric rivers.
“This award is the largest in CDIP’s history, and we deeply appreciate USACE’s continued support,” said Eric Terrill, Scripps oceanographer and co-principal investigator of CDIP. “We look forward to advancing coastal research and resilience together.”
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