The U.S. Offshore Wind Synthesis of Environmental Effects Research (SEER) effort is actively compiling information on planned, ongoing, and recently completed research projects relevant to better understanding the environmental effects of offshore wind development along the U.S. Pacific Coast (California, Oregon, Washington). The scope of projects includes both field research/data collection and other non-field activities related to wildlife, habitat, and ecosystem processes.
The tool below provides key project details and links to relevant project outputs, including reports, journal articles, and datasets. Results can be refined by selecting from the drop-down menus or entering a search term. If you would like to submit a project for inclusion, please complete this survey or email tethys@pnnl.gov.
Download the complete tool as a spreadsheet here.
Last Updated: January 31, 2024
Research Project | Lead Organization | Dates Sort ascending | Research Type | Scale & Location | Stressor & Receptor | Outputs |
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Establishing Baseline Data on Bat Activity in the Offshore Environment: Developing Tools and Models to Quantify Risk of Offshore Wind Energy Development
This study will help prepare the West Coast for floating offshore wind development by collecting bat distribution data and developing tools to monitor the environmental effects of floating offshore wind energy....Read more This study will help prepare the West Coast for floating offshore wind development by collecting bat distribution data and developing tools to monitor the environmental effects of floating offshore wind energy. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) will conduct bat acoustic monitoring at fixed and mobile sites along the West Coast. The goal is to better understand the environmental conditions likely to attract bat activity, with a focus on potential wind energy development areas. Read less |
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) | 2023-2024 | Field | State California |
Attraction Bats |
|
Integrated Monitoring of Cetacean and Ocean Environmental Impacts from Floating Offshore Wind Development on the Pacific Coast
Develop and validate an integrated, real-time monitoring system to concurrently monitor marine mammal and ocean environmental impacts from floating offshore wind turbines....Read more Develop and validate an integrated, real-time monitoring system to concurrently monitor marine mammal and ocean environmental impacts from floating offshore wind turbines. This project will help reduce costs, increase resiliency, and increase knowledge of potential wildlife impacts in marine waters offshore California. Read less |
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory | 2023-2027 | Technology Development | Project California, Oregon, Washington |
Attraction, Avoidance, Displacement, Changes in Flow Marine mammals, Physical Environment |
|
Characterization of the Distribution, Movements, and Foraging Habitat of Endangered Leatherback Turtles in Designated Critical Habitat off the U.S. West Coast
This study will characterize the distribution, movements, and foraging habitat of endangered leatherback turtles in designated Critical Habitat offshore northern California, Oregon, and Washington....Read more This study will characterize the distribution, movements, and foraging habitat of endangered leatherback turtles in designated Critical Habitat offshore northern California, Oregon, and Washington. The data will form the baseline of comparison to understand potential impacts from offshore renewable energy development offshore Oregon and Washington. (NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center) Read less |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS); UpWell Turtles | 2023-2028 | Field | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Sea turtles |
|
Integrated, Real-Time, Multi-Scale System for Monitoring Seabird Interactions with Floating Offshore Wind Technologies
Develop and validate an integrated, real-time, multi-scale system to monitor seabird and bat interactions with floating offshore wind turbines....Read more Develop and validate an integrated, real-time, multi-scale system to monitor seabird and bat interactions with floating offshore wind turbines. This project will help minimize non-technical risks associated with environmental permitting and increase knowledge of potential wildlife impacts in marine waters offshore California. Read less |
Integral Consulting Inc. | 2023-2027 | Technology Development | Project California, Oregon, Washington |
Collision Birds, Bats |
|
Integrated Monitoring and Mitigation Approach to Reduce Entanglement Hazards for Floating Offshore Wind Developments
Develop an environmental monitoring sensor package....Read more Develop an environmental monitoring sensor package. The monitoring sensor package will be able to detect debris entanglements with underwater mooring lines, transmit relevant information about the location of the entanglement, and deploy a remotely operated vehicle to inspect, identify, and characterize entangled debris. Read less |
Schatz Energy Research Center | 2023-2027 | Technology Development | Project California, Oregon, Washington |
Entanglement Marine mammals |
|
Monitoring of Marine Life During Offshore Wind Energy Development—Guidelines and Recommendations
This document represents a concise guide to the science-based principles and priorities for environmental monitoring that the environmental non-governmental organization (ENGO) community considers to be crucial to the advancement of responsible offshore wind development in the United States....Read more This document represents a concise guide to the science-based principles and priorities for environmental monitoring that the environmental non-governmental organization (ENGO) community considers to be crucial to the advancement of responsible offshore wind development in the United States. Environmental monitoring is rooted in common scientific principles; however, every geography will have a unique set of priorities and considerations that are not necessarily transferable across regions. To bridge this gap, this document first provides guidance on the scientific principles that underpin ecosystem-based monitoring efforts, presents monitoring priorities common to all regions, and then presents considerations and monitoring recommendations specific to individual regions. Read less |
Natural Resources Defense Council | 2023-2023 | Literature Review | Regional California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington |
Electromagnetic Fields Bats, Birds, Ecosystem processes, Fish, Invertebrates, Marine mammals, Physical Environment, Sea turtles |
Kershaw et al. 2023 |
Birds, Bats, and Beyond: Networked Wildlife Tracking along the Pacific Coast of the U.S.
This study aims to (1) Expand Motus Wildlife Tracking System (Motus) and related (e.g., CTT) tracking capabilities along the U.S....Read more This study aims to (1) Expand Motus Wildlife Tracking System (Motus) and related (e.g., CTT) tracking capabilities along the U.S. Pacific Coast; (2) Support data‐collection efforts on the timing and scale of movements for shorebirds, marine birds, migratory bats, and other taxa in relation to offshore energy and other coastal development projects; and (3) Foster collaboration with a variety of partners to enhance a tracking network in the Pacific Region. Read less |
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) | 2022-2026 | Field | Regional California |
Baseline Bats, Birds |
|
Ancient Landforms off the Washington Coast
This study will build on similar efforts to more fully understand inundation processes along the U.S....Read more This study will build on similar efforts to more fully understand inundation processes along the U.S. West Coast by synthesizing geological, geophysical, and environmental data from offshore Washington and integrate that information with Tribal oral histories and traditional knowledge to further refine the model for identifying intact submerged landform potential off the Pacific Coast. Read less |
Oregon State University | 2022-2025 | Field, Modeling | State Washington |
Baseline Physical Environment |
|
Blue Whale Observatory
Exploring the behavioral ecology of Earth's largest animal species - the blue whale - and the krill that sustain them. |
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) | 2022- | Field | State California |
Baseline Marine mammals |
Oestreich et al. 2022 |
Update on NREL’s 2020 Offshore Wind Resource Assessment for the California Pacific Outer Continental Shelf
This project provides a time-sensitive update to the 20-year wind resource data set (named “CA20”) produced in 2020 by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for the Outer Continental Shelf off the coast of California....Read more This project provides a time-sensitive update to the 20-year wind resource data set (named “CA20”) produced in 2020 by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for the Outer Continental Shelf off the coast of California. Following the deployment of two floating lidars in the region in late 2020, NREL compared the CA20-modeled wind speeds against the lidar measurements using two different approaches, and found a significant bias in the modeled CA20 data in the region. An updated data set has been released. Read less |
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) | 2022-2023 | Modeling | Regional California |
Baseline Physical Environment |
Bodini et al. 2022 |
Floating Offshore Wind: Benefits & Challenges for Oregon
Pursuant to Oregon House Bill 3375, Oregon Department of Energy developed a legislative report to identify the benefits and challenges of integrating up to 3 GW of floating offshore wind by 2030. |
Oregon Department of Energy | 2022-2022 | Literature Review | State Oregon |
Attraction, Avoidance, Changes in Flow, Collision, Displacement, Electromagnetic Fields, Entanglement, Habitat Change, Noise Bats, Birds, Ecosystem processes, Fish, Invertebrates, Marine mammals, Physical Environment, Sea turtles |
Oregon Department of Energy 2022 |
Offshore Biological Radar Project
The project goal is to develop a radar system that can be deployed from a buoy to measure bird and bat abundances and behaviors at offshore locations. |
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) | 2022-2027 | Technology Development | Project |
Baseline Bats, Birds |
|
Cost-Effective Environmental Monitoring of Offshore Wind Installations with Automated Marine Robotics
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will develop next-generation autonomous robotic technology for environmental monitoring of marine organisms and the seafloor at potential wind energy development areas on the West Coast....Read more Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will develop next-generation autonomous robotic technology for environmental monitoring of marine organisms and the seafloor at potential wind energy development areas on the West Coast. The proposed robotic observation technology will be able to collect baseline data as well as provide understanding of changes to bathymetric/geologic structure, and marine communities, including invertebrates, fish, birds, and marine mammals. Read less |
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) | 2022-2025 | Technology Development | Regional |
Baseline Birds, Ecosystem processes, Fish, Invertebrates, Marine mammals, Physical Environment |
|
Tag You’re It! Habitat Use of Large Whales of the Santa Barbara Channel and Hawai‘i
The purpose of this study is to use existing telemetry data to gain a better understanding of how four large whale species (fin, blue, humpback, and gray whales) that occur off the U.S West Coast use their habitat in the Santa Barbara Channel area and in areas offshore Hawai’i, with specific...Read more The purpose of this study is to use existing telemetry data to gain a better understanding of how four large whale species (fin, blue, humpback, and gray whales) that occur off the U.S West Coast use their habitat in the Santa Barbara Channel area and in areas offshore Hawai’i, with specific interest around the island of O’ahu. The importance of this data, presented as spatially and temporally explicit layers, cannot be overstated when considering offshore floating wind development and the identification of potential mitigative strategies to minimize any potential impacts to these species as a result of these activities, as well as the timing of future conventional energy decommissioning activities. Read less |
Oregon State University | 2022-2024 | Modeling | Regional California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline, Habitat Change Marine mammals, Ecosystem processes |
|
The Effects of EMFs on the Behavior of Marine Wildlife
Elasmobranchs use electroreceptors to detect bioelectric fields of prey during foraging and likely use them to indirectly detect geomagnetic field (GMF) cues during navigation....Read more Elasmobranchs use electroreceptors to detect bioelectric fields of prey during foraging and likely use them to indirectly detect geomagnetic field (GMF) cues during navigation. The subsea high voltage cables from offshore renewable energy (ORE) infrastructure emit electromagnetic field (EMF) noise that can alter the bioelectric and geomagnetic landscape, which may impair electrically and magnetically mediated behaviors, such as foraging and navigation, in marine wildlife. In Partnership with Oregon Sea Grant, using Longnose skates and Dungeness crab we are developing controlled laboratory validated protocols to fill our knowledge gaps on the acute and cumulative impacts that EMF noise has on the sensory biology, behavioral ecology, movement, and distribution of multiple EMF sensitive species. Read less |
Oregon State University | 2022-2024 | Electromagnetic Fields Fish |
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Baseline Data Collection on Cetaceans and Seabirds in the Outer Continental Shelf and Slope of Northern California and Oregon to Inform Offshore Wind Energy Development
Oregon State University will conduct visual surveys and acoustic monitoring of marine mammals and seabirds to develop predictive density maps of species present in potential wind energy development areas on the West Coast....Read more Oregon State University will conduct visual surveys and acoustic monitoring of marine mammals and seabirds to develop predictive density maps of species present in potential wind energy development areas on the West Coast. Data would be used to provide spatially and temporally explicit species-specific distribution and density maps and models for cetaceans and seabirds in the shelf-slope waters of the northern California Current which would be used to inform siting of offshore wind platforms. Read less |
Oregon State University | 2022-2026 | Field | Regional California, Oregon |
Baseline Birds, Marine mammals |
|
Distance-Based Sampling Methods for Assessing the Ecological Effects of Offshore Wind Farms: Synthesis and Application to Fisheries Resource Studies
This paper aims to: examine distance-based sampling methods that have been or could potentially be used to study impacts on fisheries resources at offshore wind farms including distance-stratified BACI, distance-stratified CI, Before-After-Gradient (BAG), and After-Gradient (AG) methods; (...Read more This paper aims to: examine distance-based sampling methods that have been or could potentially be used to study impacts on fisheries resources at offshore wind farms including distance-stratified BACI, distance-stratified CI, Before-After-Gradient (BAG), and After-Gradient (AG) methods; ( synthesize the methods and findings of studies conducted to date that have used distance-based methods to examine ecological impacts of offshore wind development for benthic macroinvertebrates, finfish, birds, and small mammals; examine some of the central methodological elements and issues to consider in developing distance-based impact studies; and offer recommendations for how to incorporate distance-based sampling methods into monitoring plans at offshore wind farms. Read less |
IBSS Corporation | 2021-2021 | Literature Review | National |
Habitat Change Marine mammals, Fish |
Methratta 2021 |
A Vulnerability Index to Scale Effects of Offshore Renewable Energy on Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles of the U.S. West Coast (VIMMS)
This study by Southall Environmental Associates (SEA), Inc. developed a vulnerability index based on the best available data and expert elicitation for marine mammals and sea turtles that occur offshore central and northern California, Oregon, and Washington....Read more This study by Southall Environmental Associates (SEA), Inc. developed a vulnerability index based on the best available data and expert elicitation for marine mammals and sea turtles that occur offshore central and northern California, Oregon, and Washington. This index will assist in scaling the effects and prioritizing which of these species need to be considered in assessments of risk from offshore renewable energy infrastructure. It developed a visual representation of the levels of concern for relevant species or species groups, which will also inform the selection of renewable energy sites. Read less |
Southall Environmental Associates, Inc. | 2021-2023 | Modeling | Regional Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Marine mammals, Sea turtles |
Southall et al. 2023 |
Updating the Marine Bird Vulnerability Index to Inform Risks of Offshore Renewable Energy Projects Within the Pacific OCS Region
This study is developing an update to the 2012-2017 BOEM-funded study by USGS, "Developing and Applying a Vulnerability Index for Scaling the Possible Adverse Effects of Offshore Renewable Energy Projects on Seabirds of the Pacific OCS."....Read more This study is developing an update to the 2012-2017 BOEM-funded study by USGS, "Developing and Applying a Vulnerability Index for Scaling the Possible Adverse Effects of Offshore Renewable Energy Projects on Seabirds of the Pacific OCS.". The update will incorporate recently published data and methodological improvements. Read less |
University of California Santa Cruz | 2021-2024 | Modeling | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Attraction, Avoidance, Collision, Displacement Birds |
|
The Environmental Status of Artificial Structures Offshore California
This study by the Southern California Marine Institute will use relevant ecological indicators (e.g., biodiversity, biomass, productivity) to improve understanding of how local and/or regional factors influence the variation in environmental status observed in marine infrastructure/facility...Read more This study by the Southern California Marine Institute will use relevant ecological indicators (e.g., biodiversity, biomass, productivity) to improve understanding of how local and/or regional factors influence the variation in environmental status observed in marine infrastructure/facility/obstruction habitats within the Pacific Region, especially offshore California. Study results will assist BOEM in evaluating proposed plans that involve significant amounts of marine infrastructure (which function as de facto artificial reefs) and to gain insight in determining if existing energy infrastructure affects other uses of the outer continental shelf. Read less |
Southern California Marine Institute | 2021-2024 | Field | State California |
Habitat Change Physical Environment |
|
NextWind Real-time Monitoring System
In this project, Aker Offshore Wind (a Mainstream Renewable Power company) in partnership with Cognite, and with specialized expertise and support in ecological consulting from H. T....Read more In this project, Aker Offshore Wind (a Mainstream Renewable Power company) in partnership with Cognite, and with specialized expertise and support in ecological consulting from H. T. Harvey & Associates developed an architecture for the digital representation of an offshore wind asset in an industrial DataOps platform. The project’s purpose is to explore how a Digital Twin application can be applied to a FOSW project to address the challenges of reducing operational expenditures and increasing awareness of how a FOSW installation interacts with the surrounding environment. The NextWind Solution utilizes available data for the overall wind farm integrity management and conditioning monitoring in real-time, as well as wildlife interactions to detect and develop strategies to minimize environmental interactions and reduce the cost of providing this renewable resource. This project explores the range of systems integrity data collected in real time—twenty-four hours per day, seven days a week—and conducts analysis to determine if and how systems diagnostic data can improve our understanding of environmental interactions between floating offshore wind farms and the surrounding ecosystem. The work for this project has concluded. The project team will work on finalizing the final report. Read less |
Aker Offshore Wind USA LLC | 2020-2023 | Technology Development | Project California, Oregon, Washington |
Attraction, Avoidance, Displacement Birds, Fish, Invertebrates, Marine mammals, Sea turtles, Physical Environment |
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A Risk Assessment Framework to Evaluate Effects of Offshore Wind Farms on the California Upwelling Ecosystem
This project is conducting a study utilizing a coupled atmospheric-oceanographic numerical model to examine potential changes in coastal upwelling due to offshore wind project development....Read more This project is conducting a study utilizing a coupled atmospheric-oceanographic numerical model to examine potential changes in coastal upwelling due to offshore wind project development. Coastal upwelling is a key process for delivering nutrients to marine ecosystems, so the study will improve understanding of offshore wind environmental impacts. The atmospheric model has been run with and without turbines. These outputs will force the oceanographic model to identify effects on coastal upwelling velocities. The team received a grant from California Ocean Protection Council to accelerate the analysis and provide policy-relevant findings on a faster timeline. Read less |
Integral Consulting Inc. | 2020-2023 | Modeling | Regional California |
Changes in Flow Physical Environment |
Raghukumar et al. 2023, Raghukumar et al. 2022, Integral Consulting Inc 2021, POET Deep Dive Webinar |
Collection of Metocean Resource Characterization Data off the California Coast
This project collected high-definition wind speed data in the Call Areas. Buoys were deployed in the Humboldt and Morro Bay Wind Energy Areas off the coast of California for 12 months....Read more This project collected high-definition wind speed data in the Call Areas. Buoys were deployed in the Humboldt and Morro Bay Wind Energy Areas off the coast of California for 12 months. The buoys measured wind speeds at hub height using a LIDAR wind profiler, meterological conditions at the surface, and oceanographic conditions including wave spectrum and current profile. Read less |
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) | 2020-2023 | Field | State California |
Baseline Physical Environment |
Buoy Data on A2e, Krishnamurthy et al. 2023, Sheridan et al. 2022 |
A Validated National Offshore Wind Resource Dataset with Uncertainty Quantification
In this project, NREL and its partners are committed to ensuring that the latest advancements in the atmospheric modeling community are provided to a wide range of stakeholders by creating the next-generation product for wind resource assessment across all United States offshore regions. |
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) | 2020-2023 | Modeling | National |
Baseline Physical Environment |
Bodini et al. 2022, 2023 National Offshore Wind Data Set (NOW-23) on A2e, 2023 National Offshore Wind Data Set (NOW-23) on OEDI |
Offshore Acoustic Bat Study along the California Coastline
This study by the U.S. Geological Survey will expand monitoring of seasonal bat migration activities offshore and along the coast of California, and will produce regional datasets....Read more This study by the U.S. Geological Survey will expand monitoring of seasonal bat migration activities offshore and along the coast of California, and will produce regional datasets. It will quantify the extent and seasonality of bat activity in the nearshore area of the California coast and increase BOEM’s understanding of the temporal and spatial distribution of bats in the area to evaluate the potential effects of offshore wind energy development on them. Read less |
United States Geological Survey (USGS) Western Ecological Research Center | 2020-2024 | Field | State California |
Baseline Bats |
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Assessing and Advancing Individual Matching Accuracy of Photographed Gray Whales Using Artificial Intelligence
This study by Wild Me was conducted in two phases. The first phase tested the feasibility of using machine learning algorithms to match lateral ridges of individual gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), and has been completed....Read more This study by Wild Me was conducted in two phases. The first phase tested the feasibility of using machine learning algorithms to match lateral ridges of individual gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), and has been completed. The second phase is focusing on increasing the accuracy of these algorithms to match laterally photographed gray whales. Complementing existing efforts funded by NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Fisheries Science Center, this study aims to use artificial intelligence to better understand the distribution, status, and sensitivities of this species. Products will be incorporated into an open-source distributed database. Read less |
Wild Me | 2020-2022 | Modeling | Regional California |
Baseline Marine mammals |
Holmberg et al. 2021, Homberg & Blout 2022 |
Seabird 3D Distribution and Relative Risk from California Offshore Wind Turbines
This project is developing a 3D seabird spatial distribution and power generation model to assess tradeoffs between wind farm performance and bird mortality risk. The model will account for flight height at various wind speeds, which will fill a knowledge gap in existing seabird models....Read more This project is developing a 3D seabird spatial distribution and power generation model to assess tradeoffs between wind farm performance and bird mortality risk. The model will account for flight height at various wind speeds, which will fill a knowledge gap in existing seabird models. The team has developed wind energy scenarios for several test sites with different turbine parameters and configurations. While completing the 3D seabird model, the team is designing a method to conduct the tradeoff analysis between seabird risk and wind performance. Read less |
Schatz Energy Research Center | 2020-2023 | Modeling | Regional California |
Collision Birds |
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Oregon Offshore Wind Mapping Tool (OROWindMap)
The OROWindMap Tool provides an extensive catalog of information that are provided by the authoritative sources around the region, or published by the Department of Land Conservation and Development in their role of support for the Task Force. |
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development | 2020-2021 | Data Management | State Oregon |
Baseline Birds, Fish, Invertebrates, Marine mammals, Sea turtles, Physical Environment |
|
ADRIFT: Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Cetaceans in the California Current Ecosystem Using Drifting Archival Passive Acoustic Monitoring
NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center will collect and analyze passive acoustic data in the California Current Ecosystem to improve understanding of the distribution of protected cetacean (whale, dolphin, and porpoise) species, including in the vicinity of wind energy Call Areas offshore...Read more NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center will collect and analyze passive acoustic data in the California Current Ecosystem to improve understanding of the distribution of protected cetacean (whale, dolphin, and porpoise) species, including in the vicinity of wind energy Call Areas offshore northern and central California. It will employ a novel method of using drifting acoustic recorders, allowing for data to be collected over larger spatial and temporal scales compared to traditional methods. The findings will assist BOEM in assessing potential impacts and overall acoustic contribution of BOEM-regulated activities. Read less |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) | 2020-2024 | Field | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline, Noise Marine mammals |
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Over Water Migration Movements of Black Brant
This study by the U.S. Geological Survey will increase BOEM’s understanding of the temporal and spatial distribution of Black Brant offshore of the Pacific coast to evaluate potential effects of offshore wind energy development on them....Read more This study by the U.S. Geological Survey will increase BOEM’s understanding of the temporal and spatial distribution of Black Brant offshore of the Pacific coast to evaluate potential effects of offshore wind energy development on them. BOEM’s objective is to collect data on trans-oceanic and coastal migration routes for Black Brant along the Pacific coast of North America to identify their spatial location, timing, and flight altitudes. The results will help determine if the routes overlap with proposed Call Areas for wind energy development off the Pacific coast. Read less |
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) | 2020-2023 | Field | Regional Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline, Habitat Change, Collision Birds |
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California Offshore Wind Energy Gateway
The Offshore Renewable Wind Energy Gateway assembles geospatial information on ocean wind resources, ecological and natural resources, ocean commercial and recreational uses and community values....Read more The Offshore Renewable Wind Energy Gateway assembles geospatial information on ocean wind resources, ecological and natural resources, ocean commercial and recreational uses and community values. This information will help identify areas off of California that are potentially suitable for wind energy generation. Read less |
Conservation Biology Institute | 2020-2020 | Data Management | State California |
Baseline Bats, Birds, Fish, Invertebrates, Marine mammals, Sea turtles, Physical Environment |
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Integrated Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing for Real-Time Monitoring of OWT Gearbox and Tower Operation and Marine Animal Activities
The primary goal for this proposed project is to take the experience gained from applications of fiber optic sensing (FOS) in civil engineering and large-scale infrastructure projects, to measure and monitor strains, loads and other parameters in real time based on analysis of three-dimensional...Read more The primary goal for this proposed project is to take the experience gained from applications of fiber optic sensing (FOS) in civil engineering and large-scale infrastructure projects, to measure and monitor strains, loads and other parameters in real time based on analysis of three-dimensional strain, vibration and temperature. The team plan to evaluate the technical feasibility of FOS to monitor gearboxes and towers for offshore wind turbines and evaluate the technical feasibility to monitor marine animal life activities near offshore wind support subsea structures. Read less |
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory | 2020-2024 | Technology Development | Project California, Oregon, Washington |
Noise Marine mammals |
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Southern California Bight Marine Biodiversity Observation Network
We propose to continue our demonstration Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (BON) in the Santa Barbara Channel, and expand it to the entire region, the Southern California Bight (SCB)....Read more We propose to continue our demonstration Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (BON) in the Santa Barbara Channel, and expand it to the entire region, the Southern California Bight (SCB). Our focus on SCB allows us to cover the complete spectrum of biodiversity from ecosystems to microbes due to the profusion of existing biological monitoring and research programs by our partners including government agencies, universities and NGOs. Read less |
University of California Santa Barbara | 2019-2023 | Field | State California |
Baseline, Habitat Change Ecosystem processes, Physical Environment |
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Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems (EXPRESS)
EXPRESS is a multi-year, multi-institution cooperative research campaign in deep sea areas of California, Oregon, and Washington, including the continental shelf and slope. One goal of EXPRESS is to inform ocean energy and mineral resource decisions. |
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) | 2019-2023 | Field | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Physical Environment |
EXPRESS Data Viewer |
Development of Computer Simulations to Assess Entanglement Risk to Whales and Leatherback Sea Turtles in Offshore Floating Wind Turbine Moorings, Cables, and Associated Derelict Fishing Gear Offshore California
This study, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, has developed morphologically and behaviorally accurate 3-D computer models of protected whale species (fin and humpback) and leatherback sea turtles....Read more This study, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, has developed morphologically and behaviorally accurate 3-D computer models of protected whale species (fin and humpback) and leatherback sea turtles. Two offshore floating wind mooring systems are currently under digital development. The whale and mooring system models will be integrated into simulations to visualize various potential interaction scenarios, including with associated derelict fishing gear. These simulations will assist BOEM in assessing the risk and potential severity of entanglement, and potentially identify mitigation measures to reduce any risk. Read less |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) | 2019-2025 | Modeling | State California |
Entanglement Marine mammals, Sea turtles |
BOEM Infographic |
MARINe (Multi-Agency Rocky Intertidal Network)
This long-term and continuing study by BOEM and a network of partners provides for the monitoring of rocky intertidal habitats and communities at 32 coastal sites adjacent to existing and potential Outer Continental Shelf energy development in California and Oregon....Read more This long-term and continuing study by BOEM and a network of partners provides for the monitoring of rocky intertidal habitats and communities at 32 coastal sites adjacent to existing and potential Outer Continental Shelf energy development in California and Oregon. Site-specific data about the diversity and abundance of invertebrates are housed in a publicly available database that can be used to monitor intertidal communities Read less |
University of California Santa Cruz | 2019-2024 | Field | Regional Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Invertebrates, Physical Environment |
Gilbane et al. 2022, MARINe Brochure |
Responsible Wind Power and Wildlife
It is necessary to ensure that Wind energy projects are developed in a responsible manner. This means avoiding and minimizing adverse impacts on wildlife and offset impacts that cannot be avoided or minimized. It also means keeping in place strict laws and regulations that protect wildlife....Read more It is necessary to ensure that Wind energy projects are developed in a responsible manner. This means avoiding and minimizing adverse impacts on wildlife and offset impacts that cannot be avoided or minimized. It also means keeping in place strict laws and regulations that protect wildlife. like wind The energy becomes a major source of electricity in the United States, it is important that, as with all energies development, environmental impacts are assessed and boarded. Read less |
National Wildlife Federation | 2019-2019 | Literature Review | National |
Collision Bats, Birds |
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California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG) II
This study is a partnership between BOEM, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and U.S. Geological Survey to map geologic features and characterize seafloor habitats offshore California and Oregon....Read more This study is a partnership between BOEM, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and U.S. Geological Survey to map geologic features and characterize seafloor habitats offshore California and Oregon. It will enhance understanding about the location and nature of biologically sensitive communities, including in potential lease areas for wind energy development and areas where conventional energy is being developed. Read less |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), United States Geological Survey (USGS) | 2019-2024 | Field | Regional California, Oregon |
Baseline Invertebrates, Fish, Physical Environment |
Cal DIG 1 Links |
Impacts to wildlife of wind energy siting and operation in the United States
Summarize positive impacts of replacing fossil fuels with wind energy, while describing what we have learned and what remains uncertain about negative ecological impacts of the construction and operation of land-based and offshore wind energy on wildlife and wildlife habitat in the U.S. |
The Ecological Society of America | 2019-2019 | Literature Review | National |
Habitat Change, Collision Bats, Birds |
Allison et al. 2019 |
ThermalTracker-3D - Gleaning Bird and Bat Flight Data in 3-D
Development of a novel method and technology for extracting 3-dimensional animal motion trajectories using thermal stereo video data. The technology was validated on land and offshore from a buoy in California. |
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) | 2019-2021 | Technology Development | Project |
Attraction, Avoidance, Baseline, Collision, Displacement Bats, Birds |
Matzner et al. 2020, Matzner et al. 2022 |
U.S. Offshore Wind Synthesis of Environmental Effects Research (SEER) Project - National effort and Pacific Research Projects Database
At the direction of the U.S....Read more At the direction of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Wind Energy Technologies Office, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and National Renewable Energy Laboratory are jointly leading a multi-year collaborative effort to facilitate knowledge transfer for offshore wind research around the world. The U.S. Offshore Wind Synthesis of Environmental Effects Research (SEER) effort aims to synthesize key issues and disseminate existing knowledge about environmental effects, inform applicability to U.S. waters, and prioritize future research needs. For the Pacific, SEER's products have included research briefs, webinars, workshops, and databases. Read less |
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) | 2018- | Literature Review | Regional |
Attraction, Avoidance, Changes in Flow, Collision, Displacement, Electromagnetic Fields, Entanglement, Habitat Change, Lighting, Noise Bats, Birds, Ecosystem processes, Fish, Invertebrates, Marine mammals, Physical Environment, Sea turtles |
SEER 2022, SEER Resources |
A Multi-Sensor Approach for Measuring Bird and Bat Collisions with Offshore Wind Turbines
Advance WT-Bird system to also detect collisions and smaller birds/bats during day and night from vibration sensors mounted within the blades and camera sensors at base. Integrate machine learning (computer vision) to identify guild/species impacted by collision from imagery....Read more Advance WT-Bird system to also detect collisions and smaller birds/bats during day and night from vibration sensors mounted within the blades and camera sensors at base. Integrate machine learning (computer vision) to identify guild/species impacted by collision from imagery. Provide a statistical solution for accurately estimating bird and bat mortality rates. Testing complete in lab, at a 1.5 MW turbine at NREL to test blade sensors, and at a 2.5 MW land-based turbine in Minnesota concurrent with fatality searching. Offshore trial planned for 2024. Read less |
Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) | 2018-2025 | Technology Development | Project Colorado, Maine, Minnesota |
Avoidance, Collision Bats, Birds |
Johnson 2022, NWCC Webinar |
Detecting acoustically tagged green sturgeon in the Northeast Pacific Ocean
Identifying critical habitats is challenging for a relatively rare species like green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris), which spends most of its life at sea....Read more Identifying critical habitats is challenging for a relatively rare species like green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris), which spends most of its life at sea. We used a fixed array and an autonomous underwater vehicle (Slocum glider) as monitoring platforms to detect acoustically tagged green sturgeon in the coastal ocean. (NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center) Read less |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) | 2018-2022 | Field | Regional Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Fish |
Moser et al. 2022 |
Advanced Collision Detection and Site Monitoring for Avian and Bat Species for Offshore Wind Energy
Oregon State University will design, build, and test an autonomous monitoring system to accurately detect avian and bat collisions with offshore wind turbines. The system will combine microphones and 360° cameras with analysis software to detect and verify impacts. |
Oregon State University | 2018-2021 | Technology Development | State Oregon |
Collision Bats, Birds |
Albertani and Johnston 2022, NWCC Webinar |
Pacific Marine Assessment Partnership for Protected Species (PacMAPPS): California Current Ecosystem
The Pacific Marine Assessment Partnership for Protected Species (PacMAPPS) was a four-year multi-agency partnership to collect data and carry out density analyses necessary to support the regulatory and management missions of BOEM, NOAA, and the U.S. Navy....Read more The Pacific Marine Assessment Partnership for Protected Species (PacMAPPS) was a four-year multi-agency partnership to collect data and carry out density analyses necessary to support the regulatory and management missions of BOEM, NOAA, and the U.S. Navy. PacMAPPS comprised two components—the California Current Ecosystem Survey (CCES) and the Hawaiian Islands Cetacean and Ecosystem Assessment Survey (HICEAS). CCES was a line transect survey for coastal pelagic (open sea) fisheries stocks, marine mammals (cetaceans), seabirds, and ecosystem data that spanned the entire continental shelf and slope off the U.S West Coast. HICEAS included summer-fall cetacean and seabird surveys in 2017, and a winter cetacean and seabird survey in 2020. BOEM will use the data generated from PacMAPPS to inform decisions pertaining to renewable energy development in the Pacific region. (NMFS Southwest and Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Centers) Read less |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) | 2017-2020 | Field | Regional California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Birds, Marine mammals |
Moore 2021, Oleson 2021, U.S. Navy's Project Website |
Collision and displacement vulnerability to offshore wind energy infrastructure among marine birds of the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf
Marine birds are vulnerable to collision with and displacement by offshore wind energy infrastructure (OWEI). Using life history, flight heights, and avoidance behavior for 62 seabird and 19 marine water bird species that occur in the U.S....Read more Marine birds are vulnerable to collision with and displacement by offshore wind energy infrastructure (OWEI). Using life history, flight heights, and avoidance behavior for 62 seabird and 19 marine water bird species that occur in the U.S. Pacific Outer Continental Shelf (POCS), we present and apply equations to calculate Collision Vulnerability and Displacement Vulnerability to OWEI for each species. Species groups with the greatest Collision Vulnerability included jaegers/skuas, pelicans, terns and gulls that spend significant amounts of time flying at rotor sweep zone height and don't show macro-avoidance behavior (avoidance of entire OWEI area). Species groups with the greatest Displacement Vulnerability show high macro-avoidance behavior and low habitat flexibility and included loons, grebes, sea ducks, and alcids. Our vulnerability assessment helps understand and minimize potential impacts of OWEI infrastructure on marine birds in the POCS and could inform management decisions. Read less |
United States Geological Survey (USGS) Western Ecological Research Center | 2017-2018 | Modeling | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Collision, Displacement Birds |
Adams et al. 2016, Adams et al. 2017 USGS Data |
California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I
This study by the U.S. Geological Survey was a partnership with BOEM, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute....Read more This study by the U.S. Geological Survey was a partnership with BOEM, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. Together they completed eight cruises collecting geophysical, geotechnical, and video data offshore central California in water depths of 400 to 1500 meters. Surveys looked at pockmarks, microdepressions, Santa Lucia Bank, and multiple sand channels. The results include regional geohazards interpretations, habitat classifications, and the first regional characterization of benthic biological communities at these depths. Findings will inform decisions about potential wind turbine siting and future site-specific geohazard and biological analyses in the region. Read less |
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) | 2017-2021 | Field | State California |
Baseline Physical Environment |
Kuhnz et al. 2021, Walton et al. 2021, Cochrane et al. 2022 |
Humpback Whale Encounter with Offshore Wind Mooring Lines and Inter-Array Cables
Floating offshore wind farms have been proposed in the deep waters off the U.S. west coast and Hawaii to provide renewable energy to coastal populations....Read more Floating offshore wind farms have been proposed in the deep waters off the U.S. west coast and Hawaii to provide renewable energy to coastal populations. Anchoring floating wind platforms to the seabed requires multiple mooring lines that pass through the water column from platforms at the surface to the sea floor. Electrical cables also will be draped in the water column between wind platforms. Concerns have been raised that large cetaceans might encounter lines from an offshore wind array, potentially causing harm, including entanglement, to the whales. There are few floating offshore wind arrays anywhere in the world where this encounter can be tested and no completely appropriate industrial analogues that can be applied. Understanding this potential risk to whales requires other means of visualizing the likelihood and mechanisms of encounter. An animation has been developed as a method for communicating this potential risk. This report provides the information used to create an animation of humpback whales encountering mooring lines and inter-array cables from a hypothetical floating offshore wind farm. Read less |
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) | 2017-2018 | Modeling | Project California, Oregon, Washington |
Entanglement Marine mammals |
Copping and Grear 2018, YouTube Video (Humpback Whales and Floating Offshore Wind Farms) |
Utilizing remote sensing, models and in situ data to elucidate ecosystem hotspots in a moving ocean
Developing satellite-based products to investigate what drives biological productivity in productive upwelling systems - from phytoplankton to ecosystems. |
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) | 2017-2020 | Modeling | State California |
Baseline Ecosystem processes, Physical Environment |
Messie et al. 2022 |
Seabird and Marine Mammal Surveys Near Potential Renewable Energy Sites Offshore Central and Southern California
This study will provide up-to-date information on species composition, distribution, abundance, and seasonal variation of seabirds from the southern limit of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the U.S.-Mexico border....Read more This study will provide up-to-date information on species composition, distribution, abundance, and seasonal variation of seabirds from the southern limit of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the U.S.-Mexico border. In addition, data will be opportunistically collected on marine mammals that are observed during the surveys. Comparison This study will repeat and refine the methodology used in earlier studies to provide up-to-date information and establish a more robust longitudinal data set from which to draw on for environmental analyses. Read less |
United States Geological Survey (USGS) Western Ecological Research Center | 2017-2023 | Field | State California |
Baseline Birds, Marine mammals |
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Marine Spatial Plan for Washington’s Pacific Coast
Providing a tool to protect ocean resources and uses, to guide potential applicants as they develop proposals for new ocean uses, and to assist state agencies and others, including local, tribal, and federal governments, in evaluating and engaging in those proposals more effectively. |
Washington State Department of Ecology | 2017-2017 | Data Management | State Washington |
Habitat Change Birds, Fish, Marine mammals, Sea turtles |
Bates et al. 2017 |
Analysis of Long-term Seabird Colony Legacy Data in the Pacific Northwest as a Regional Baseline
This study will process, analyze, and summarize long-term seabird colony abundance and distribution data collected by the U.S....Read more This study will process, analyze, and summarize long-term seabird colony abundance and distribution data collected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and provide colony counts for Oregon seabird colonies from 1988 to the present and for Washington from the early 2000s and from 2010 to the present. The analysis and interpretation of the resulting dataset will assess the status and trends of breeding seabirds over the 26-year period. Read less |
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex | 2016-2023 | Field | Regional Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Birds |
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California Current Cetacean and Ecosystem Assessment Survey and Use of Data to Produce and Validate Cetacean and Seabird Density Maps
The National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) conducted a dedicated acoustic survey for cetaceans throughout the California Current off the U.S. West Coast in August and September 2016....Read more The National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) conducted a dedicated acoustic survey for cetaceans throughout the California Current off the U.S. West Coast in August and September 2016. The survey, Passive Acoustics Survey of Cetacean Abundance Levels (PASCAL), was conducted from the NOAA R/V Bell M. Shimada. Focal study species were beaked whales (family Ziphiidae), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), and dwarf and pygmy sperm whales (genus Kogia). The primary objective for PASCAL was to conduct a large scale acoustic survey to obtain improved data for estimating population size for these species throughout the California Current study area off the U.S. West Coast. Read less |
National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) | 2016-2018 | Field | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Marine mammals |
Keating et al. 2018 |
Scenarios for Offshore Renewable Energy along the Central California Coast
Compare offshore wind modeling to buoy data and power output to other energy sources, both seasonally and temporally to understand potential power outputs from different development scenarios and potential environmental effects. |
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo | 2016-2024 | Modeling | Project California |
Baseline Physical Environment |
Farr et al. 2021, Wang et al. 2022, Wang et al. 2019a, Wang et al. 2019b |
Cross-Shelf Habitat Suitability Modeling
This study expanded knowledge of seafloor habitats of the U.S. West Coast to inform planning for offshore wind energy development....Read more This study expanded knowledge of seafloor habitats of the U.S. West Coast to inform planning for offshore wind energy development. One part of the study, conducted by NOAA NCCOS, developed maps of the modeled spatial distributions of deep-sea corals, sponges, and benthic (seafloor) macrofauna (e.g., crustaceans, snails, worms, clams) to a depth of 4,000 feet. The maps identify areas where these organisms are more and less likely to occur. Another part of the study, conducted by OSU, (1) addressed how physical factors affect the distribution of macrofauna across the continental shelf and upper slope; and (2) classified sedimentary benthic habitats according to the macrofaunal organisms found in those habitats. BOEM is using this information to contribute to regional ocean planning efforts and assessments for offshore energy, ground fishing, conservation, and other activities potentially impacting benthic biota in deeper waters. Read less |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) and Oregon State University (OSU) | 2016-2020 | Modeling | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Invertebrates |
Poti et al. 2020, Henkel et al. 2020 |
Environmental Sensitivity and Associated Risk to Habitats and Species Offshore Central California and Hawaii from Offshore Floating Wind Technologies
The general objectives of this study were to conduct a scoping-level analysis of relative risk to help to identify and prioritize areas of risk to species and habitat, as well as ecological resources at risk to renewable energy development....Read more The general objectives of this study were to conduct a scoping-level analysis of relative risk to help to identify and prioritize areas of risk to species and habitat, as well as ecological resources at risk to renewable energy development. The Offshore Floating Wave Environmental Sensitivity Analysis (OFWESA) model was developed for this study to help assess the potential effects of the site assessment, construction, and operations and maintenance of OFW on the nation’s marine and coastal environmental resources. Read less |
ICF Jones & Stokes, Inc. | 2016-2018 | Modeling | Regional California, Hawaii |
Morandi et al. 2018 | |
West Coast Tribal Cultural Landscapes
This effort by the Udall Foundation’s John S....Read more This effort by the Udall Foundation’s John S. McCain III National Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution will work with interested West Coast Tribal Nations to develop cultural landscape assessments along the coast and offshore California, Oregon, and Washington near areas of potential offshore wind energy development. It will improve understanding about cultural and archaeological resources and places of importance, and assist in understanding potential impacts of offshore renewable energy development. Read less |
Udall Foundation | 2015-2021 | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Physical Environment |
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A Demonstration Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (BON) for Ecosystem Monitoring
The objective of this study is to develop a prototype ecosystem-based marine biodiversity network, across a range of habitats, looking at multiple trophic levels and species, and informed by historical data and past modeling efforts to the extent possible. |
University of California Santa Barbara | 2015-2023 | Data Management | State California |
Baseline, Habitat Change Ecosystem processes, Physical Environment |
Miller et al. 2023, SBC MBON Website |
Evaluating the Potential for Marine and Hydrokinetic Devices to Act as Artificial Reefs or Fish Aggregating Devices
This report presents the findings and recommendations resulting from a review of scientific literature and discussions with resource managers and subject matter experts, concerning the potential ecological effects of marine renewable energy devices, specifically wave energy converters (WECs) and...Read more This report presents the findings and recommendations resulting from a review of scientific literature and discussions with resource managers and subject matter experts, concerning the potential ecological effects of marine renewable energy devices, specifically wave energy converters (WECs) and tidal energy converters (TECs), in waters off of the U.S. West Coast and Hawai‘i. Read less |
H.T. Harvey & Associates | 2015-2015 | Literature Review | Wind Energy Area Hawaii |
Habitat Change Fish |
Kramer et al. 2015 |
Archaeological and Biological Assessment of Submerged Landforms off the Pacific Coast
This study will synthesize specific geological and geophysical data from offshore southern California and central Oregon, conduct field investigations, and refine local sea-level models to assess submerged paleo landforms and determine if they are associated with ecologically sensitive areas....Read more This study will synthesize specific geological and geophysical data from offshore southern California and central Oregon, conduct field investigations, and refine local sea-level models to assess submerged paleo landforms and determine if they are associated with ecologically sensitive areas. The project will further improve identification of submerged cultural and natural resources on the continental shelf by evaluating the geophysical survey guidelines for biological, pre-contact archaeological, and paleontological resources. Read less |
San Diego State University | 2015-2023 | Modeling | Regional California, Oregon |
Baseline Physical Environment |
BOEM Factsheet |
Controlled, Agile, and Novel Observing Network (CANON)
MBARI's CANON Initiative is an interdisciplinary effort that utilizes smart, autonomous devices designed to cooperate with each other to collect oceanographic information. |
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) | 2015-2017 | Field | State California |
Baseline Physical Environment |
Paul et al. 2018 |
Marine Bird Spatial Distributions on the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf: Data Synthesis and Modeling
Currently, there is a gap in useable information regarding marine bird distributions on the U.S. Pacific Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)....Read more Currently, there is a gap in useable information regarding marine bird distributions on the U.S. Pacific Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). We are synthesizing available high-quality, at-sea data to produce high-resolution, predictive maps of occurrence and density for marine bird species within the Pacific OCS. These maps will help fill important spatial planning information gaps and guide placement of offshore renewable energy facilities in order to minimize impacts on birds. Read less |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) | 2015-2021 | Modeling | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Birds |
Leirness 2021, NCCOS Assessment |
Data Synthesis and High-resolution Predictive Modeling of Marine Bird Spatial Distributions on the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf
This study identified, collected, and synthesized available quantitative scientific seabird survey data for the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf off California, Oregon, and Washington collected over the last 50 years and merged these in a common database....Read more This study identified, collected, and synthesized available quantitative scientific seabird survey data for the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf off California, Oregon, and Washington collected over the last 50 years and merged these in a common database. Predictive modeling produced gridded, high-resolution predictive maps of presence probability and sightings per unit effort for bird species and groups of interest, including maps of seasonal climatological means and quantiles that are integrated to produce annual climatologist and uncertainty maps. Read less |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), United States Geological Survey (USGS) | 2015-2021 | Modeling | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Birds |
Leirness 2021, NCCOS Assessment Dataset |
Potential Impacts of Submarine Power Cables on Crab Harvest: Supplemental Data Regarding the Behavioral Response of Rock Crabs to the EMF of Subsea Cables and Potential Impact to Fisheries
This two-part research effort was to learn more about whether the electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted from subsea power transmission cables may affect the movement and harvest of commercial crab species....Read more This two-part research effort was to learn more about whether the electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted from subsea power transmission cables may affect the movement and harvest of commercial crab species. The first part was conducted by the University of California, Santa Barbara, which collected data on red rock crab in the Santa Barbara Channel and Dungeness crab in Puget Sound. The second part collected and analyzed additional data. Read less |
University of California Santa Barbara, Occidental College | 2014-2023 | Field | Regional California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington |
Electromagnetic Fields Invertebrates |
Williams et al. 2022, Will Crabs Cross Submarine Cables? Video |
Year-round and Diel Patterns in Habitat-use of Seabirds off Oregon
This study by Oregon State University and the U.S. Geological Survey will provide information about the distribution, movements and behaviors of Oregon seabirds and identify patterns in their habitat use 24/7. New data collected with ...Read moreThis study by Oregon State University and the U.S. Geological Survey will provide information about the distribution, movements and behaviors of Oregon seabirds and identify patterns in their habitat use 24/7. New data collected with state-of-the-art tracking devices will be integrated with existing data to map and predict the distribution of species and their potential vulnerability to renewable energy devices. Read less |
Oregon State University, U.S. Geological Survey (YSGS) | 2014-2023 | Field | State Oregon |
Baseline Birds |
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Expansion of West Coast Oceanographic Modeling Capability
This study by the University of California, Los Angeles developed a multi-year hindcast (re analysis) of winds, waves, and currents along the coast of California....Read more This study by the University of California, Los Angeles developed a multi-year hindcast (re analysis) of winds, waves, and currents along the coast of California. The high-resolution (1 km) ROMS hindcast is for the ten-year period 2004–2013 and extends from the U.S.-Mexico border to south of Monterey Bay. Read less |
University of California, Los Angeles | 2014-2017 | Modeling | State California |
Baseline Physical Environment |
Dong et al. 2017 |
Synopsis of Research Programs that can Provide Baseline and Monitoring Information for Offshore Energy Activities in the Pacific Region
We assembled and tabulated information about marine bird and mammal research and monitoring programs that could provide data needed to support environmental risk assessments....Read more We assembled and tabulated information about marine bird and mammal research and monitoring programs that could provide data needed to support environmental risk assessments. This included identifying ongoing or completed research programs that contain information on species and habitats sensitive to offshore energy activities and that could provide baseline and monitoring data to understand and mitigate potential impacts of offshore energy development in the Southern California Planning Area, Washington-Oregon Planning Area, and the Hawaiian Outer Continental Shelf of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Read less |
United States Geological Survey (USGS) Western Ecological Research Center | 2014-2019 | Data Management | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Birds, Marine mammals |
Adams et al. 2019, Lafferty et al. 2019 Database of Research |
Assessment of Potential Impact of Electromagnetic Fields from Undersea Cable on Migratory Fish Behavior
Empirical evidence exists that marine animals perceive and orient to local distortions in the earth’s main geomagnetic field magnetic field....Read more Empirical evidence exists that marine animals perceive and orient to local distortions in the earth’s main geomagnetic field magnetic field. The electromagnetic fields generated by the cables that carry electricity from hydrokinetic energy sources to shore-based power stations may produce similar local distortions in the earth’s main field. Concern exists that animals that migrate along the continental shelves might orient to the EMF from the cables, and move either inshore or offshore away from their normal path. The Trans Bay Cable (TBC) is a ±200-kilovolt (kV), 400 MW 85-km long High Voltage Direct Current (DC) buried transmission line linking Pittsburg, CA with San Francisco, CA (SF) through the San Francisco Bay. The study addresses the following specific questions based on measurements and projections of the EMF produced by an existing marine cable, the Trans Bay Cable, in San Francisco Bay. Read less |
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) | 2014-2016 | Field | Project California |
Electromagnetic Fields Fish, Invertebrates |
Kavet et al. 2016, Vergara 2017 |
Marine Mammal, Seabird and Ecosystem Data Collection in Pacific OCS Areas off Oregon
This oceanic field survey by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration performed detailed observations of marine mammals, seabirds and ecosystem conditions off Oregon in August/September 2014....Read more This oceanic field survey by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration performed detailed observations of marine mammals, seabirds and ecosystem conditions off Oregon in August/September 2014. Specifically, these short-term, sequential surveys covered the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) lease blocks for the Pacific Marine Energy Center South Energy Test Site (PMEC-SETS) and WindFloat Pacific, with overlapping, edge-to-edge transects. The methodology used visual, passive acoustic, water and other sampling protocols that have been used for over 10 years off the West Coast and allow for data integration and comparisons. Read less |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) | 2014-2014 | Field | State Oregon |
Baseline Marine mammals |
Barlow et al. 2014 |
Integrated View of Surface-to-Seafloor Biological Communities
Integrating time series of surface, midwater, and benthic communities to identify processes connecting them with each other and with environmental variability. |
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) | 2013-2019 | Modeling | State California |
Baseline Ecosystem processes |
Messie et al. 2023 |
Understanding the Role of Offshore Structures in Managing Potential Watersipora subtorquata Invasions
This study by the University of California, Santa Barbara surveyed the distribution and abundance of a non-native bryozoan on 23 platforms and natural reefs in the Southern California Bight, and elucidated the role that offshore artificial structures may have in linking and affecting biological...Read more This study by the University of California, Santa Barbara surveyed the distribution and abundance of a non-native bryozoan on 23 platforms and natural reefs in the Southern California Bight, and elucidated the role that offshore artificial structures may have in linking and affecting biological communities. The study results will inform environmental reviews of conventional energy activities (including decommissioning of platforms) and renewable energy activities (including siting of facilities) offshore southern and central California. Read less |
University of California, Santa Barbara | 2013-2019 | Field | State California |
Baseline Invertebrates |
Page et al. 2019 |
Oregon OCS Seafloor Mapping: Selected Lease Blocks Relevant to Renewable Energy
This study by the U.S. Geological Survey and Oregon State University collected high-resolution, multibeam seafloor data of the potential Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) lease area offshore Coos Bay, Oregon....Read more This study by the U.S. Geological Survey and Oregon State University collected high-resolution, multibeam seafloor data of the potential Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) lease area offshore Coos Bay, Oregon. The data were used to develop comprehensive maps of seafloor habitats and geology, which are needed to address site-specific siting, ecosystem assessments and geohazards. Read less |
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) | 2013-2017 | Field | Project Oregon |
Baseline Physical Environment |
Hemery et al. 2018, Cochrane et al. 2017 |
Characterizing Tribal Cultural Landscapes
This effort, led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, collaborated with the Yurok Tribe of California, Grand Ronde Tribe of Oregon, and Makah Tribe of Washington to develop best practices for consultation through implementation of a cultural landscape approach....Read more This effort, led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, collaborated with the Yurok Tribe of California, Grand Ronde Tribe of Oregon, and Makah Tribe of Washington to develop best practices for consultation through implementation of a cultural landscape approach. Each Tribe employed this approach to develop their own unique case studies. This information will likely be important to future consideration of marine renewable energy projects. Read less |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) | 2012-2017 | State Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Physical Environment |
Ball et al. 2017, Ball et al. 2017, Ball et al. 2015 | |
Analysis of the Distribution and Abundance of Groundfishes to Support the California Current Integrated Ecosystem Assessment
We developed maps of occurrence and relative abundance for selected groundfish off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington, within the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME). Our project supports NOAA’s Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (IEA) of this area....Read more We developed maps of occurrence and relative abundance for selected groundfish off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington, within the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME). Our project supports NOAA’s Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (IEA) of this area. We analyzed fish distribution and abundance information, to improve our understanding of the ecosystem and to forecast how environmental conditions and management actions affect it. Read less |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) | 2011-2013 | Modeling | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Fish |
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Renewable Energy in situ Power Cable Observation
This study by the University of California, Santa Barbara measured the strength and variability of electromagnetic fields (EMF) along subsea power transmission cables in the Santa Barbara Channel, which are similar to cables used for offshore renewable energy inter-device electrical connections....Read more This study by the University of California, Santa Barbara measured the strength and variability of electromagnetic fields (EMF) along subsea power transmission cables in the Santa Barbara Channel, which are similar to cables used for offshore renewable energy inter-device electrical connections. It also compared fish communities in cable versus natural habitats and determined the potential effectiveness of cable burial as a mitigation measure to decrease EMF. Read less |
University of California, Santa Barbara; Marine Science Institute | 2011-2016 | Literature Review | Wind Energy Area California |
Electromagnetic Fields Fish |
Love et al. 2016 |
A Synchronized Sensor Array for Remote Monitoring of Avian and Bat Interactions with Offshore Renewable Energy Facilities
Researchers developed and experimentally tested an array of sensors that continuously monitors for interactions (including impacts) of birds and bats with wind turbines....Read more Researchers developed and experimentally tested an array of sensors that continuously monitors for interactions (including impacts) of birds and bats with wind turbines. The synchronized array includes three sensor nodes: (1) vibration (accelerometers and contact microphones), (2) optical (visual and infrared spectrum cameras), and (3) bioacoustics (acoustic and ultrasonic microphones). This system can be used to monitor and identify wildlife affected by onshore and offshore wind energy facilities. Read less |
Oregon State University | 2011-2016 | Technology Development | Regional |
Collision Bats, Birds |
Suryan et al. 2016 |
Inventory and Analysis of Coastal and Submerged Archaeological Site Occurrence on the Pacific OCS
This study by ICF International assessed the potential for submerged prehistoric sites on the California, Oregon, and Washington Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), and identified coastal properties and significant coastal cultural resources subject to potential visual impacts from offshore energy...Read more This study by ICF International assessed the potential for submerged prehistoric sites on the California, Oregon, and Washington Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), and identified coastal properties and significant coastal cultural resources subject to potential visual impacts from offshore energy development. It also produced a proprietary inventory of known, reported, and potential historic shipwrecks. Read less |
ICF International | 2011-2013 | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Physical Environment |
ICF International et al. 2013 | |
DOI Partnership: Distinguishing between Human and Natural Causes of Change in Nearshore Ecosystems Using Long-term Data from DOI Monitoring Programs
This study by the University of California, Santa Barbara improved understanding about the natural range and sources of variability in the kelp forest ecosystem and generated predictions about how it will respond to environmental change....Read more This study by the University of California, Santa Barbara improved understanding about the natural range and sources of variability in the kelp forest ecosystem and generated predictions about how it will respond to environmental change. The findings will enable scientists and managers to evaluate possible impacts from alternative energy production, and develop options to mitigate these impacts. Read less |
University of California, Santa Barbara | 2011-2019 | Data Management | State California |
Baseline Physical Environment |
Reed and Rassweiler 2020 |
Survey of Benthic Communities near Potential Renewable Energy Sites Offshore the Pacific Northwest
This program of research on benthic habitats and organisms of the Outer Continental Shelf off Washington, Oregon and northern California was designed to provide baseline knowledge of seafloor geology and ...Read moreThis program of research on benthic habitats and organisms of the Outer Continental Shelf off Washington, Oregon and northern California was designed to provide baseline knowledge of seafloor geology and marine invertebrate distributions at a regional scale by undertaking new mapping, synthesizing existing mapping data, conducting biological assessments and developing new predictive models. By focusing on the physical properties of the seafloor and species-habitat associations throughout the region, this study has delivered tools and information directly useful for assessing renewable energy development in the Pacific Northwest and for determining the nature and extent of future seafloor explorations. Read less |
Oregon State University | 2010-2014 | Field | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Physical Environment, Invertebrates |
Goldfinger et al. 2014, Henkel et al. 2014 |
Seabird and Marine Mammal Surveys off the Northern California, Oregon, and Washington Coasts
This study by the U.S. Geological Survey will provide up-to-date information on species composition, distribution, abundance, and seasonal variation of seabirds and marine mammals from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the U.S.-Mexico border....Read more This study by the U.S. Geological Survey will provide up-to-date information on species composition, distribution, abundance, and seasonal variation of seabirds and marine mammals from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the U.S.-Mexico border. Data generated will be used for environmental review of renewable energy projects proposed in this area. Previously collected data will be assessed and analyzed to allow for comparisons with the newly collected data to identify changes in distribution and abundance of seabirds and marine mammals over the last 40 years. Read less |
United States Geological Survey (USGS) Western Ecological Research Center | 2010-2020 | Field | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Birds, Marine mammals |
Adams et al. 2014, Pacific Continental Shelf Environmental Assessment (PaCSEA) GIS Resource Database |
West Coast Environmental Protocols Framework: Baseline and Monitoring Studies
This study by Pacific Energy Ventures provides a framework for identifying natural resources and ecological issues to monitor for proposed wave, tidal, and offshore wind projects along the U.S. West Coast. |
Pacific Energy Ventures | 2010-2012 | Data Management | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Attraction, Avoidance, Changes in Flow, Collision, Displacement, Electromagnetic Fields, Entanglement, Habitat Change, Lighting, Noise Bats, Birds, Ecosystem processes, Fish, Invertebrates, Marine mammals, Physical Environment, Sea turtles |
Klure et al. 2012 |
Effects of EMF from Undersea Power Cables on Elasmobranchs and Other Marine Species
This study by Normandeau Associates synthesized data and information about subsea power-transmission cables and the sensitivity of marine organisms to electromagnetic fields (EMF) produced by the cables....Read more This study by Normandeau Associates synthesized data and information about subsea power-transmission cables and the sensitivity of marine organisms to electromagnetic fields (EMF) produced by the cables. It produced a database of information about potentially affected species of elasmobranchs (sharks and rays), other fishes, marine mammals, sea turtles, and invertebrates. It also recommended future research priorities and potential mitigation measures. Read less |
Normandeau Associates | 2009-2011 | Literature Review | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Electromagnetic Fields Fish, Invertebrates |
Normandeau Associates Inc et al. 2011 |
Updated Summary of Knowledge: Selected Areas of the Pacific Coast
This study by Mangi Environmental Group compiled and analyzed information generated after 1977 about the coastal and marine environment from Grays Harbor, Washington to San Francisco Bay, and from Santa Barbara County to the U.S.-Mexico border....Read more This study by Mangi Environmental Group compiled and analyzed information generated after 1977 about the coastal and marine environment from Grays Harbor, Washington to San Francisco Bay, and from Santa Barbara County to the U.S.-Mexico border. It identified early information and data gaps about oceanographic resources and potential impacts of offshore renewable energy development. Read less |
Mangi Environmental Group | 2008-2010 | Literature Review | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Bats, Birds, Ecosystem processes, Fish, Invertebrates, Marine mammals, Physical Environment, Sea turtles |
Kaplan et al. 2010 |
Monterey Accelerated Research System (MARS)
The system consists of a 52-km (32-mile) undersea cable that carries data and power to a “science node” 891 meters (2,923 feet) below the surface of Monterey Bay. More than eight different science experiments can be attached to this main hub with eight nodes....Read more The system consists of a 52-km (32-mile) undersea cable that carries data and power to a “science node” 891 meters (2,923 feet) below the surface of Monterey Bay. More than eight different science experiments can be attached to this main hub with eight nodes. Additional experiments can be daisy-chained to each node. MARS is located at latitude North 36 degrees 42.7481 minutes and longitude West 122 degrees 11.2139 minutes. Ocean scientists are invited to consider deploying instruments on the MARS ocean observatory testbed. Read less |
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) | 2007-Ongoing | Field | Wind Energy Area California |
Noise, Habitat Change, Baseline Marine mammals, Ecosystem processes |
Anthony 2021 |
Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System Observations
CeNCOOS is a US Government-accredited, regional source for high-quality data, integrated information, and diverse expertise to inform wise and sustainable use of the ocean off Central and Northern California. |
Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System (CenCOOS) | 2004-Ongoing | Data Management, Field, Modeling | State California |
Baseline Ecosystem processes, Fish, Marine mammals, Physical Environment |
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Southern Resident Killer Whale Research in the Pacific Northwest
In response to the proposed listing of Southern Resident killer whales under the Endangered Species Act, the NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center established a dedicated research program in 2003....Read more In response to the proposed listing of Southern Resident killer whales under the Endangered Species Act, the NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center established a dedicated research program in 2003. The program aims to fill data gaps and assess the impact of potential threats to this population. We use various monitoring and survey techniques to study these whales. Read less |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) | 2003-ongoing | Field | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Marine mammals |
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At-Sea Distribution and Abundance of Seabirds and Marine Mammals off Southern California GIS Resource Database: Aerial seabird and marine mammal surveys off southern California, 1999-2002
From 19992002, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Humboldt State University (HSU) worked with BOEM (formerly known as the Minerals Management Service, MMS) to conduct a multi-year study that quantified the at-sea distribution of seabirds and marine mammals....Read more From 19992002, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Humboldt State University (HSU) worked with BOEM (formerly known as the Minerals Management Service, MMS) to conduct a multi-year study that quantified the at-sea distribution of seabirds and marine mammals. The aerial at-sea survey team flew over 55,000 kilometers and counted 485,000 seabirds (67 species) and 64,000 marine mammals (19 species). The study provided resource managers with updated information on distribution and abundance patterns and compared results with information from the late 1970s to early 1980s (Briggs et al. 1981, Briggs et al. 1987, see Mason et al. 2007). The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW; formerly known as California Department of Fish and Game, CDFG) and U.S. Navy also provided significant matching funds. Read less |
United States Geological Survey (USGS) Western Ecological Research Center | 1999-2002 | Field | State California |
Baseline Birds, Marine mammals |
Mason et al. 2007, USGS Data |
Blue Whale Hot Spots
Blue whales are classified as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act; human activities may be responsible for hampering their recovery....Read more Blue whales are classified as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act; human activities may be responsible for hampering their recovery. A team of scientists attached transmitters to 171 blue whales off California and in the Gulf of California in 1993 to 2008 and tracked their movements via satellite to identify hot spots. Read less |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) | 1993-2008 | Field | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Marine mammals |
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West Coast Species Distribution Modeling
Cetacean species distribution models (SDMs) or “habitat models” estimate density as a continuous function of habitat variables (e.g., sea surface temperature, seafloor depth) and within the study area that was modeled, densities can be predicted at all locations where these habitat variables can...Read more Cetacean species distribution models (SDMs) or “habitat models” estimate density as a continuous function of habitat variables (e.g., sea surface temperature, seafloor depth) and within the study area that was modeled, densities can be predicted at all locations where these habitat variables can be measured or estimated. SDMs therefore allow estimates of cetacean densities on finer spatial and temporal scales than traditional line-transect or mark-recapture analyses. Read less |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) | 1991-2020 | Modeling | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Marine mammals |
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Ship-based Cetacean and Ecosystem Assessment Surveys in the California Current
NMFS has conducted large-vessel cetacean and ecosystem assessment surveys in waters off the U.S. West Coast....Read more NMFS has conducted large-vessel cetacean and ecosystem assessment surveys in waters off the U.S. West Coast. These line-transect surveys typically occur in summer and fall and span waters out 300 nautical miles offshore, from the US-Canada to US-Mexico border, but sometimes include waters in Canada or Mexico as well. Data types collected principally include visual sightings data for cetaceans and seabirds, passive acoustic (e.g., towed or drifting array) data for cetaceans, tissue biopsy sampling used for genetics analysis, and oceanographic sampling. Survey data have been used to estimate cetacean population size and trends, delineate cetacean population stock structure, describe cetacean and seabird distributions and hotspots, develop species distribution models, and inform marine mammal stock assessment reports pursuant to statutory requirements under the MMPA. Read less |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) | 1991-ongoing | Field | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Marine mammals, Sea turtles, Birds |
Barlow et al. 2014 |
Gray Whales in the Eastern North Pacific
Gray whales in the eastern North Pacific represent a conservation success story, tied to successful management of a species that was driven to near extinction by past commercial whaling. Gray whales are the most commonly-observed whale on the U.S. West Coast....Read more Gray whales in the eastern North Pacific represent a conservation success story, tied to successful management of a species that was driven to near extinction by past commercial whaling. Gray whales are the most commonly-observed whale on the U.S. West Coast. Off California, our scientists collect data on their population abundance, calf production, and body condition; all of which are used for stock assessment. (NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center) Read less |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) | 1967-ongoing | Field | Regional California |
Baseline Marine mammals |
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Biogeochemical Gliders
Working to equip biogeochemical sensors on underwater gliders. |
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) | Technology Development | State California |
Habitat Change Ecosystem processes, Physical Environment |
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Cetacean Behavior
Studies of cetacean behavior provide information on social organization, social signals, mating systems, and anthropogenic impacts....Read more Studies of cetacean behavior provide information on social organization, social signals, mating systems, and anthropogenic impacts. The goal of these studies is to provide a social framework within which to investigate questions about stock identity, population trends, and fishery interactions. The cetacean behavior studies reflect the interests and expertise of many researchers in the Marine Mammal and Turtle Division. We use a variety of tools and work in collaboration on a number of different questions related to cetacean societies and social living in the open ocean. (NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center) Read less |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) | Field | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Marine mammals |
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Deep-Sea Coral and Sponge Community Studies
Studies of deep-sea coral and sponge ecosystems at Sur Ridge and Davidson Seamount focus on oceanographic and biological factors influencing their diversity and abundance. |
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) | Field | State California |
Baseline Invertebrates, Ecosystem processes |
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Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System Observations
As the regional observing system for Southern California, SCCOOS, has developed the capabilities to support short-term decision-making and long-term assessment by implementing and leveraging biological, chemical, and physical observations and models, many of which are available in near real-time....Read more As the regional observing system for Southern California, SCCOOS, has developed the capabilities to support short-term decision-making and long-term assessment by implementing and leveraging biological, chemical, and physical observations and models, many of which are available in near real-time. Read less |
Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System (SCCOOS) |
Data Management, Field, Modeling | Regional California |
Baseline Ecosystem processes, Fish, Marine mammals, Physical Environment |
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Understanding the Effects of a Changing Ocean
Focusing on how marine animals will respond to shifting ocean conditions caused by climate change and other human activities. In the laboratory, we’ve developed an “Upwelling Simulator” that controls the temperature, oxygen levels, and acidity of waters fed to experimental aquaria....Read more Focusing on how marine animals will respond to shifting ocean conditions caused by climate change and other human activities. In the laboratory, we’ve developed an “Upwelling Simulator” that controls the temperature, oxygen levels, and acidity of waters fed to experimental aquaria. We can mimic the sort of environmental variation that nearshore animals off California experience naturally, and under more severe future conditions, and measure how it affects the reproduction, growth, and survival of organisms (e.g., black abalone). Read less |
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) | Laboratory | Regional California |
Habitat Change Fish, Invertebrates |
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Protected Species Surveys
Ship-based and aerial surveys are critical to achieving NOAA Fisheries marine mammal and sea turtle population assessment goals, which include abundance estimation and examination of trends and human impacts relative to management objectives....Read more Ship-based and aerial surveys are critical to achieving NOAA Fisheries marine mammal and sea turtle population assessment goals, which include abundance estimation and examination of trends and human impacts relative to management objectives. A limited number of marine mammal and sea turtle-focused surveys are conducted and managed by our six Science Centers. These often involve more than one center, as well as internal and external collaborators. The number of protected species surveys conducted each year is dependent on funding and available ship time allocated at the national level. Read less |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) | Field | Regional California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Marine mammals, Sea turtles, Fish |
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Zooplankton Biodiversity and Species Relationships
The deep-sea is a diverse habitat, but it is turning out to be even more diverse than we imagined....Read more The deep-sea is a diverse habitat, but it is turning out to be even more diverse than we imagined. There are two ways that we are discovering new layers of this diversity: First, using remotely operated submersibles (ROVs) we can collect fragile life forms which have not been studied before. Second, within the species that we think are familiar, we find new genetic diversity. Read less |
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) | Field | State California |
Baseline Fish, Invertebrates, Ecosystem processes |
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Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems
The Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS) is the Regional Association of the national Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) in the Pacific Northwest, primarily Washington and Oregon....Read more The Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS) is the Regional Association of the national Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) in the Pacific Northwest, primarily Washington and Oregon. NANOOS has strong ties with the observing programs in Alaska and British Columbia through our common purpose and the occasional overlap of data and products. Read less |
Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS) | Data Management, Field, Modeling | State California, Oregon, Washington |
Baseline Ecosystem processes, Fish, Marine mammals, Physical Environment |
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Ocean Noise
Anthropogenic noise can have far reaching effects on the health of marine life. This project examines anthropogenic noise in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. |
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) | Field | State California |
Noise Marine mammals |
Krumpl et al. 2021, Ryan et al. 2021, Simonis et al. 2020 |