Abstract
As part of its approval of plans for the siting of a facility, structure, or cable proposed for a renewable energy project on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) requires information on social and economic conditions, including recreational and commercial fishing activities, such as fishing seasons, locations, and types of fisheries, that could be affected by the lessee’s proposed activities (see: 30 CFR 585.611(b)(7) for a Site Assessment Plan (SAP); 30 CFR 585.627(a)(7) for a Construction and Operations Plan (COP); and 30 CFR 585.646(b)(7) for a General Activities Plan (GAP)). This information will assist BOEM in complying with the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) (43 U.S.C. § 1337(8)(p)), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other relevant laws. If the necessary information is not submitted in a SAP, COP, or GAP, this may result in delay, disapproval, or additional terms and conditions of approval of a plan. BOEM recommends the lessee develop a fisheries engagement strategy, including a fisheries communication plan, to acquire data to meet the information requirements for SAPs, COPs, and GAPs.
Effective communication is the foundation for fisheries-related best management practices. In addition to helping to satisfy regulatory requirements, information acquired through a fisheries communication plan will allow a lessee to fully consider the impacts of construction and operation of its proposed facilities on fishing resources in designing its project, formulating mitigation measures as needed, and monitoring their effectiveness.
These guidelines provide recommendations for complying with information requirements outlined in the regulatory provisions listed above. BOEM provides recommendations for conducting and reporting the results of other baseline collection studies, including fishery resources and benthic habitats, in separate guidelines (https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/national-and-regional-guidelines-renewable-energy-activities).
These guidelines may be updated periodically based upon public feedback and evaluation by BOEM staff.