Atlantic Science Year in Review 2017

Office of Renewable Energy Programs 

www.boem.gov

U.S. Department of the Interior | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2017

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Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2017

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The Bureau of Ocean Energy 

Management (BOEM) funds 

environmental studies for information 

needed to predict, assess, and manage 

impacts from offshore energy and marine 

mineral activities on human, marine, and 

coastal environments as mandated under 

Section 20 of the Outer Continental Shelf 

Lands Act.

This year in review presents the studies 

completed in 2017 in support of BOEM’s 

Offshore Renewable Energy Program 

along the Atlantic coast. The studies 

represent a broad spectrum of research 

and monitoring to address a variety 

of environmental concerns and issues. 

This review represents a snapshot of the 

ongoing and completed studies funded 

in whole or in part by BOEM.

To learn more about other studies, please 

visit the BOEM website at www.boem.gov.

Overview
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2017

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Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf Renewable Energy Leases
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MARINE MAMMALS & OTHER PROTECTED SPECIES

• Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species I (2010–2014)

BIRDS & BATS

• Determining Fine-scale Use and Movement Patterns of Diving Bird Species in Federal Waters of the 

Mid-Atlantic United States Using Satellite Telemetry 

• Flight Activity and Offshore Movements of Nano-Tagged Bats on Martha’s Vineyard, MA 

FISH & FISHERIES

• Habitat Mapping and Assessment of Northeast Wind Energy Areas 

• Socio-Economic Impact of Outer Continental Shelf Wind Energy Development on Fisheries in the U.S. Atlantic

• Southern New England Juvenile Fish Habitat Research Paper

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

• Geophysical and Geotechnical Investigation Methodology Assessment for Siting Renewable Energy 

Facilities on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf

• Munitions and Explosives of Concern Survey Methodology and In-field Testing for Wind Energy Areas 

on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf 

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

• Observing Cable Laying and Particle Settlement during the Construction of the Block Island Wind Farm 

CULTURAL & ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

• North Carolina Collaborative Archaeological Survey: Kitty Hawk Wind Energy Area 

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT

• Evaluating Benefits of Offshore Wind Energy Projects in the National Environmental Policy Act 

• Improving Efficiencies of National Environmental Policy Act Documentation for Offshore Wind Facilities 

Case Studies Report 

• Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Offshore Wind Energy Facilities Emission Estimating Tool

• Phased Approaches to Offshore Wind Developments and Use of the Project Design Envelope

WORKSHOPS

• Atlantic Ocean Energy and Mineral Science Forum 

• Best Management Practices Workshop for Atlantic Offshore Wind Facilities and Marine Protected Species 

Table of Contents

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Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species I (2010–2014)

T

he Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species 

(AMAPPS) is a comprehensive, multi-agency research program 

on the U.S. Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The goal of 

AMAPPS is to assess the abundance, distribution, ecology, and 

behavior of marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds from Maine to 

the Florida Keys in order to provide mapped estimates of where they 

are likely to be located throughout the year. AMAPPS I was conducted 

from 2010–2014, and AMAPPS II is ongoing from 2015–2019. 

FINDINGS

• Abundance estimates for many marine mammal species were 

higher than previously estimated due to improved calculation 

techniques

• Beaked whales are present throughout the year along on the 

shelf break based on new data from acoustic monitoring

• Areas of persistent higher concentrations of marine birds were 

found off the Outer Banks of North Carolina, off eastern Long 

Island, and in the Martha’s Vineyard/Nantucket Island region

• During summer months, loggerhead turtles are found in 

relatively high densities in coastal waters from Cape Hatteras, 

NC, to Long Island, NY

How BOEM will use this information:

• Identify new lease areas for offshore wind energy 

• Develop of mitigation measures for construction and operation 

of wind facilities

• Inform wind energy developers when siting wind facilities and 

developing post construction monitoring plans

Additional information:

Final report: https://marinecadastre.webqa.coast.noaa.gov/

espis/#/search/study/100019

Study information: https://nefsc.noaa.gov/psb/AMAPPS/

Conducted by: National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Key Researchers: D.L. Palka, S. Chavez-Rosales, E. Josephson, D. Cholewiak, H.L. Haas, L. Garrison, M. Jones, D. 

Sigourney, G. Waring, M. Jech, E. Broughton, M. Soldevilla, G. Davis, A. DeAngelis, C.R. Sasso, M.V. Winton, R.J. 

Smolowitz, G. Fay, E. LaBrecque, J.B. Leiness, Dettloff, M. Warden, K. Murray, and C. Orphanides

Funded by: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the U.S. Navy, with in-kind contributions from the 

National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Searching for whales using binoculars.

Tracks of surveys conducted between 

2010 and 2014. 
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2017

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Determining Fine-scale Use and Movement Patterns of Diving Bird Species 

in Federal Waters of the Mid-Atlantic United States Using Satellite Telemetry

T

his study researched the fine-scale use and movement patterns 

of three diving bird species (red-throated loon, surf scoter, and 

northern gannet) in the mid-Atlantic because of their declining 

populations, lack of information on the Atlantic south of New England, 

and potential to be affected by wind energy development. From 2012 

to 2015, the researchers captured, tagged, and tracked 239 adult 

birds using satellite transmitters. The tracking data were analyzed 

using dynamic movement models to create space use distribution 

maps. These maps include BOEM leased areas.

FINDINGS

• All species exhibited a largely near-shore, coastal, or in-shore 

distribution. Habitat use was concentrated in or around large 

bays (e.g., Delaware, Chesapeake, Pamlico Sound), with the most 

extensive use at the bay mouths

• Relatively very little of the total winter core use and home range 

areas overlapped with the BOEM leased areas 

• The results complement findings from the BOEM ongoing study 

“Integrative Statistical Modeling and Predictive Mapping of 

Seabird Distribution and Abundance on the Atlantic Outer 

Continental Shelf (AT 13-03)” 

Conducted by: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in partnership with the Sea Duck Joint Venture, U.S. Geological Survey, 

Biodiversity Research Institute, and Memorial University of Newfoundland

Key Researchers: A. Berlin, A. Gilbert, C. Gray, W. Montevecchi, I. Stenhouse, C. Spiegel

Funded by: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

How BOEM will use this information:

• Inform decisions regarding 

identification of future areas to lease

• Refine requirements for pre- and postconstruction surveys

• Address the Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Additional information:

Final report: https://marinecadastre.

webqa.coast.noaa.gov/espis/#/search/

study/100060

Northern Gannett with tag. J. Fiely

Field team collecting birds for tagging. J. Fiely 
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2017

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Flight Activity and Offshore Movements of Nano-Tagged Bats 

on Martha’s Vineyard, MA

T

he northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) was recently 

listed as a threatened species under the federal Endangered 

Species Act in 2016. The Cape Wind Energy Project Final 

Environmental Impact Statement stated that bats (including the 

northern long-eared bat) infrequently cross Nantucket Sound to 

hibernate on the mainland and therefore are at little risk for colliding 

with the proposed project. 

The northern long-eared bat does use islands like Martha’s Vineyard 

for roosting in the summer. Although it is well known that some bat 

species fly over the open ocean during migration, it is not known 

whether northern long-eared bats migrate to the mainland or travel 

from island to island.

FINDINGS

• Movements of northern long-eared bats were confined to a 

relatively small area compared to other bat species

• None of the tagged northern long eared bats traveled offshore, 

while other bat species did 

• Northern long-eared bats hibernate on the island 

How BOEM will use this information:

• Confirm that non-migratory bats (including the northern longeared bats) appear to be at very low risk of collision because 

they infrequently cross Nantucket Sound

• Incorporate observations in future consultations under the 

Endangered Species Act

Additional information:

Final report: www.boem.gov/Flight-Activity-and-OffshoreMovements-of-Nano-Tagged-Bats-on-Marthas-Vineyard

Conducted by: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Key Researchers: Z. Dowling, P. Sievert, E. Baldwin, L. Johnson, S. von Oettingen, J. Reichard 

Funded by: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) 

Northern Long–Eared Bat captured 

for tagging. 

Telemetry receiver on Martha’s 

Vineyard. 
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Habitat Mapping and Assessment of Northeast Wind Energy Areas 

T

his study developed a comprehensive multi-scale benthic 

assessment and comprehensive database of eight Atlantic 

Outer Continental Shelf Wind Energy Areas (WEA). Each area 

is described through the geologic setting, physical oceanographic 

conditions, and species present. The assessments add to our 

knowledge of the benthic structure, function, and valued resources 

within the Atlantic WEA network, prior to development. The WEAs 

range from Massachusetts to North Carolina and encompass over 

7,000 km2 of seafloor for offshore renewable energy development.

FINDINGS

• All of the WEAs have relatively flat topography with overall 

slopes never exceeding one degree and local slopes only rarely 

reaching four degrees 

• Sediments in all WEAs are primarily sand or sand-dominated 

• All WEAs are subject to small ranges of salinities and large 

annual ranges in water temperature

• The species of concern in this area are ones that are immobile, or 

nearly so during at least one life stage, and are unable to escape 

from habitats disturbed by human activity

How BOEM will use this information:

• Identify areas within WEAs that are most suitable for 

development

• Identify essential fish habitat in accordance with the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act

Additional information:

Final report: www.boem.gov/espis/5/5647.pdf

Conducted by: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Northeast Fisheries Science Center, in 

collaboration with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth 

School for Marine Science and Technology

Key Researchers: V. Guida, A. Drohan, D. Johnson, J. McHenry, H. Welch, V. Kentner, J. Brink, D. Timmons, E. Estela-Gomez

Funded by: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), with in-kind contributions from the National Marine 

Fisheries Service

Wind Energy Areas assessed.

Delaware WEA bathymetry. 
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Socio-Economic Impact of Outer Continental Shelf Wind Energy Development 

on Fisheries in the U.S. Atlantic

T

his study characterizes commercial and recreational fishing 

from Maine to North Carolina and provides insight into revenue 

generated by federally permitted fishermen. The report details 

the average value of fish harvested over the six-year period between 

2007 and 2012 (“exposed revenue”) and identifies the ports and 

fishery sectors (e.g., gear, species) supporting that activity. NOAA 

also developed a model to estimate the socio-economic impact of 

wind energy development on commercial fishermen.

FINDINGS

• The ports of New Bedford, MA; Atlantic City, NJ; Cape May, NJ; 

and Narragansett, RI, are the most exposed to potential impacts 

from wind energy development in terms of total revenue 

• By total value, sea scallops are the single most exposed species 

at an average annual $4.3 million in revenue sourced from the 

potential wind energy areas, but this value only represents one 

percent of the total scallop landings along the Atlantic

• The results generally indicate that commercial fisheries are 

expected to be minimally impacted due to availability of 

alternative fishing areas

Conducted by: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Northeast Fisheries Science Center 

Key Researchers: A. Kirkpatrick, S. Benjamin, G. DePiper, T. Murphy, S. Steinback, C. Demarest 

Funded by: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) 

How BOEM will use this information:

• Identify areas of potential conflict 

with commercial fishing

• Determine where additional analysis 

may be needed 

Additional information:

Final report: https://marinecadastre.

gov/espis/#/search/study/100058 

GIS raster data: www.boem.gov/

Renewable-Energy-GIS-Data

Commercial fishery revenue in relation 

to BOEM wind energy areas. Darker blue 

indicates higher revenue (2007-2012) for 

federally permitted commercial fishers. 

Vessel conducting fisheries trawl surveys near the Block Island 

Wind Farm. Courtesy of Deepwater Wind 
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Southern New England Juvenile Fish Habitat Research Paper

T

he Coonamessett Farm Foundation, Inc., completed a series 

of five winter dredge surveys in southern New England waters 

between December 2015 and early April 2016 for a project 

funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

The dredge survey locations overlapped with BOEM lease areas, and 

the fish catch data collected during the dredge surveys provided 

needed information about fish winter presence in the area. Video 

footage also provided information about benthic habitat. The 

objectives of this study were to generate maps of the habitat types 

and distribution of fish catch numbers, analyze types of habitats 

preferred by fish species, and compare the results of this study with 

other surveys conducted in the area.

 FINDINGS

• In Southern New England, winter flounder spawn 

further offshore than previously believed

• Flounder catch is strongly dependent on 

survey month rather than other physical 

parameters such as temperature and 

sediment type

How BOEM will use this information:

• Consider flounder expands when siting 

wind turbines within the wind energy 

areas

• Identify essential fish habitat in 

accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens 

Fishery Conservation and Management 

Act

Additional information:

Final report: https://marinecadastre.gov/

espis/#/search/study/100178

Conducted by: Coonamessett Farm Foundation, Inc.

Key Researchers: L. Siemann, R. Smolowitz

Funded by: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

Winter flounder.

Winter flounder catch by month
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Geophysical and Geotechnical Investigation Methodology Assessment 

for Siting Renewable Energy Facilities on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf

T

he Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) is considered by BOEM 

to be a “frontier region,” where little information exists about 

the geologic conditions and how those conditions may impact 

development of offshore wind facilities. Although knowledge from 

experience in other regions can be transferred to the Atlantic OCS 

wind industry, the differing water depths, geologic conditions, and 

construction methods presents a unique combination of variables 

for the nascent U.S. Atlantic wind industry. This study investigates 

and assesses the various methods and equipment choices for 

performing site investigations to identify shallow hazards, geologic 

hazards, biological conditions, geotechnical properties, and 

archaeological resources. 

FINDINGS

• The report presents detailed information regarding geologic 

conditions in offshore wind energy lease and planning areas 

located in the Atlantic OCS 

• The geologic conditions are used to understand the benefits 

and risks associated with various geophysical and geotechnical 

methodologies and approaches 

Conducted by: Fugro Marine GeoServices, Inc.

Key Researchers: Fugro Marine GeoServices, Inc. 

Funded by: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) 

Configuration of geologic surveys.

• The report also includes best 

practice recommendations for 

geophysical surveys and geotechnical 

investigations and an equipment 

guidebook that presents information 

on anticipated performance in the 

identified geologic setting of the 

Atlantic OCS 

How BOEM will use this information:

• Review and potentially revise existing 

guidance

• Inform the developers about 

the complexities and tradeoffs 

associated with the various options 

of geophysical and geotechnical site 

investigations

Additional information:

Final report: www.boem.gov/G-andG-Methodology-Renewable-EnergyFacilities-on-the-Atlantic-OCS

High-resolution vertical profile example.
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Munitions and Explosives of Concern Survey Methodology and In-field Testing 

for Wind Energy Areas on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf

M unitions and explosives of concern (MEC) must be identified 

prior to installation of offshore wind facilities. There is little 

detailed guidance on how to identify and remove surficial, 

partially buried, and fully buried MEC (to a depth of 10 meters) 

likely to be encountered on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf 

(OCS). The goal of this project is to study the available technology 

and methods in order to allow safe construction and operation of 

wind turbines, power cables, and similar offshore energy projects. 

The project was split into two phases: the first phase gathered 

information to develop a methodology that would be capable of 

detecting hazardous objects, and the second phase verified the 

effectiveness of the developed methods. 

FINDINGS

• A substantial number of historical activities provided 

information on locating MEC in federally regulated offshore 

wind energy lease areas 

• Technical solutions do exist for detecting MEC 

Conducted by: CALIBRE Systems, Inc., University of Delaware, Hawaii Institute of Geophysics and Planetology School 

of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, and Environet, Inc.

Key Researchers: G. Carton, C. DuVal, A. Trembanis, M. Edwards, M. Rognstad, C. Briggs, S. Shjegstad

Funded by: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

Side-scan sonar imagery of test materials to mimic MEC.

Example of a series of magnetometers 

for towing. Image Courtesy of EIVA.

• Risk assessments are essential to 

develop methods for site clearance 

and determine the level of effort 

necessary to safely develop a site

How BOEM will use this information:

• Develop guidance for lessees on 

surveying for MEC on the Atlantic OCS

• Inform the developers about the 

site specific hazards associated with 

historical activities that took place in 

the areas surrounding offshore wind 

lease and planning areas

Additional information:

Final report: www.boem.gov/

Munitions-and-Explosives-of-ConcernSurvey-Methodology-and-In-fieldTesting-for-Wind-Energy-Areas-onthe-Atlantic-Outer-Continental-Shelf
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Observing Cable Laying and Particle Settlement during the Construction 

of the Block Island Wind Farm

T

his study presents key observations, data, findings, and results 

from environmental monitoring surveys conducted during 

the installation of a submarine cable from the mainland at 

Scarborough State Beach to Block Island’s Fred Benson Town Beach. 

The cable was installed by use of a customized jet plow. Real-time 

monitoring gathered data that included visual observations of the 

installation process and measurements of suspended sediment 

concentrations in the water column.

 FINDINGS

• No sediment plume was observed as a result of the jet plow 

operations

• Suspended sediment levels on site during jet plow activity were 

found to be up to 100 times lower than those predicted by the 

modeling work

• Most of the overspill sediments deposited within the overspill 

levee

Conducted by: HDR EOC

Key Researchers: J. Elliot, K. Smith, D. Gallien, A. Khan

Funded by: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

Cable Lay Barge CLB Big Max.

How BOEM will use this information:

• Provide additional information 

necessary for BOEM’s evaluation 

of environmental effects of future 

facilities 

• Generate data to improve the 

accuracy of models and analysis 

criteria employed to establish 

monitoring controls and mitigations

Additional information:

Final report: https://marinecadastre.

gov/espis/#/search/study/100122

Dredge used for cable laying. 
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North Carolina Collaborative Archaeological Survey: Kitty Hawk Wind Energy Area

T his study obtained baseline archaeological information in and 

around the Kitty Hawk Wind Energy Area (WEA). The study 

completed a reconnaissance survey using sidescan sonar of 

approximately half of the WEA, and scientific divers investigated six 

targets with archaeological potential. 

FINDINGS

• Two of the six targets investigated were confirmed to be 

archaeological sites, and the study recommended avoidance 

buffers and additional investigation for these sites 

• The remaining four targets were determined to be modern 

debris or geological features, and no further investigation was 

recommended 

Conducted by: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

Monitor National Marine Sanctuary

Key Researchers: B. Carrier, N. DeLong, W. Hoffman, J. Hoyt, W. Sassorossi

Funded by: BOEM

The tanker Byron D. Benson torpedoed by a German U-boat 

during World War II. 

How BOEM will use this information:

• Reduce the impact of wind energy 

development on archaeological sites 

by identifying their location and 

providing a zone for avoidance

• Assist BOEM in considering the 

effects of its activities on cultural 

resources under the National Historic 

Preservation Act and National 

Environmental Policy Act

Additional information:

Final report: www.boem.gov/

ESPIS/5/5633.pdf
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Evaluating Benefits of Offshore Wind Energy Projects in the National 

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 

T

he NEPA defines “effects” to include both direct and indirect 

effects and both adverse and beneficial effects. However, 

less effort has been invested in defining ways to determine 

beneficial effects than for adverse effects. For example, the addition 

of hard substrate in a marine area where little hard substrate occurs 

naturally may be beneficial to species using that hard substrate if it 

is in limited supply, but establishment of hard substrate is not the 

objective of the project. This study is for interested members of the 

general public who seek a better understanding of how benefits can 

be captured, described, and evaluated during the NEPA process.

 FINDINGS

• Benefits from the development of offshore wind energy 

projects, in particular offshore wind projects, can accrue in 

three primary areas: system benefits, environmental benefits, 

and socioeconomic benefits 

• Offshore wind power has environmental benefits when 

compared to conventional electrical power generation, such 

as very low carbon dioxide emissions over its life cycle and 

negligible emissions of mercury, nitrous oxides, and sulfur 

oxides

How BOEM will use this information:

• Provide guidance for incorporating an analysis of benefits in 

environmental assessments

• Address the requirement of the National Environmental Policy 

Act to consider the benefits of a proposed action

Additional information:

Final report: www.boem.gov/Final-Version-Offshore-BenefitsWhite-Paper

Conducted by: AECOM

Key Researchers: AECOM

Funded by: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

Turbine at the Block Island Wind Farm.
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Improving Efficiencies of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 

Documentation for Offshore Wind Facilities Case Studies Report

F

or more than 20 years, several European countries have been 

building large offshore wind projects and have conducted 

environmental monitoring at these project sites. This study 

conducted a review and synthesis of European monitoring studies, 

where publicly available. The researchers then developed 29 case 

studies to demonstrate impacts for resources, conditions, geographic 

locations, and vulnerabilities that may be similar between European 

developments and U.S. offshore developments. 

 FINDINGS

• Through a series of 29 case studies, this document presents 

the findings of a systematic review and synthesis of European 

offshore wind facility monitoring campaigns and consolidates 

available impact and mitigation data with the intention of 

improving stakeholder understanding of comparable work 

done in Europe 

Conducted by: Marine GeoServices Inc. and Fugro GB Marine Ltd.

Key Researchers: P. English, T. Mason, J. Backstrom, B. Tibbles, A. Mackay, M. Smith, T. Mitchell

Funded by: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

How BOEM will use this information:

• Identify common elements from 

European offshore wind project 

monitoring to reduce NEPA analysis 

and avoid repeat study

• Reduce uncertainties associated 

with current state-of-the-practice 

knowledge 

• Identify critical data gaps that may 

require further and more detailed 

study specific to U.S. conditions 

• Inform mitigation implementation 

• Ensure the future environmental 

reviews include the necessary 

evaluation of these impacts

Additional information:

Final report: www.boem.gov/

Improving-Efficiencies-of-NationalEnvironmental/

Installing the foundation at Block Island Wind Farm.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2017

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Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Offshore Wind Energy Facilities 

Emission Estimating Tool

I

n order to ensure consistency in calculating air quality impacts 

for BOEM’s environmental reviews, a software tool has been 

developed to estimate the net effect on air emissions by a 

proposed wind energy project. The tool takes into account both the 

air emissions associated with the lifecycle of a proposed offshore 

wind energy project, such as offshore vehicle and helicopter 

emissions from construction and maintenance activities, as well 

the fossil fuel combustion emissions that the wind farm’s generated 

energy would replace. 

 FINDINGS

• The tool outputs a Microsoft Excel file with emission 

summaries by phase, location, and equipment type, as well 

as a summary of the inputs and emission factors used in the 

calculations 

Conducted by: Eastern Research Group, Inc

Key Researchers: R. Chang, B. Do

Funded by: BOEM

• Emissions calculated by the tool 

include: carbon dioxide (CO2), 

methane, nitrous oxide, CO2 

equivalents, black carbon, carbon 

monoxide, nitrogen oxides, 

particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and 

volatile organic compounds

• A user’s guide is provided on how to 

use the tool

How BOEM will use this information:

• Consistently quantify project 

emissions for BOEM’s environmental 

assessments

• Aid in air quality permitting and 

project planning

• Characterize the cumulative impacts 

of development projects on air quality

Additional information:

Tool and supporting documentation: 

www.boem.gov/BOEM-StakeholderEngagement/

Installing wind turbines at Block Island Wind Farm.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2017

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Phased Approaches to Offshore Wind Developments and Use of the Project 

Design Envelope

T

his study researched an appropriate approach to process 

and prepare the Project Design Envelope (PDE) for phased 

offshore wind development in the U.S. PDE is a mechanism for 

assessing, interpreting, and presenting phased development. This 

study analyzed experience of previous PDE applications for phased 

developments in U.K.-based offshore wind projects and reviewed 

lessons learned from the U.K. projects to identify best practices that 

could be applied to offshore wind development in the U.S. market. 

 FINDINGS

• The permitted/consented PDE provides essential flexibility to 

a developer in an industry that is rapidly evolving in terms of 

new technology and methodologies

• Clear communication of the phased approach and the PDE is 

a critical element to successfully implementing these tools/

processes

Conducted by: RPS

Key Researchers: J. Rowe, A. Payne, A. Williams, D. O’Sullivan, A. Morandi

Funded by: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

• Phasing and the PDE need to be 

outlined in a construction and 

operations plan and assessed using 

the maximum design scenario 

process

How BOEM will use this information:

• Inform Lessees and Developers 

about flexibility in the National 

Environmental Policy Act process

• For future updates to BOEM’s 

Guidelines for Information 

Requirements for a Renewable 

Energy Construction and Operations 

Plan: www.boem.gov/Nationaland-Regional-Guidelines-forRenewable-Energy-Activities/

Additional information:

Final report: www.boem.gov/PhasedApproaches-to-Offshore-Wind-Developments-and-Use-of-Project-DesignEnvelope/

Block Island Wind Farm as seen from the Southeast Lighthouse 

on Block Island.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2017

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Atlantic Ocean Energy and Mineral Science Forum

O n November 16–17, 2016, in Sterling, VA, BOEM hosted the 

Atlantic Ocean Energy and Mineral Science Forum (Forum) 

to present BOEM’s ongoing and recently completed studies, 

particularly studies supporting BOEM’s Renewable Energy and 

Marine Minerals Programs. 

The Forum objectives were to: 1) share with the public information 

from BOEM’s and other recently completed studies and ongoing 

science activities in the Atlantic region, 2) identify research needs/

information gaps for the development of new studies through 

BOEM’s Environmental Studies Program, and 3) provide the public 

an opportunity to learn how BOEM utilizes the best available 

scientific information to support our decision-making processes.

Over the two days, BOEM staff, BOEM-funded researchers, and other 

Atlantic region experts gave 34 interdisciplinary presentations to 

provide the public updates on a range of social and environmental 

science subject areas. Topic areas included fish and fisheries, marine 

mammals, coastal and marine birds, social and cultural resources, 

environmental stressors, sound propagation, and the marine 

minerals program resource evaluation efforts.

Conducted by: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

Funded by: BOEM

How BOEM will use this information:

• Throughout the two days and during 

a special session at the end, Forum 

participants were asked to provide 

input for emerging issues and future 

directions of the studies program

Additional information:

Final report: www.boem.gov/

ESPIS/5/5579.pdf
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2017

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Best Management Practices Workshop for Atlantic Offshore Wind Facilities and 

Marine Protected Species

B OEM conducted a workshop on March 7–9, 2017, in Silver 

Spring, MD, to assemble a panel of industry representatives, 

non-governmental organizations, scientists, European experts, 

and Federal representatives engaged in offshore wind development. 

The goal of the workshop was to identify major protected species 

issues, stakeholder perspectives, and recommendations for 

developing best management practices (BMPs) for Atlantic offshore 

wind. Major themes included BMPs for high-resolution geophysical 

surveys, pile driving, vessel speeds, and monitoring needs for 

marine mammals and sea turtles.

Panel recommendations:

• Precautionary practices are warranted for the critically 

endangered North Atlantic right whale, and mitigation and 

monitoring strategies should be implemented for other 

protected species. 

• BOEM should develop simple and effective BMPs providing 

flexibility to adapt to project-specific needs

• Standardized monitoring methods should be developed, so 

data can be compared between projects

• Focal behavioral response monitoring studies should be 

completed for individual projects as needed 

Conducted by: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Office of Renewable Energy Programs

Funded by: BOEM

How BOEM will use this information:

• Develop BOEM’s mitigation and 

monitoring strategy for Atlantic 

offshore wind development

Additional information:

The final report is in preparation and will 

be available on the BOEM website.

Workshop Objectives and Daily Schedule: 

www.boem.gov/BMP-WorkshopProtected-Species/
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2017

www.boem.gov | 22

What’s Next?

Mapping the seafloor is expensive and time-consuming, and very 

little of the areas where wind development may occur is mapped 

in detail. Often, models are used to fill in the gaps. BOEM is funding 

a project with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

to enhance seafloor modeling through detailed data collection 

and improving the predictive models currently in use.

[EXPECTED COMPLETION: 2019]

For several years, BOEM has been funding acoustic monitoring in 

both the Virginia and Maryland wind energy areas. These monitors 

record the sounds made by whales, particularly the North Atlantic 

right whale, as they migrate along the coast. The monitoring 

stations are part of a larger network to expand our understanding 

of whale migration from Nova Scotia to Florida.

[EXPECTED COMPLETION: 2019]

During the construction of the first U.S. offshore wind farm 

near Block Island, RI, BOEM contractors were in the field making 

observations about the construction activities, including the 

sound levels produced in air and underwater, seafloor disturbance, 

and activity duration. The results will be used to improve 

model predictions and refine assessments of the effects on the 

environment.

[EXPECTED COMPLETION: 2019]

Here are a few of the new and continuing studies that are underway at Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM):
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2017

www.boem.gov | 23
The Department of the Interior Mission

The Department of the Interior (DOI) protects and manages the Nation’s natural resources 

and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and 

honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, 

and affiliated island communities.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

The Mission of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is to manage development 

of U.S. Outer Continental Shelf energy and mineral resources in an environmentally and 

economically responsible way.

BOEM Environmental Studies Program

The mission of the Environmental Studies Program is to provide the information needed to 

predict, assess, and manage impacts from offshore energy and marine mineral exploration, 

development, and production activities on human, marine, and coastal environments. 

The proposal, selection, research, review, collaboration, production, and dissemination 

of each of BOEM’s Environmental Studies follows the DOI Code of Scientific and Scholarly 

Conduct, in support of a culture of scientific and professional integrity, as set out in the DOI 

Departmental Manual (305 DM 3).

www.boem.gov

U.S. Department of the Interior | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management