Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2016 www.boem.gov | 1

2016

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

Atlantic Science|Year in Review

Office of Renewable Energy Programs
Diver mapping a benthic habitat.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2016 www.boem.gov | 3

Overview 2016

Atlantic Science|Year in Review

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 

(OCS) Lands Act (OCSLA).

This year in review presents the studies completed in 2016 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.

Office of Renewable Energy Programs
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2016 www.boem.gov | 4

Outer Continental Shelf Renewable Energy 2016

Atlantic Science|Year in Review
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2016 www.boem.gov | 5

Table of Contents

Marine Mammals & Other Protected Species

•	 Northeast Large Pelagic Survey Collaborative Aerial and Acoustic Surveys for Large Whales and Sea Turtles

Birds & Bats

•	 Abundance and Distribution of Seabirds Off Southeastern Massachusetts, 2011–2015 

•	 Modeling At-Sea Occurrence and Abundance of Marine Birds to Support Atlantic Marine Renewable Energy Planning 

Phase I Report 

•	 Risk of an Offshore Wind Project to a Migrant Shorebird

•	 Mobile Avian Survey Data Collection Software Application

Social Science

•	 The Identification of Port Modifications and the Environmental and Socioeconomic Consequences 

Fish & Fisheries

•	 Spatial and Temporal Distributions of Lobsters and Crabs in the Rhode Island/Massachusetts Wind Energy Area

•	 Benthic Habitat Mapping and Assessment in the Wilmington-East Wind Energy Call Area

•	 Collaborative Fisheries Planning for Virginia’s Offshore Wind Energy Area 

Physical Environment

•	 Virginia Ocean Geophysical Survey Phase II Analyses: Offshore Virginia Wind Energy Area

Environmental Monitoring

•	 Use Finite-Volume Modeling and the Northeast Coastal Ocean Forecast System in Offshore Wind Energy Resource 

Planning

Cultural & Archaeological Resources

•	 Maryland Collaborative Archaeological Survey

•	 Virginia Collaborative Archaeological Survey

What’s Next?

2016

Atlantic Science|Year in Review

?
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2016 www.boem.gov | 6

In this study, researchers collected visual (aerial) 

and acoustic data of marine mammals—particularly 

endangered whales and sea turtles — in the Massachusetts 

Wind Energy Area (WEA) and Rhode Island/Massachusetts 

WEA. Monthly aerial surveys were conducted between 

October 2011 and June 2015, totaling to 76 aerial surveys. 

The researchers also collected acoustic data between 

November 2011 and October 2012 using nine marine 

autonomous recording units (MARUs), six in the MA WEA 

and three in the RIMA WEA.

Findings

Both survey methods uncovered a relatively large number 

and diversity of marine mammals in the spring and summer. 

North Atlantic right whales were more common in the 

winter and spring (December through April). Three species 

of endangered sea turtles were observed during this study, 

and most turtles (mainly loggerhead and leatherback sea 

turtles) were observed during the summer and fall.

How BOEM will use this information

•	 For conducting environmental assessments for 

future offshore wind facilities

•	 For mitigating potential impacts to endangered 

species

•	 For informing the design, construction, and 

operation of future wind facilities

Where to find this study and data

Data are available upon request through the North 

Atlantic Right Whale Consortium at www.narwc.org/

pdf/consortium_database.pdf.

The final report is available on the BOEM website at 

www.boem.gov/RI-MA-Whales-Turtles/.

Northeast Large Pelagic Survey Collaborative Aerial and Acoustic 

Surveys for Large Whales and Sea Turtles

Funded by: Massachusetts Clean Energy Center | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

Conducted by: New England Aquarium | Cornell Bioacoustics Research Program | Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies

Key Researchers: Scott Krauss, PhD | Charles Mayo, PhD | Robert Kenny, PhD | Chris Clark, PhD

Equipment used for monitoring whales. Left: acoustic 

recording instrument. Right: camera and mounting 

equipment. 

Seasonal and annual sightings of the North Atlantic Right 

Whale in the study area.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2016 www.boem.gov | 7

To identify areas of high bird densities in the wind 

energy areas offshore Massachusetts and Rhode 

Island, researchers conducted 38 aerial surveys from 

November 2011 to January 2015 to map the distribution 

and abundance of seabirds.

Findings

Two areas exhibited persistent high densities of birds —

one near Nantucket Shoals and a second in the Muskeget 

Channel. Nantucket Shoals was a hotspot for long-tailed 

ducks and white-winged scoters and is also a likely 

hotspot for common and roseate terns.

How BOEM will use this information

•	 For conducting environmental assessments for 

future offshore wind facilities

•	 For mitigating potential impacts to endangered 

species

•	 For informing the design, construction, and 

operation of future wind facilities

Where to find this study and data

The data were provided to the Ocean Biogeographic 

Information System Spatial Ecological Analysis of 

Megavertebrate Populations (OBIS-SEAMAP) for 

incorporation into distribution and abundance maps.

The final report is available on the BOEM website at 

www.boem.gov/RI-MA-Seabirds/.

Abundance and Distribution of Seabirds Off Southeastern 

Massachusetts, 2011–2015

Funded by: Massachusetts Clean Energy Center | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

Conducted by: College of Staten Island | City University of New York

Key Researchers: Richard Viet, PhD | Timothy White, PhD | Shannon Curley, PhD

Winter distribution of long-tailed ducks.

Study areas and configuration of transect lines.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2016 www.boem.gov | 8

To better understand where marine birds spend their 

time on the open ocean, this project produced maps 

of sighting data for marine bird species in U.S. Atlantic 

Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) waters. The data used in 

this study spanned over three decades and were analyzed 

to address variations between surveys. Marine bird 

behavior and environmental factors were incorporated 

into a spatial predictive model for explaining patterns 

of bird distributions at sea.

Results

Seasonal and annual maps were produced showing the 

spatial distributions of 40 marine bird species in U.S. 

Atlantic OCS waters from Florida to Maine. A second 

phase of the project is currently underway to expand 

and improve the modeling and results of this first report.

Modeling At-Sea Occurrence and Abundance of Marine Birds to 

Support Atlantic Marine Renewable Energy Planning Phase I Report

Funded by: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

Conducted by: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) | National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS)

Key Researchers: Brian Kinlan, PhD | Arliss Winship, PhD

Process for data reduction into relative distribution and abundance maps.

How BOEM will use this information

•	 For identifying appropriate areas for potential 

offshore renewable energy leases

•	 For developing mitigation measures within leased 

areas

Where to find this data

•	 BOEM final report: www.boem.gov/ESPIS/5/5512.

pdf

•	 Study data: http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/

projects/detail?key=279

•	 Interactive maps in the Northeast Ocean Data 

Portal: www.northeastoceandata.org/dataexplorer/?birds

•	 Interactive maps in the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data 

Portal: http://midatlanticocean.org/data-portal/
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2016 www.boem.gov | 9

In this study, the researchers estimated the potential 

fatality rates of rufa red knots resulting from possible 

collisions at a future offshore wind energy facility approved 

for construction offshore of Nantucket Sound, MA. The 

researchers developed a predictive model to account for 

a variety of factors such as migratory patterns, rufa red 

knot flight characteristics, and environmental conditions.

Findings

The model predicted an average rufa red knot collision 

fatality rate of one fatality every 6.25 years at the approved 

facility. Collisions with stationary structures, particularly 

turbine towers, accounted for roughly 90% of all collision 

fatalities in most simulations.

How BOEM will use this information and model

•	 For evaluating the risk of collision with wind 

turbines at different locations along the Atlantic 

coast where red knots are known to occur

Where to find this study

The final report is available on the BOEM website at 

www.boem.gov/WEST-final-report-M14PD00050/.

Risk of an Offshore Wind Project to a Migrant Shorebird

Funded by: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

Conducted by: Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc.

Key Researchers: Caleb Gordon, PhD | Chris Nations, PhD

Red knot.

Flow chart representing the operation of the collision risk 

model.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2016 www.boem.gov | 10

Offshore seabird, marine mammal, and sea turtle surveys 

are necessary to collect baseline and project-specific data 

for offshore development. Previously, there were only a 

handful of computer applications designed to collect such 

data in the field, so the developers created SeaScribe, an 

application that collects standardized, quality-controlled 

marine animal survey data.

Findings

SeaScribe makes it possible to collect uniform survey 

data, while giving users flexibility to add data fields as 

necessary to satisfy research needs. The app can be used 

with both Android and Apple iOS operating systems and 

includes on-the-fly data checking, data standardization 

across surveys, improved data entry design, and reduced 

time to access the quality-controlled data.

How BOEM will use this application

•	 For collecting standardized field observations from 

researchers

•	 For providing valuable data to established data 

repositories

•	 For developing maps showing abundance and 

distribution of birds along the Atlantic coast

Where to find this app

SeaScribe and associated user’s manual are available on the 

BOEM website at www.boem.gov/Survey-Guidelines/.

Mobile Avian Survey Data Collection Software Application

Funded by: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

Conducted by: Biodiversity Research Institute

Key Researchers: Andrew Gilbert, PhD | Ian Stenhouse, PhD

Example data entry page from SeaScribe.

Observing birds in the North Atlantic.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2016 www.boem.gov | 11

In this study, researchers assessed the Atlantic coast port 

facilities for port expansion and modifications needed 

to support proposed Atlantic offshore wind energy 

development projects. The study also addressed potential 

environmental and socioeconomic impacts of these 

modifications and discussed possible mitigation measures.

Findings

Today’s ports have many of the capabilities needed to 

support offshore wind development, but very few ports 

can accommodate the heaviest construction components. 

Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of potential 

port modifications are largely location specific. Many 

complex factors contribute to port selection. 

How BOEM will use this information

•	 For conducting environmental reviews of offshore 

wind energy projects

•	 For assessing environmental and socioeconomic 

impacts of port expansion and modification 

projects

The Identification of Port Modifications and the Environmental 

and Socioeconomic Consequences

Funded by: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

Conducted by: ESS Group, Inc. 

Key Researchers: Payson Whitney III | Stephanie Wilson | Stephanie Chaston | Chris Elkinton, PhD | Alex Uriate, PhD

Specialized cranes lifting a wind turbine blade. Photo 

courtesy of Port of Vancouver USA

Section of a wind turbine tower.

Where to find this study

The final report is available on the BOEM website at 

www.boem.gov/ESPIS/5/5508.pdf.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2016 www.boem.gov | 12

This study was conducted to establish a baseline of lobster 

and crab distribution in the southern New England area 

prior to wind energy development activities. With the 

assistance of local fishermen, lobster traps were placed 

offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts north of Cox 

Ledge. This study also evaluated the lobster stock, which 

is in decline in the area. An additional field season is 

scheduled for 2017.

Findings

The American lobster population on Cox Ledge is relatively 

healthy, with low rates of shell disease compared to 

inshore waters. Greater densities of lobsters were found 

in shallower sites and areas with boulders or a transition 

from boulders to medium sand. Jonah crabs were the 

most numerous species caught and generally were found 

in areas of soft and sand substrates.

How BOEM will use this information

•	 For evaluating changes in distribution and 

abundance after construction of wind facilities in 

the area

•	 For working with fisheries to improve management 

of offshore lobster and Jonah crab

Where to find this study

The interim final report is available on the BOEM website at 

www.boem.gov/Spatial-and-Temporal-Distributions/.

Spatial and Temporal Distributions of Lobsters and Crabs in the 

Rhode Island/Massachusetts Wind Energy Area

Funded by: University of Rhode Island | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

Conducted by: University of Rhode Island

Key Researchers: Jeremy Collie, PhD | John King, PhD

Study site in the Rhode Island/Massachusetts Lease Area.

Lobster trap.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2016 www.boem.gov | 13

The researchers surveyed the Wilmington-East Call Area 

for fish habitat, including rocky outcrops and shipwrecks, 

using multi-beam and side scan sonar technology. Divers 

visually assessed the benthic and fish communities, the 

seasonal changes in communities, and the influence 

of sand and sediment movement around hardbottom 

habitats.

Findings

Rocky outcrops are clustered in patches in discrete regions 

of the study area and seem to correlate with areas used 

for fishing. Five shipwrecks were confirmed, and their 

positions were more accurately identified. Two new 

potential shipwreck sites were also found in the study area.

How BOEM will use this information

•	 For evaluating the best locations for installation 

of turbines and related structures within the 

Wilmington-East Wind Energy Area (WEA)

•	 For determining the need to avoid hard grounds 

that are important to fish, fisheries, and shipwrecks 

that have cultural value

Where to find this study

•	 Final report: www.boem.gov/BOEM-WECA-FinalReport-NCCOS/

•	 Appendices: www.boem.gov/Appendices-2016-

003-NOAA-Tech-memo-NOS-NCCOS-196/

Benthic Habitat Mapping and Assessment in the 

Wilmington-East Wind Energy Call Area

Funded by: UNC | NOAA | National Center for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

Conducted by: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) | University of North Carolina (UNC)

Key Researchers: Christopher Taylor, PhD | Avery Paxton | Christine Voss, PhD

Survey methods for seasonal assessments of hardbottom 

habitat and biological associates: A) fishes along a belt 

transect; B) benthic community in a photoquadrat; 

C) structural complexity using a water level logger; D) 

sediment depth using a T-rod. 
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2016 www.boem.gov | 14

To prepare for potential development of wind energy 

facilities off the coast of Virginia, BOEM, DMME, and VA 

CZM work together with recreational and commercial 

fishing communities to minimize space use conflicts. 

Through a collaborative process, the project developed 

accurate fine-scale maps of commercial, recreational, and 

charter fishing areas.

Findings

The highest level of overlap between commercial fishing 

and potential offshore wind development occurs in the 

proposed export cable route for the Virginia Offshore Wind 

Technology Advancement Project (VOWTAP). The study 

found that the gillnet and pots/traps communities were 

the highest users of the study area. The study identified 

best management practices on communication, design, 

operation, and environmental monitoring of a commercial 

wind facility.

How BOEM will use this information

•	 To understand where fishing occurs and the best 

ways to work with the fishing community

•	 To determine how to avoid or mitigate impacts to 

fishermen through the use of best management 

practices

Where to find this study

The final report is available on the BOEM website at 

www.boem.gov/VWEA-Final-Report/.

Collaborative Fisheries Planning for Virginia’s Offshore Wind 

Energy Area

Funded by: Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME) | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

Conducted by: Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program (VA CZM)

Project Manager: Laura McKay

Public meeting with fishermen.

Map of fishing areas from the Communities at Sea study.

Meeting participant providing information about fishing 

locations using the interactive computer program.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2016 www.boem.gov | 15

In 2013, Fugro Consultants conducted a regional 

geophysical survey across the offshore Virginia Wind Energy 

Area (WEA) and evaluated the subsurface geology of the 

Virginia Outer Continental Shelf for data that can be used in 

planning wind energy development activities in this area. 

For the Phase II report completed in 2016, the researchers 

reprocessed the 2013 data and continued their analysis. 

Findings

Phase II data analyses increased the resolution/definition 

in the shallower parts of the seafloor and mapped a deeper 

portion of the subsurface (up to about 50 meters below). 

Virginia Ocean Geophysical Survey Phase II Analyses: 

Offshore Virginia Wind Energy Area

Funded by: Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) | Fugro Consultants, Inc.

Conducted by: Fugro Consultants, Inc.

Key Researchers: Susan Sullivan | Kevin Smith | Dave Sackett

Interpreted paleo-channel locations.

This study also identified methods and recommendations 

for future regional seismic surveys.

How BOEM will use this information

The regional broad-based survey data is useful for 

identifying specific areas where more detailed surveys 

should be conducted in this area when planning wind 

turbine placement and design.

Where to find this study

The data are available from NOAA National Centers for 

Environmental Information (www.ncei.noaa.gov).
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2016 www.boem.gov | 16

Wind facilities can cause some changes in wave height 

and surface currents during storm events. This study 

evaluated the effect of wind turbines on ocean circulation 

patterns and biological process (i.e. larval transport) 

during severe storm events. Using a finer-scale version 

of UMass-Dartmouth’s Northeast Coast Forecast System, 

the researchers evaluated a hypothetical wind facility 

using data from two historic storms to predict potential 

changes in ocean circulation. Additional particle tracking 

experiments showed how the turbines might affect 

larval transport.

Findings

According to the study results, during storm events 

a wind turbine facility may cause more significant 

impacts on the eastern shelf of Block Island than over 

the outer shelves off Massachusetts and Rhode Island. 

Wind turbines in the proposed region are predicted to 

not have a significant influence on the southward larval 

transport, although the turbines could cause a relatively 

large cross-shelf larval dispersion.

How BOEM will use this information

•	 To address concerns that larvae will not settle in 

the same areas as they have in the past due to 

changes in ocean circulation patterns caused by 

the proposed wind turbines

•	 To provide new modeling techniques that may be 

used for future proposed wind facilities

Where to find this study

The final report is available on the BOEM website at www.

boem.gov/NE-Ocean-Forecast-Model-Final-Report/.

Use of Finite-Volume Modeling and the Northeast Coastal Ocean 

Forecast System in Offshore Wind Energy Resource Planning

Funded by: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

Conducted by: University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

Key Researchers: Changsheng Chen, PhD | Robert Beardsley, PhD | Jianhua Qi, PhD | Huichan Lin, PhD

Model-predicted trajectories of particles for the cases 

without (upper) and with (lower) wind turbines. A total 

of 100 turbines (black dots) were placed in the model 

domain.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2016 www.boem.gov | 17

In anticipation of offshore wind energy development, 

this study was conducted to identify archaeological 

sites (shipwrecks) for consideration under the National 

Historic Preservation Act. Using existing remote sensing 

data collected by the Maryland Energy Administration, 

the researchers identified targets — potential shipwrecks 

—within the Maryland Wind Energy Area (WEA). The team 

then investigated eight of those targets using side scan 

sonar, sector scanning sonar, and direct investigation 

by divers.

Findings

Four targets were confirmed to be shipwrecks, and the 

study recommended avoidance buffers and additional 

investigation for these sites. The remaining four targets 

are modern debris or geological features; no further 

investigation was recommended.

How BOEM will use this information

•	 For reducing the impact of wind energy 

development on archaeological sites

Where to find this study

The final report is available on the BOEM website at 

www.boem.gov/MCAS-Report-Final-Public/.

Maryland Collaborative Archaeological Survey

Funded by: BOEM

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

Monitor National Marine Sanctuary

Key Researchers: Brandi Carrier | William Hoffman | Joseph Hoyt | Will Sassarossi

Locations examined for potential shipwrecks based on 

previous seafloor surveys.

Side scan sonar image of a shipwreck within the Maryland 

Wind Energy Area.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2016 www.boem.gov | 18

In anticipation of offshore wind energy development, 

this study was conducted to identify archaeological 

sites (shipwrecks) for consideration under the National 

Historic Preservation Act. The project team used survey 

information from the Virginia Offshore Wind Technology 

Advancement Project (VOWTAP) to identify potential 

archaeological sites (shipwrecks) within and near the 

Virginia Wind Energy Area (WEA). The researchers 

investigated 13 locations using side scan sonar, sector 

scanning sonar, and direct observation by divers.

Findings

Six sites were confirmed to be shipwrecks, three sites were 

not conclusively identified, and four were determined to 

be modern shipwrecks and debris or geological features. 

The study also identified recommendations for each site 

on whether additional investigation or avoidance buffers 

are needed.

How BOEM will use this information

•	 For reducing the impact of wind energy 

development on archaeological sites

Where to find this study

The final report is available on the BOEM website at 

www.boem.gov/VCAS-Report/.

Virginia Collaborative Archaeological Survey

Funded by: BOEM

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

Monitor National Marine Sanctuary

Key Researchers: Brandi Carrier | William Hoffman | Joseph Hoyt | Will Sassarossi

Virginia Wind Energy Area

Diver investigating an encrusted anchor.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management | Atlantic Science Year in Review 2016 www.boem.gov | 19

What’s Next? 2016

Atlantic Science|Year in Review

Here are few of the new and continuing studies that are underway:

• In November 2016, BOEM and University of Rhode Island 

launched a new project: “Analysis of the Effects of the 

Block Island Wind Farm on Rhode Island Recreation and 

Tourism Activities.” The study will assess the effects of the 

first U.S. offshore wind project on recreational and tourism 

activities and will identify methodologies for assessing 

socioeconomic benefits from offshore wind development. 

[Expected completion: 2019]

• BOEM is conducting four studies to extend the monitoring 

of Atlantic sturgeon in wind energy areas off New York, 

Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. Atlantic sturgeon are 

being tagged with telemetry devices that send a signal to 

receivers placed on the ocean floor. The signals are individually 

coded, so researchers can track the movements of individuals. 

[Expected completion: 2018–2019]

• Working with Fish and Wildlife Service, BOEM is continuing 

to fund the use of nanotags to track the movements of 

common terns, roseate terns, piping plovers, and red knots 

between Long Island and Nantucket Island. For the past four 

years, tags were placed on these small birds, and towers 

were erected at several locations to track their movements. 

[Expected completion: 2018]

BOEM encourages input from the public when identifying topics for environmental studies. Opportunities to participate 

are communicated through our stakeholder announcements. You can sign up on the BOEM website at www.boem.gov.
The Department of the Interior Mission

As the Nation’s principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior 

has responsibility for most of our nationally owned public lands and natural 

resources. This includes fostering the sound use of our land and water resources, 

protecting our fish, wildlife and biological diversity; preserving the environmental 

and cultural values of our national parks and historical places; and providing 

for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. The Department assesses 

our energy and mineral resources and works to ensure that their development 

is in the best interests of all our people by encouraging stewardship and citizen 

participation in their care. The Department also has a major responsibility for 

American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in island 

communities.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management works to manage the exploration 

and development of the nation’s offshore resources in a way that 

appropriately balances economic development, energy independence, 

and environmental protection through oil and gas leases, renewable energy 

development and environmental reviews and studies.