Acoustic impact studies and assessments by Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on offshore wind development

Abstract

The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) manages the exploration and development of offshore energy resources, including offshore wind development, on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. Construction, operation, and decommissioning of offshore wind facilities generate intense or long-lasting underwater sounds and vibrations that may be detrimental to marine life. This presentation will provide an overview of the activities that BOEM is in engaging in to address these impacts. BOEM’s Environmental Studies Program (ESP) has been developing funding and managing numerous studies to understand sound field characteristics and sound propagation from pile driving and geophysical surveys related to offshore wind development, as well as marine species responses to these activities. In addition, BOEM established the Center for Marine Acoustics (CMA) to strengthen its role as a driving force within the regulatory community on sound in the marine environment and provides acoustical expertise within the environmental permitting process. The CMA continues to provide guidance on the development of best practices for the use of acoustics in the evaluating the effects of offshore wind on marine fauna. This presentation will highlight the relevant acoustic studies and explain how BOEM is using the science to better manage noise impacts on the ocean environment.