Potential floating wind projects and associated avian issues in California's Outer Continental Shelf waters

Abstract

**Abstract:** Floating platform wind projects are being considered for waters overlying the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) of California. Most existing offshore wind projects are fixed to the bottom in shallow, nearshore, Atlantic waters. Avian studies conducted at these sites have involved primarily nearshore species in areas with relatively uniform oceanography and bathymetry. While results from these studies have been informative, the California OCS represents a very different environment supporting much higher numbers and a more diverse array of seabirds due to the high productivity characteristic of eastern boundary currents (e.g., the California Current System; CCS). Many of these species migrate long distances to exploit the abundant resources of the CCS. A number of these eastern Pacific species have flight behaviors adapted for the high winds associated with the CCS. This flight behavior includes dynamic soaring and high "arcing" above the water's surface during strong winds, flight behaviors quite different from the rapidly flapping, direct, low-altitude flight typical of many nearshore seabirds. We review some of the potential wind energy/avian issues associated with the seabird species occupying the outer CCS, the current development of a 3D model of avian species occupancy in space and time across this region, and testing of innovative technology for monitoring birds in the remote offshore environment. **Authors:** Scott Terrill¹, Sharon Kramer¹, David Ainley¹, Stephanie Schneider¹ ¹H. T. Harvey & Associates