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Technical Guidance for Offshore Wind Energy Projects in the Greater Atlantic Region

Resources for action agencies to help with their analysis of the effects of proposed offshore wind projects in the Greater Atlantic Region. These resources may be updated periodically.

NOAA Fisheries is the lead federal agency charged with stewardship of marine life. Building, operating, and decommissioning offshore wind power facilities affects a number of our key mission areas, including: fisheries, protected animals (such as sea turtles and whales), seabirds, and marine and estuarine habitats. We provide information to help the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management make informed decisions about how offshore wind energy development and operations may specifically affect endangered or threatened species, marine mammals, fisheries, marine and estuarine habitats, and fishing communities.

Assessing Effects on Endangered Species Act Listed Species and Critical Habitat

The documents and links below are resources to assist in the evaluation of impacts from offshore wind development projects on Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed species and designated critical habitat. The Information Needs document provides an outline of the information necessary to support a robust analysis of the effects of a proposed offshore wind project on ESA-listed species and designated critical habitat. The ESA Section 7 Mapper provides a tool to explore and generate a list of ESA-listed species and critical habitat in a project action area. Links for additional resources for the Greater Atlantic and Southeast Regions are below, including general guidance on ESA section 7 consultations, issued biological opinions, and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) Incidental Take Authorizations for energy activities.

Essential Fish Habitat Assessment and Consultation

The documents and links below are resources to assist with the development of an Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) assessment for offshore wind development projects. The Information Needs document provides an outline of the information and analysis needed to support a robust assessment of the potential effects of a proposed offshore wind project on EFH in the region. Recommendations for Mapping Fish Habitat provides methodologies for the collection and analysis of baseline habitat data and information to support the EFH assessment. The EFH Mapper provides a tool to explore and generate a list of designated EFH and Habitat Areas of Particular Concern within the project areas. Links for additional EFH Consultation information and resources for the Greater Atlantic and Southeast Regions are below.

Fisheries Socioeconomic Impacts Information Needs

The documents and links below are resources to assess fisheries socioeconomic impacts from offshore wind development projects. The Information Needs document provides an outline of the information and analysis necessary to support a robust analysis of the effects of a proposed offshore wind project on commercial and recreational fisheries. Summary reports provide data on historic fishing activity (landings, revenue, effort) within each offshore wind lease or project area.

Considerations for Fisheries and Wildlife Survey and Monitoring Activities to Support Offshore Wind Development

The documents below provide necessary information to consider in the development of fisheries and wildlife surveys and monitoring plans that may be conducted to support offshore wind energy development. The Engagement with Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) document describes considerations for survey and monitoring design and coordinating with the NEFSC about technical assistance. The Responsible Offshore Science Alliance (ROSA) Offshore Wind Project Monitoring Framework and Guidelines provides fundamental elements to include in offshore wind fisheries project monitoring plans and associated studies. 

The Permitting Considerations document provides information to offshore wind energy lessees/project proponents and other stakeholders about applicable permitting considerations for surveys, monitoring, or research activities targeting fish species.

The Protected Species Best Management Practices and Risk Reduction Measures document provides information and recommendations to offshore wind energy lessees/project proponents and other stakeholders for consideration when designing and implementing surveys, monitoring, or research activities targeting fish species.

Additional Resources

Resources

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Socioeconomic Impacts of Atlantic Offshore Wind Development

NOAA Fisheries has developed reports summarizing fishing activity from 2008-2022 within each offshore wind lease area and all currently approved…

Last updated by Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office on December 07, 2023