Volume 76
Science Planning for Offshore Wind Development in the Southeastern United States and U. S. Caribbean
Authors
Hendon, J.R., J.E. Serafy, R. C. Muñoz, W. Klajbor, G. T. Kellison, D. Hanisko, J. F. Walter and E. Rule Download PDF Open PDF in BrowserOther Information
Date: November, 2023
Event: Proceedings of the Seventy-Sixth Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute
City: Nassau
Country: The Bahamas
Abstract
Current federal climate policy in the United States (U.S.) calls for significant expansion of offshore wind energy in the coming years. The most immediate goal of 30 gigawatts of new offshore wind energy by 2030 will require rapid development of this clean, renewable energy source in U.S. marine waters. While achieving these objectives, it is paramount that natural resources and associated user groups are not adversely impacted by site assessment, construction and operations. NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) provides data, science products and advice in support of effective fisheries management, conservation and recovery of protected species, and advancement of Blue Economy initiatives. Aquaculture and offshore wind development are two primary federal priorities currently supported by the SEFSC, with the latter being an emergent planning effort. Summarized herein are recent actions taken by the SEFSC to identify concerns and science needs necessary to sustain and conserve trust resources in marine waters of the U.S. southern Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean regions.