NOAA Fisheries has released a strategic science plan to assess how offshore wind energy development on the U.S. West Coast may affect fisheries and marine life. NOAA emphasizes the need for robust scientific research to guide decisions affecting marine ecosystems and fisheries as the U.S. targets 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030. Unlike other areas, the West Coast’s steep continental shelf necessitates the use of floating turbines.
While the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) leads offshore wind efforts, NOAA collaborates to evaluate the impacts on fish habitats under the Endangered Species Act. NOAA’s plan highlights six research priorities: habitat impacts, physiological effects, species distribution, socioeconomic impacts on fisheries, climate and ecosystem interactions, and survey impacts.
NOAA draws on lessons from East Coast wind projects, focusing on ecosystem-wide studies in the California Current. The agency will consult with Tribes and stakeholders to integrate diverse perspectives, and the recently established Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary allows for subsea transmission cables to support offshore wind projects.