Regional Surveys to Improve Understanding of Ecosystems and Relevance to Offshore Wind Energy Development

The U.S. Offshore Wind Synthesis of Environmental Effects Research (SEER) project is hosting a free, public webinar series to share the latest research on the potential environmental effects of offshore wind energy development, including minimization and monitoring strategies. Each webinar will feature brief presentations from experts, a panel discussion, and an audience Q&A period.

The goal of the first webinar is to provide a review and updates on ecosystem-level, “big picture” considerations for large-scale surveys to inform the occurrence, distribution, habitat use and movement of marine mammals, fish, seabirds, and sea turtles offshore. This webinar will explore ongoing and upcoming wildlife surveys across U.S. regions highlighting currently funded and emerging efforts, how they build on historical efforts, and how data collected can be used to develop predictive density models for species and population level understanding in offshore habitats. The primary focus of this webinar is to explore the relationship between these survey efforts and offshore wind development in the U.S.

Speakers:

• Andy Lipsky, U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (Presentation Slides)

• Tim White, U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

• Pat Halpin, Duke University, Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab (Presentation Slides)

Webinar Recording: