Abstract
The U.S. Atlantic coastline is poised to undergo rapid change in the coming years, as the construction of offshore wind farms is already underway. By 2026, several hundred wind turbine foundations will be in the water. There are many questions regarding the potential impacts of offshore wind development on marine species. For example, will the presence of this new infrastructure result in measurable changes to the distributions of marine species? Will some species be attracted to the structures, while others avoid them? The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is required to assess and monitor the impacts of its per- mitted activities on marine life to better inform future leasing decisions, and to ensure compliance under the National Environmental Policy Act. Given the critically endangered status of the North Atlantic right whale, whose migratory corridor overlaps with some of the most reliable wind resources on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf, one driving question has garnered significant attention among stakeholders: will there be a measurable change in baleen whale distributions as a result of offshore wind development? To answer this question, BOEM, along with regional partners, is establishing a Passive Acoustic Monitoring network along the Atlantic coastline to listen for whale vocalizations and monitor for potential changes in marine soundscapes. We have established a model to work with industry and other partners to ensure adequate sampling across key geographic areas. BOEM and its partners have created best practices for instrument calibration, data QA/QC, and and data management, primarily for offshore energy and research activities.