Real-time Opportunity for Development Environmental Observations (RODEO) II: Continuation of observations at Block Island Wind Farm

Description
Alterations in benthic conditions may occur due to the presence of the offshore wind turbine structures, as they can modify local hydrodynamic conditions and sediment grain size distribution. The underwater structures provide substrate with vertical relief for the growth of epifaunal marine organisms (biofouling). Benthic habitat and biota in the immediate vicinity of offshore turbines will be influenced by the epifaunal communities developing on the structures. Over time, these structure-related communities can provide continuous organic input to the surrounding seabed from biomass sloughing due to predator activity, storms, senescence, and feces. As it accumulates at the base of the foundation, this organic enrichment could influence sediment characteristics, which may lead to changes in benthic macrofaunal community diversity and abundance.
Award Amount
USD: $880,000
Funding
Type
contract
Funder
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Environmental Studies Program
Funder ID
https://doi.org/10.13039/100012475
Award Dates
2021-05-12 → 2022-05-02
Award Number
M0121F0022
DOI / Resource
DOI
https://doi.org/10.67297/9A1EA6
Resource
https://boem.gov/awardpages/100390
Field Xml File
100390.xml (2.68 KB)

  • ROR:https://ror.org/03tzscr25
    Series Title:BOEM Environmental Studies
    ISSN:3071-6349
    Report Title:Seafloor disturbance and recovery monitoring at the Block Island Wind Farm, Rhode Island - Summary Report (Year 6)
    Authors:K Olsen, R Erickson, E Hughes, B Diunizio, S Sharpe
    Publication Year:2022
    Publisher:U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Environmental Studies Program
    Place:Washington D.C.
    Report Number:BOEM 2022-022
    Contract #:M0121F0022
    Award DOI:10.67297/9A1EA6
    Report DOI:10.67297/01B126
    Field Xml File
    110886.xml (2.78 KB)

  • ROR:https://ror.org/03tzscr25
    Series Title:BOEM Environmental Studies
    ISSN:3071-6349
    Report Title:Benthic and epifaunal monitoring during operation at the Block Island Wind Farm, Rhode Island – technical report - year 4
    Authors:R Erickson, C Kelly, M Fonseca, A McMahon, J Tiggelaar, B Graham
    Publication Year:2023
    Publisher:U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Environmental Studies Program
    Place:Sterling, VA
    Report Number:BOEM 2022-068
    Contract #:M0121F0022
    Award DOI:10.67297/9A1EA6
    Report DOI:10.67297/01B173
    Field Xml File
    110963.xml (3.3 KB)