Combining and leveraging resources to satisfy common scientific needs is a central component of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) approach to gathering robust scientific information for its decisions and consultation processes. BOEM environmental research consistently has been recognized for excellence by the U.S. Department of the Interior “Partners in Conservation Awards” and the National Oceanographic Partnership Program “Excellence in Partnering Awards.”
Products Developed by NMFS and BOEM for Creating Efficiencies in MMPA permitting and ESA Section 7 Consultations
- Issue Resolution Process for ESA Section 7 Consultations
- ESA Section 7 Consultation Reference List for Not Likely to Adversely Affect (NLAA)
- ESA Section 7 Consultation Information Needs for Oil & Gas and Renewable Energy
- ESA Section 7 Training Materials
- Protected Species Observer (PSO) data collection standards for offshore wind energy site assessment and site characterization activities
- Categorization of Marine Acoustic Sources for Assessing the Likelihood of Incidental Take under the MMPA
- Operational Mitigation Protocols for Geophysical Surveys
Regional Ocean Partnerships
https://www.boem.gov/environment/regional-ocean-partnerships
Agency Cooperation
- Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)
- U. S. Geological Survey (USGS)
- U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- Department of Energy (DOE)
- Office of Naval Research (ONR)
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
- U. S. Coast Guard (USCG)
- Smithsonian Institution
Coordination Mechanisms