Identification of Outer Continental Shelf' 'Renewable Energy Space-Use Conflicts and' 'Analysis of Potential Mitigation Measures

摘要

The ocean accommodates a wide variety of uses that are separated by time of day, season,udlocation, and zones. Conflict can and does occur, however, when two or more groups wish to useudthe same space at the same time in an exclusive manner. The potential for conflict is well knownudand the management of ocean space and resources has been, and is being, addressed by a numberudof State, regional, and Federal organizations, including, among others, coastal zone managementudagencies, state task forces, and regional fisheries management councils. However, with new andudemerging uses of the ocean, such as aquaculture and offshore renewable energy, comes theudpotential for new types of space-use conflicts in ocean waters.ududIn recent years, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) (formerly the MineralsudManagement Service [MMS]) has examined ocean space-use conflicts and mitigation strategiesudin the context of offshore oil and gas exploration and production and sand and gravel dredging,udactivities that are both subject to BOEM regulation and oversight. BOEM now has authority toudissue leases on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) for renewable energy projects, but seeksudadditional information on potential conflicts between existing uses of the ocean environment andudthis new form of activity.ududThe broad purpose of this study was to begin to fill this gap by (1) identifying potential spaceuseudconflicts between OCS renewable energy development and other uses of the oceanudenvironment, and (2) recommending measures that BOEM can implement in order to promoteudavoidance or mitigation of such conflicts, thereby facilitating responsible and efficientuddevelopment of OCS renewable energy resources. The result is a document intended to serve as auddesktop resource that BOEM can use to inform its decision making as the agency carries out itsudstatutory and regulatory responsibilities.