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 <td>NERACOOS</td>
-<td>North East Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems</td>
+<td>Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems</td>
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 <!-- margin-sidebar -->
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+<h2 class="anchored">RWSC Science Plan v1.0</h2>
   <ul>
-    <li><a href="https://rwscollab.github.io/science-plan" class="nav-link active" data-scroll-target="https\://rwscollab.github.io/science-plan">Open the Science Plan website in github 🌐</a></li>
-    <li><a href="https://rwsc.org/contact" class="nav-link" data-scroll-target="https\://rwsc.org/contact">Contact RWSC ✉️</a></li>
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+    <li><a href="https://rwscollab.github.io/science-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="nav-link active" data-scroll-target="https\://rwscollab.github.io/science-plan">Open the Science Plan website in github 🌐</a></li>
+    <li><a href="https://rwsc.org/contact" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="nav-link" data-scroll-target="https\://rwsc.org/contact">Contact RWSC ✉️</a></li>
+    <li><a href="https://github.com/RWSCollab/science-plan/issues/new/choose" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="nav-link" data-scroll-target="https\://github.com/RWSCollab/science-plan/issues/new/choose">Share feedback about this website ✏️</a></li>
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     <h2 id="toc-title">On this page</h2>
@@ -918,7 +919,7 @@ <h3 data-number="J.2.4" class="anchored" data-anchor-id="enhancing-data-sharing-
 <h2 data-number="J.3" class="anchored" data-anchor-id="oceanographic-data-collection-analysis-in-u.s.-atlantic-waters"><span class="header-section-number">J.3</span> Oceanographic Data Collection &amp; Analysis in U.S. Atlantic Waters</h2>
 <section id="ongoing-oceanographic-data-collection-and-analysis" class="level3" data-number="J.3.1">
 <h3 data-number="J.3.1" class="anchored" data-anchor-id="ongoing-oceanographic-data-collection-and-analysis"><span class="header-section-number">J.3.1</span> Ongoing Oceanographic Data Collection and Analysis</h3>
-<p>Many entities collect and manage physical and biological oceanographic and meteorological data in U.S. waters. These data and derived data products (e.g., hindcast, nowcast, and forecast model outputs) are produced and used by agencies and private entities for applications such as weather forecasting and maritime safety, in addition to research uses. One program within NOAA is the <a href="#0">U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS),</a> a national-regional partnership that coordinates the contributions of Federally owned observing and modeling systems and develops and integrates non-federal observing and modeling capacity into the system in partnership with IOOS regions. The IOOS Regional Associations (RAs) in the RWSC study area are the <a href="#0">Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA)</a>, the <a href="#0">Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS)</a>, and the <a href="#0">North East Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS)</a>. The Directors of each IOOS RA are members of the Habitat &amp; Ecosystem Subcommittee, and IOOS RA staff also participate in each of the other RWSC Subcommittees. Each IOOS RA has different areas of focus with respect to data collection, synthesis, and management based on regional needs and partnerships. The IOOS RAs also coordinate coastal acidification networks along the Atlantic coast (<a href="#0">SOCAN</a>, <a href="#0">MACAN</a>, <a href="#0">NECAN</a>) whose activities should be leveraged with respect to understanding any biogeochemical effects resulting from construction and operation of offshore wind projects. Relevant IOOS RA biological data coordination is captured in each taxa-focused Science Plan chapter. IOOS RAs will coordinate through RWSC Subcommittees and with RWSC leadership on data collection, syntheses, and management with respect to offshore wind and wildlife studies. RWSC participants will also leverage the IOOS RAs extensive partnerships with the research community, and their educational and outreach activities.</p>
+<p>Many entities collect and manage physical and biological oceanographic and meteorological data in U.S. waters. These data and derived data products (e.g., hindcast, nowcast, and forecast model outputs) are produced and used by agencies and private entities for applications such as weather forecasting and maritime safety, in addition to research uses. One program within NOAA is the <a href="#0">U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS),</a> a national-regional partnership that coordinates the contributions of Federally owned observing and modeling systems and develops and integrates non-federal observing and modeling capacity into the system in partnership with IOOS regions. The IOOS Regional Associations (RAs) in the RWSC study area are the <a href="secoora.org">Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA)</a>, the <a href="maracoos.org">Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS)</a>, and the <a href="neracoos.org">Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS)</a>. The Directors of each IOOS RA are members of the Habitat &amp; Ecosystem Subcommittee, and IOOS RA staff also participate in each of the other RWSC Subcommittees. Each IOOS RA has different areas of focus with respect to data collection, synthesis, and management based on regional needs and partnerships. The IOOS RAs also coordinate coastal acidification networks along the Atlantic coast (<a href="#0">SOCAN</a>, <a href="#0">MACAN</a>, <a href="#0">NECAN</a>) whose activities should be leveraged with respect to understanding any biogeochemical effects resulting from construction and operation of offshore wind projects. Relevant IOOS RA biological data coordination is captured in each taxa-focused Science Plan chapter. IOOS RAs will coordinate through RWSC Subcommittees and with RWSC leadership on data collection, syntheses, and management with respect to offshore wind and wildlife studies. RWSC participants will also leverage the IOOS RAs extensive partnerships with the research community, and their educational and outreach activities.</p>
 <p>Oceanographic and meteorological data collection is being collected within and around offshore wind leases given its inherent value to offshore wind developers to inform engineering and operational decisions. Several other entities are also funding, and/or advocating for oceanographic research and data collection activities with respect to offshore wind, in many cases due to the relevance to megafauna and their prey. Ongoing and planned activities are captured in the <a href="#0">Offshore Wind &amp; Wildlife Research Database</a>.</p>
 </section>
 <section id="recommended-oceanographic-data-collection-and-analysis" class="level3" data-number="J.3.2">
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   <ul>
     <li><a href="https://rwscollab.github.io/science-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="nav-link active" data-scroll-target="https\://rwscollab.github.io/science-plan">Open the Science Plan website in github 🌐</a></li>
     <li><a href="https://rwsc.org/contact" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="nav-link" data-scroll-target="https\://rwsc.org/contact">Contact RWSC ✉️</a></li>
-    <li><a href="https://github.com/RWSCollab/science-plan/issues/new/choose" class="nav-link" data-scroll-target="https\://github.com/RWSCollab/science-plan/issues/new/choose">Share feedback about this website ✏️</a></li>
+    <li><a href="https://github.com/RWSCollab/science-plan/issues/new/choose" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="nav-link" data-scroll-target="https\://github.com/RWSCollab/science-plan/issues/new/choose">Share feedback about this website ✏️</a></li>
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     <h2 id="toc-title">On this page</h2>
@@ -373,8 +373,8 @@ <h2 data-number="B.1" class="anchored" data-anchor-id="mm"><span class="header-s
 <p><a href="mailto:deborah.brill@duke.edu">Debbie Brill</a>, Marine Mammal Subcommittee Coordinator</p>
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 <p><a href="mailto:zdowling@eco.umass.edu">Zara Dowling</a>, Bird &amp; Bat Subcommittee Coordinator</p>
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 <p><a href="mailto:jordan.katz@noaa.gov">Jordan Katz</a>, Protected Fish Species Coordinator</p>
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 <p>Acknowledgements to Rebecca Green, Lenaig Hemery, Betsy Sara, Kaitlyn Sylvester, and Connor Capizzano for their support of the Subcommittee during Science Plan development.</p>
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 <p>Acknowledgements to Rhonda Moniz who supported the Subcommittee during Science Plan development.</p>
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diff --git a/_book/marine-mammals.html b/_book/marine-mammals.html
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@@ -349,9 +349,9 @@
         <nav id="TOC" role="doc-toc" class="toc-active">
 <h2 class="anchored">RWSC Science Plan v1.0</h2>
   <ul>
-    <li><a href="https://rwscollab.github.io/science-plan" class="nav-link active" data-scroll-target="https\://rwscollab.github.io/science-plan">Open the Science Plan website in github 🌐</a></li>
-    <li><a href="https://rwsc.org/contact" class="nav-link" data-scroll-target="https\://rwsc.org/contact">Contact RWSC ✉️</a></li>
-    <li><a href="https://github.com/RWSCollab/science-plan/issues/new/choose" class="nav-link" data-scroll-target="https\://github.com/RWSCollab/science-plan/issues/new/choose">Share feedback about this website ✏️</a></li>
+    <li><a href="https://rwscollab.github.io/science-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="nav-link active" data-scroll-target="https\://rwscollab.github.io/science-plan">Open the Science Plan website in github 🌐</a></li>
+    <li><a href="https://rwsc.org/contact" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="nav-link" data-scroll-target="https\://rwsc.org/contact">Contact RWSC ✉️</a></li>
+    <li><a href="https://github.com/RWSCollab/science-plan/issues/new/choose" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="nav-link" data-scroll-target="https\://github.com/RWSCollab/science-plan/issues/new/choose">Share feedback about this website ✏️</a></li>
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     <h2 id="toc-title">On this page</h2>
@@ -503,7 +503,7 @@ <h2 data-number="3.2" class="anchored" data-anchor-id="data-collection"><span cl
 <li><p>Monitor entanglement with subsea structure of floating offshore wind structures. Monitor secondary entanglement where derelict fishing gear/marine debris may attach to subsurface offshore wind structures.</p></li>
 <li><p>Advance oceanographic and biological data collection and use in marine mammal research.</p>
 <ul>
-<li><p>Coordinate with the North East Regional Association of Coastal and Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS), Mid-Atlantic Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (MARACOOS), and Southeastern Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA).</p></li>
+<li><p>Coordinate with the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal and Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS), Mid-Atlantic Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (MARACOOS), and Southeastern Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA).</p></li>
 <li><p>Leverage existing ocean observing platforms or add new ocean observing assets for marine mammal monitoring.</p></li>
 <li><p>Work with the Habitat &amp; Ecosystem Subcommittee to ensure that key oceanographic and habitat data are collected and available as data products for use in marine mammal studies and as model covariates.</p></li>
 <li><p>Work with the Habitat &amp; Ecosystem Subcommittee to determine whether offshore wind structures alter hydrodynamics, stratification, and mixing, and/or prey distribution and abundance.</p></li>
diff --git a/_book/oceanography.html b/_book/oceanography.html
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 <!-- margin-sidebar -->
     <div id="quarto-margin-sidebar" class="sidebar margin-sidebar">
         <nav id="TOC" role="doc-toc" class="toc-active">
-  <h2 class="anchored">Note: The Science Plan is under construction 🏗</h2>
+<h2 class="anchored">RWSC Science Plan v1.0</h2>
   <ul>
-    <li><a href="https://rwsc.org/" class="nav-link active" data-scroll-target="https\://rwsc.org/">RWSC website 🌐</a></li>
-    <li><a href="https://rwsc.org/contact" class="nav-link" data-scroll-target="https\://rwsc.org/contact">Contact RWSC ✉️</a></li>
-    <li><a href="https://github.com/RWSCollab/science-plan/issues/new/choose" class="nav-link" data-scroll-target="https\://github.com/RWSCollab/science-plan/issues/new/choose">Share feedback about this website ✏️</a></li>
+    <li><a href="https://rwscollab.github.io/science-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="nav-link active" data-scroll-target="https\://rwscollab.github.io/science-plan">Open the Science Plan website in github 🌐</a></li>
+    <li><a href="https://rwsc.org/contact" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="nav-link" data-scroll-target="https\://rwsc.org/contact">Contact RWSC ✉️</a></li>
+    <li><a href="https://github.com/RWSCollab/science-plan/issues/new/choose" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="nav-link" data-scroll-target="https\://github.com/RWSCollab/science-plan/issues/new/choose">Share feedback about this website ✏️</a></li>
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     <h2 id="toc-title">On this page</h2>
@@ -386,7 +386,7 @@ <h1 class="title"><span id="sec-oceanography" class="quarto-section-identifier">
 <p><em>For more detail on any of these topics, read the</em> <a href="./append-heo.html"><em>Habitat &amp; Ecosystem - Oceanography Appendix</em></a><em>.</em></p>
 <p>The scope of this chapter includes physical and biological oceanographic processes, hydrodynamics, and some atmospheric and meteorological processes. All of these processes relate to the species discussed in other chapters. Readers should expect to encounter multiple cross-references between chapters and topics as studies of oceanographic and meteorological processes are relevant to species as drivers of distribution, abundance, movement, and behavior, prey availability.</p>
 <p>Data collection and study of sessile, attached, and epiphytic flora and fauna (including non-native and invasive species) are discussed in the <a href="./seafloor.html">Habitat &amp; Ecosystem - Seafloor chapter</a>. It is likely that some of the tools and methods used to collect seafloor habitat data (ROVs, autonomous vehicles) will contain sensors/tools to characterize and sample oceanographic variables as well.</p>
-<p>Many entities collect and manage physical and biological oceanographic and meteorological data in U.S. waters. These data and derived data products (e.g., hindcast, nowcast, and forecast model outputs) are produced and used by agencies and private entities for applications such as weather forecasting and maritime safety, in addition to research uses. One program within NOAA is the <a href="https://ioos.noaa.gov/">U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS),</a> a national-regional partnership that coordinates the contributions of Federally owned observing and modeling systems and develops and integrates non-federal observing and modeling capacity into the system in partnership with IOOS regions. The IOOS Regional Associations (RAs) in the RWSC study area are the <a href="https://secoora.org/">Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA)</a>, the <a href="https://maracoos.org/">Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS)</a>, and the <a href="https://neracoos.org/">North East Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS)</a>. The Directors of each IOOS RA are members of the Habitat &amp; Ecosystem Subcommittee, and IOOS RA staff also participate in each of the other RWSC Subcommittees. Each IOOS RA has different areas of focus with respect to data collection, synthesis, and management based on regional needs and partnerships. The IOOS RAs also coordinate coastal acidification networks along the Atlantic coast (<a href="https://www.socan.secoora.org/">SOCAN</a>, <a href="https://midacan.org/">MACAN</a>, <a href="http://necan.org/">NECAN</a>) whose activities should be leveraged with respect to understanding any biogeochemical effects resulting from construction and operation of offshore wind projects. Relevant IOOS RA biological data coordination is captured in each taxa-focused Science Plan chapter. IOOS RAs will coordinate through RWSC Subcommittees and with RWSC leadership on data collection, syntheses, and management with respect to offshore wind and wildlife studies. RWSC participants will also leverage the IOOS RAs extensive partnerships with the research community, and their educational and outreach activities.</p>
+<p>Many entities collect and manage physical and biological oceanographic and meteorological data in U.S. waters. These data and derived data products (e.g., hindcast, nowcast, and forecast model outputs) are produced and used by agencies and private entities for applications such as weather forecasting and maritime safety, in addition to research uses. One program within NOAA is the <a href="https://ioos.noaa.gov/">U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS),</a> a national-regional partnership that coordinates the contributions of Federally owned observing and modeling systems and develops and integrates non-federal observing and modeling capacity into the system in partnership with IOOS regions. The IOOS Regional Associations (RAs) in the RWSC study area are the <a href="https://secoora.org/">Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA)</a>, the <a href="https://maracoos.org/">Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS)</a>, and the <a href="https://neracoos.org/">Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS)</a>. The Directors of each IOOS RA are members of the Habitat &amp; Ecosystem Subcommittee, and IOOS RA staff also participate in each of the other RWSC Subcommittees. Each IOOS RA has different areas of focus with respect to data collection, synthesis, and management based on regional needs and partnerships. The IOOS RAs also coordinate coastal acidification networks along the Atlantic coast (<a href="https://www.socan.secoora.org/">SOCAN</a>, <a href="https://midacan.org/">MACAN</a>, <a href="http://necan.org/">NECAN</a>) whose activities should be leveraged with respect to understanding any biogeochemical effects resulting from construction and operation of offshore wind projects. Relevant IOOS RA biological data coordination is captured in each taxa-focused Science Plan chapter. IOOS RAs will coordinate through RWSC Subcommittees and with RWSC leadership on data collection, syntheses, and management with respect to offshore wind and wildlife studies. RWSC participants will also leverage the IOOS RAs extensive partnerships with the research community, and their educational and outreach activities.</p>
 <section id="data-management" class="level2" data-number="8.1">
 <h2 data-number="8.1" class="anchored" data-anchor-id="data-management"><span class="header-section-number">8.1</span> Data Management</h2>
 <p>Understanding the full suite of oceanographic and meteorological processes near offshore wind developments will require close coordination among researchers, state and federal agencies, and industry.</p>
diff --git a/_book/search.json b/_book/search.json
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     "href": "marine-mammals.html#data-collection",
     "title": "3  Marine Mammals",
     "section": "3.2 Data Collection",
-    "text": "3.2 Data Collection\nSeveral entities are requiring, funding, and/or advocating for marine mammal research and data collection activities with respect to offshore wind. Ongoing and planned activities, including marine mammal monitoring that is being required by agencies, are captured in the Offshore Wind & Wildlife Research Database.\nIndividuals and entities should consult with the Marine Mammal Subcommittee prior to collecting marine mammal data with respect to offshore wind to ensure that any new data collection does not duplicate existing efforts and is consistent with the tools and approaches already in use. Any individual or entity may join public Marine Mammal Subcommittee meetings by obtaining meeting links on the RWSC website.\nA combination of methods (visual, acoustic, tagging) is recommended to provide the most complete information and context to marine mammal observations, given the strengths and limitations of each method alone (see the Marine Mammal Appendix for more information):\n\n(Cross taxa) Leveraging BOEM’s and NOAA’s ongoing efforts, ensure that the required Protected Species Observer data collected by offshore wind companies during construction and operations via Pile Driving Monitoring Plans and Vessel Strike Avoidance Plans (and any other mitigation plans) follows a consistent reporting approach and is eventually submitted to a Master Protected Species Observer Sightings Database for use in marine mammal analyses and research.\nEnsure that other marine mammal and environmental data collection required by the agencies during installation (e.g., sound fields, visual monitoring, PAM, thermal/infrared camera systems) are collected using consistent methods such that data can be used in other analyses and research including broader scale analyses of potential impacts across many projects.\n(Cross-taxa) Continue to support regional scale protected species and habitat data collection activities through the Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (AMAPPS), Ecosystem Monitoring Survey; NOAA Fisheries North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Surveys, NOAA Fisheries Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Aerial Surveys, NOAA Fisheries Marine Mammal, Sea Turtle, and Seabird ship-based surveys; NOAA Fisheries Seal aerial abundance surveys. Advance the NOAA Fisheries and BOEM Survey Mitigation Strategy (Hare et al., 2022) to ensure that site-specific and regional scale studies are put in the context of population trends and ecosystem conditions.\n(Cross-taxa) Coordinate regular high-definition aerial surveys that cover multiple lease areas using the same tools and methods. This effort should leverage the considerable amount of high-definition aerial photography data collected during site assessment by multiple offshore wind developers, and the Southern New England megafauna aerial surveys that have occurred consistently since 2011.\nContinue to support the adaptive design and implementation of a regional long-term archival passive acoustic monitoring network in the Atlantic Ocean and guide future research including:\n\nCharacterize baseline ambient sound and sound/noise during all phases of development, leveraging the regional passive acoustic monitoring network.\nExpand passive acoustic monitoring outside of wind energy areas, especially along the shelf break, including using gliders and real-time systems.\nTo the extent practicable, ensure alignment between archival and real-time deployments. Ensure that whale detections from real-time systems can be folded into analyses and data products that also leverage archival detections.\nIncorporate collection of oceanographic data and prey fields into the regional-scale PAM network.\nImprove estimates of acoustic detection rates and cue rates of baleen whales during non-construction conditions.\nImprove dose-response curves by obtaining in-situ behavioral data at offshore wind construction sites on baleen whale responses to pile driving noise. This would require collecting a range of data types including PAM and visual observations (aerial or ship-based).\nCouple aerial/visual monitoring with acoustic monitoring to address the issues above and better link the resulting observational datasets.\nCo-deploy acoustic telemetry receivers to build out a telemetry receiver network, and other sensors as practicable.\n\nCollect marine mammal behavioral and health data through tagging and visual observations to determine how individuals interact with wind farm structures and whether changes to foraging, socializing, or reproduction are occurring.\nIn collaboration with NOAA Fisheries, continue and expand stranding data collection and analysis with respect to strandings and mortality data time series analysis for the U.S. Atlantic Ocean.\nMonitor entanglement with subsea structure of floating offshore wind structures. Monitor secondary entanglement where derelict fishing gear/marine debris may attach to subsurface offshore wind structures.\nAdvance oceanographic and biological data collection and use in marine mammal research.\n\nCoordinate with the North East Regional Association of Coastal and Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS), Mid-Atlantic Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (MARACOOS), and Southeastern Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA).\nLeverage existing ocean observing platforms or add new ocean observing assets for marine mammal monitoring.\nWork with the Habitat & Ecosystem Subcommittee to ensure that key oceanographic and habitat data are collected and available as data products for use in marine mammal studies and as model covariates.\nWork with the Habitat & Ecosystem Subcommittee to determine whether offshore wind structures alter hydrodynamics, stratification, and mixing, and/or prey distribution and abundance.\nContinue to collect data across the region that allows analysis and synthesis of prey fields. Develop a coordinated regional scale zooplankton monitoring and mapping effort that builds off of and links existing surveys and studies including programs monitoring dimethyl sulfide, Ecosystem Monitoring Survey, Continuous Plankton Recorder, the Gulf of Maine MBON, BOEM-funded Zooplankton Ecology study, Canadian AZMP, Center for Coastal Studies, Northeast U.S. Shelf LTER, and projects conducted by Stony Brook University and Rutgers University to establish a broader ecosystem observing system, synthesize patterns, and identify trends and linkages across trophic levels.\n\n\nThere is a need to advance technologies that improve marine mammal detection during all phases of offshore wind development, and to ensure that the performance of new technologies is evaluated consistently (see the Technology Chapter):\n\nDevelop, evaluate performance, and apply existing and emerging technologies that enhance marine mammal detection, including thermal cameras, infrared cameras, passive acoustics systems, and systems that integrate multiple methods for use during construction and operational monitoring and mitigation. Test “smart” mitigation methods triggered by marine mammal presence as determined by these systems.\nAdvance quieting technologies meant to mitigate construction noise (piledriving, vessel traffic) and operational noise (vessel traffic, operational vibratory sound).\nDevelop and deploy safe long-duration satellite tagging telemetry technology for tracking high-resolution movements of marine mammals in and around offshore wind structures.\nImprove analysis of monitoring data through artificial intelligence, automated acoustic, and image processing, and near real-time data availability.\n(Cross taxa) Develop and test eDNA assays/surveys/sampling regimes to understand efficacy of use developing indices of occurrence/abundance, including testing the effect of carcasses in the environment on eDNA detection.\n\nThe Gulf of Maine has long represented important feeding grounds for baleen whales from late fall to early spring (NOAA CetSound, 2015). A resident population of Harbor porpoise is present in the coastal/nearshore areas of the Gulf of Maine from July to September (NOAA CetSound, 2015). Almost all of the Gulf of Maine subregion is critical habitat (Northeastern U.S. foraging area) for North Atlantic right whales. Given that offshore wind development areas are still being identified in this subregion, baseline data collection should seek to characterize fine scale spatial and temporal habitat use. Studies of impacts specific to floating offshore wind (e.g., secondary entanglement), including modeling, should be coordinated through the Subcommittee. Cape Cod Bay, as a historical whale aggregation location, could serve as a sentinel site or control site to monitor potential population-level impacts to whales.\nIn Southern New England, known whale foraging hotspots (e.g., Nantucket Shoals) should be monitored using multiple methods to understand potential changes in behavior and habitat use. Studies of hydrodynamics and physical oceanography at the turbine-, wind farm-, and regional-scales should seek to separate climate change drivers from offshore wind development and understand any changes that may impact whale prey (ACP, 2023; NASEM, 2023).\nWhale and dolphin sightings in the New York/New Jersey Bight have increased recently and includes increases in juvenile humpback whales in coastal waters, likely due to an increase in their menhaden prey. These whales may be particularly vulnerable to vessel strike due to their behavior and high density and speed of vessels in nearshore waters of this region (Stepanuk et al., 2021). Studies of whale-prey relationships and potential displacement from offshore wind areas in this region should be tailored to this context and capture rapidly changing ecosystem conditions and existing human uses in this area.\nThe U.S. Central Atlantic includes small resident populations of bottlenose dolphins, and large whales occur here and in the U.S. Southeast Atlantic at relatively lower densities than the other subregions. Data collection strategies and studies should be designed with the lower expected densities in mind. Both regions are important migratory routes, and the U.S. Southeast Atlantic contains critical habitat for North Atlantic right whale calving. More information is needed about the ways that reproductively active female right whales respond (or do not respond) to physical structures, noise, and vessels in their environment before wind projects are implemented in the Southeast right whale calving habitat. Characterizations of marine mammal distribution, abundance, and movement should continue in these subregions using multiple methods as offshore wind planning and development advances."
+    "text": "3.2 Data Collection\nSeveral entities are requiring, funding, and/or advocating for marine mammal research and data collection activities with respect to offshore wind. Ongoing and planned activities, including marine mammal monitoring that is being required by agencies, are captured in the Offshore Wind & Wildlife Research Database.\nIndividuals and entities should consult with the Marine Mammal Subcommittee prior to collecting marine mammal data with respect to offshore wind to ensure that any new data collection does not duplicate existing efforts and is consistent with the tools and approaches already in use. Any individual or entity may join public Marine Mammal Subcommittee meetings by obtaining meeting links on the RWSC website.\nA combination of methods (visual, acoustic, tagging) is recommended to provide the most complete information and context to marine mammal observations, given the strengths and limitations of each method alone (see the Marine Mammal Appendix for more information):\n\n(Cross taxa) Leveraging BOEM’s and NOAA’s ongoing efforts, ensure that the required Protected Species Observer data collected by offshore wind companies during construction and operations via Pile Driving Monitoring Plans and Vessel Strike Avoidance Plans (and any other mitigation plans) follows a consistent reporting approach and is eventually submitted to a Master Protected Species Observer Sightings Database for use in marine mammal analyses and research.\nEnsure that other marine mammal and environmental data collection required by the agencies during installation (e.g., sound fields, visual monitoring, PAM, thermal/infrared camera systems) are collected using consistent methods such that data can be used in other analyses and research including broader scale analyses of potential impacts across many projects.\n(Cross-taxa) Continue to support regional scale protected species and habitat data collection activities through the Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (AMAPPS), Ecosystem Monitoring Survey; NOAA Fisheries North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Surveys, NOAA Fisheries Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Aerial Surveys, NOAA Fisheries Marine Mammal, Sea Turtle, and Seabird ship-based surveys; NOAA Fisheries Seal aerial abundance surveys. Advance the NOAA Fisheries and BOEM Survey Mitigation Strategy (Hare et al., 2022) to ensure that site-specific and regional scale studies are put in the context of population trends and ecosystem conditions.\n(Cross-taxa) Coordinate regular high-definition aerial surveys that cover multiple lease areas using the same tools and methods. This effort should leverage the considerable amount of high-definition aerial photography data collected during site assessment by multiple offshore wind developers, and the Southern New England megafauna aerial surveys that have occurred consistently since 2011.\nContinue to support the adaptive design and implementation of a regional long-term archival passive acoustic monitoring network in the Atlantic Ocean and guide future research including:\n\nCharacterize baseline ambient sound and sound/noise during all phases of development, leveraging the regional passive acoustic monitoring network.\nExpand passive acoustic monitoring outside of wind energy areas, especially along the shelf break, including using gliders and real-time systems.\nTo the extent practicable, ensure alignment between archival and real-time deployments. Ensure that whale detections from real-time systems can be folded into analyses and data products that also leverage archival detections.\nIncorporate collection of oceanographic data and prey fields into the regional-scale PAM network.\nImprove estimates of acoustic detection rates and cue rates of baleen whales during non-construction conditions.\nImprove dose-response curves by obtaining in-situ behavioral data at offshore wind construction sites on baleen whale responses to pile driving noise. This would require collecting a range of data types including PAM and visual observations (aerial or ship-based).\nCouple aerial/visual monitoring with acoustic monitoring to address the issues above and better link the resulting observational datasets.\nCo-deploy acoustic telemetry receivers to build out a telemetry receiver network, and other sensors as practicable.\n\nCollect marine mammal behavioral and health data through tagging and visual observations to determine how individuals interact with wind farm structures and whether changes to foraging, socializing, or reproduction are occurring.\nIn collaboration with NOAA Fisheries, continue and expand stranding data collection and analysis with respect to strandings and mortality data time series analysis for the U.S. Atlantic Ocean.\nMonitor entanglement with subsea structure of floating offshore wind structures. Monitor secondary entanglement where derelict fishing gear/marine debris may attach to subsurface offshore wind structures.\nAdvance oceanographic and biological data collection and use in marine mammal research.\n\nCoordinate with the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal and Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS), Mid-Atlantic Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (MARACOOS), and Southeastern Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA).\nLeverage existing ocean observing platforms or add new ocean observing assets for marine mammal monitoring.\nWork with the Habitat & Ecosystem Subcommittee to ensure that key oceanographic and habitat data are collected and available as data products for use in marine mammal studies and as model covariates.\nWork with the Habitat & Ecosystem Subcommittee to determine whether offshore wind structures alter hydrodynamics, stratification, and mixing, and/or prey distribution and abundance.\nContinue to collect data across the region that allows analysis and synthesis of prey fields. Develop a coordinated regional scale zooplankton monitoring and mapping effort that builds off of and links existing surveys and studies including programs monitoring dimethyl sulfide, Ecosystem Monitoring Survey, Continuous Plankton Recorder, the Gulf of Maine MBON, BOEM-funded Zooplankton Ecology study, Canadian AZMP, Center for Coastal Studies, Northeast U.S. Shelf LTER, and projects conducted by Stony Brook University and Rutgers University to establish a broader ecosystem observing system, synthesize patterns, and identify trends and linkages across trophic levels.\n\n\nThere is a need to advance technologies that improve marine mammal detection during all phases of offshore wind development, and to ensure that the performance of new technologies is evaluated consistently (see the Technology Chapter):\n\nDevelop, evaluate performance, and apply existing and emerging technologies that enhance marine mammal detection, including thermal cameras, infrared cameras, passive acoustics systems, and systems that integrate multiple methods for use during construction and operational monitoring and mitigation. Test “smart” mitigation methods triggered by marine mammal presence as determined by these systems.\nAdvance quieting technologies meant to mitigate construction noise (piledriving, vessel traffic) and operational noise (vessel traffic, operational vibratory sound).\nDevelop and deploy safe long-duration satellite tagging telemetry technology for tracking high-resolution movements of marine mammals in and around offshore wind structures.\nImprove analysis of monitoring data through artificial intelligence, automated acoustic, and image processing, and near real-time data availability.\n(Cross taxa) Develop and test eDNA assays/surveys/sampling regimes to understand efficacy of use developing indices of occurrence/abundance, including testing the effect of carcasses in the environment on eDNA detection.\n\nThe Gulf of Maine has long represented important feeding grounds for baleen whales from late fall to early spring (NOAA CetSound, 2015). A resident population of Harbor porpoise is present in the coastal/nearshore areas of the Gulf of Maine from July to September (NOAA CetSound, 2015). Almost all of the Gulf of Maine subregion is critical habitat (Northeastern U.S. foraging area) for North Atlantic right whales. Given that offshore wind development areas are still being identified in this subregion, baseline data collection should seek to characterize fine scale spatial and temporal habitat use. Studies of impacts specific to floating offshore wind (e.g., secondary entanglement), including modeling, should be coordinated through the Subcommittee. Cape Cod Bay, as a historical whale aggregation location, could serve as a sentinel site or control site to monitor potential population-level impacts to whales.\nIn Southern New England, known whale foraging hotspots (e.g., Nantucket Shoals) should be monitored using multiple methods to understand potential changes in behavior and habitat use. Studies of hydrodynamics and physical oceanography at the turbine-, wind farm-, and regional-scales should seek to separate climate change drivers from offshore wind development and understand any changes that may impact whale prey (ACP, 2023; NASEM, 2023).\nWhale and dolphin sightings in the New York/New Jersey Bight have increased recently and includes increases in juvenile humpback whales in coastal waters, likely due to an increase in their menhaden prey. These whales may be particularly vulnerable to vessel strike due to their behavior and high density and speed of vessels in nearshore waters of this region (Stepanuk et al., 2021). Studies of whale-prey relationships and potential displacement from offshore wind areas in this region should be tailored to this context and capture rapidly changing ecosystem conditions and existing human uses in this area.\nThe U.S. Central Atlantic includes small resident populations of bottlenose dolphins, and large whales occur here and in the U.S. Southeast Atlantic at relatively lower densities than the other subregions. Data collection strategies and studies should be designed with the lower expected densities in mind. Both regions are important migratory routes, and the U.S. Southeast Atlantic contains critical habitat for North Atlantic right whale calving. More information is needed about the ways that reproductively active female right whales respond (or do not respond) to physical structures, noise, and vessels in their environment before wind projects are implemented in the Southeast right whale calving habitat. Characterizations of marine mammal distribution, abundance, and movement should continue in these subregions using multiple methods as offshore wind planning and development advances."
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     "title": "Appendix J: Habitat & Ecosystem - Oceanography",
     "section": "J.3 Oceanographic Data Collection & Analysis in U.S. Atlantic Waters",
-    "text": "J.3 Oceanographic Data Collection & Analysis in U.S. Atlantic Waters\n\nJ.3.1 Ongoing Oceanographic Data Collection and Analysis\nMany entities collect and manage physical and biological oceanographic and meteorological data in U.S. waters. These data and derived data products (e.g., hindcast, nowcast, and forecast model outputs) are produced and used by agencies and private entities for applications such as weather forecasting and maritime safety, in addition to research uses. One program within NOAA is the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), a national-regional partnership that coordinates the contributions of Federally owned observing and modeling systems and develops and integrates non-federal observing and modeling capacity into the system in partnership with IOOS regions. The IOOS Regional Associations (RAs) in the RWSC study area are the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA), the Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS), and the North East Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS). The Directors of each IOOS RA are members of the Habitat & Ecosystem Subcommittee, and IOOS RA staff also participate in each of the other RWSC Subcommittees. Each IOOS RA has different areas of focus with respect to data collection, synthesis, and management based on regional needs and partnerships. The IOOS RAs also coordinate coastal acidification networks along the Atlantic coast (SOCAN, MACAN, NECAN) whose activities should be leveraged with respect to understanding any biogeochemical effects resulting from construction and operation of offshore wind projects. Relevant IOOS RA biological data coordination is captured in each taxa-focused Science Plan chapter. IOOS RAs will coordinate through RWSC Subcommittees and with RWSC leadership on data collection, syntheses, and management with respect to offshore wind and wildlife studies. RWSC participants will also leverage the IOOS RAs extensive partnerships with the research community, and their educational and outreach activities.\nOceanographic and meteorological data collection is being collected within and around offshore wind leases given its inherent value to offshore wind developers to inform engineering and operational decisions. Several other entities are also funding, and/or advocating for oceanographic research and data collection activities with respect to offshore wind, in many cases due to the relevance to megafauna and their prey. Ongoing and planned activities are captured in the Offshore Wind & Wildlife Research Database.\n\n\nJ.3.2 Recommended Oceanographic Data Collection and Analysis\nEntities that deploy platforms to collect oceanographic and meteorological data in and near offshore wind development sites should coordinate with the IOOS RAs to manage and disseminate those data, in real-time, as is feasible. Links to where those data can be accessed should be shared with the RWSC Habitat & Ecosystem Subcommittee as soon as possible. Several offshore wind developers have or are actively coordinating with the IOOS RAs to serve real-time oceanographic and meteorological data from platforms within their lease areas approved by BOEM as part of their Site Assessment Plans. Links below point to active or legacy data:\n\nBeacon Wind (Equinor)\nEmpire Wind (Equinor)\nAtlantic Shores Offshore Wind\nSouthCoast Wind\n\nThe Subcommittee recommends the following data collection activities :\n\nLeverage, maintain awareness, and coordinate with existing data collection programs that characterize baseline hydrodynamic and oceanographic processes, including:\n\nLong-term surveys, datasets, and syntheses that inform the NOAA Fisheries State of the Ecosystem Reports Northeast U.S. Shelf (updated annually) and the Northeast Integrated Ecosystem Assessment.\nCoastal Data Information Program (CDIP)\nNational Data Buoy Center (NDBC)\nU.S. IOOS High Frequency Radar Network\nNational Water Level Observation Network (NWLON)\nDatasets routinely collected by other agencies, including the National Weather Service, U.S. Navy, and others.\n\nCollect oceanographic (and for above-water species, meteorological) data simultaneously to wildlife observation data collection activities to provide context and understand potential drivers of wildlife distribution, abundance, behavior, movement, and health.\n\nLeverage existing IOOS RA infrastructure, including co-locating sensors.\nA list of key oceanographic and meteorological variables, parameters, and platforms/methods is provided in the Appendix. Many of these variables are recognized by the Global Ocean Observing System as Essential Ocean Variables (EOV). The list also specifies whether the variable was identified by RWSC Subcommittees as a potentially useful covariate for species distribution modeling (Hogan et al., 2023; MDAT, 2017; Roberts et al., 2016).\nEnsure that oceanographic/meteorological data collected during offshore wind and wildlife surveys/studies is compiled and made available for use in other analyses and research.\n\nCollect meteorological, hydrographic, oceanographic, and productivity data in a consistent way from the fine- to regional scales to informs models (see Data Analysis) and produce a collection of standardized data products for priority species modeling covariates:\n\nSee the list of key variables, parameters, and platforms/methods in the Appendix.\nEnsure that hydrodynamic and oceanographic processes are consistently measured across the RWSC study area.\nProcesses of interest for which data should be collected for modeling (training and validation) include:\n\nMid-Atlantic cold pool formation; stratification in general\nLocal turbulence production and induced mixing of different offshore wind foundation structures\nWater quality and light penetration (e.g., chemical contamination associated with increased vessel traffic and presence of offshore wind structures, effects on suspended particulate matter and turbidity)\nAtmospheric effects associated with energy removal by wind turbines (e.g., wake effects, the effects on waves, currents, and other air-sea interactions)\nWind farm-induced flow and atmospheric response to both momentum and heat fluxes\nAmbient soundscapes and sound propagation data\nPhytoplankton composition/biomass/abundance, primary productivity, and change over time; occurrence and persistence of harmful algal blooms\nZooplankton composition/biomass/abundance, secondary productivity, and change over time\nFood availability for filter feeders and links to higher trophic levels\n\nWhere appropriate, using observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) to determine optimal location of oceanographic observing at the region-wide scale.\n\nCoordinate with the IOOS RAs and RWSC Subcommittees that may be deploying instrumentation via buoys to strategically co-locate sensors for oceanographic, meteorological, and habitat data.\nInvesting in region wide data collection with AUVs and remote sensing, including gliders, to supplement buoy data and collect more seamless broad scale coverage of physical oceanographic and biogeochemical data, and to record ambient noise.\n\nIdentify reliable reference/control sites, which may also be areas of high ecosystem productivity, for long-term monitoring and baseline data collection of multiple oceanographic variables in areas outside of wind lease areas.\n\nAdvance technologies that facilitate widespread oceanographic and meteorological data collection, transmission, and data management during all phases of offshore wind development, and to ensure that the performance of new technologies is evaluated consistently (see Technology chapter recommendations).\n\nDevelop, test, and validate novel platforms for collecting oceanographic and meteorological data\nLeverage existing and improve real-time data transmission technologies from offshore platforms (cost, availability, reliability)\n\n\n\nJ.3.2.1 Gulf of Maine recommendations\nGaps in assessing the potential impacts of hydrodynamic and atmospheric alterations on physical and biological resources in the northeast have been identified and apply to the Gulf of Maine region (Blair et al., 2022). Determining oceanographic baselines and competing phenomena, such as the impacts of climate change, in addition to effects of offshore wind development is a research need. Characterizing hydrodynamic and atmospheric alterations due to offshore wind development is another broad research need related to future offshore wind development in the Gulf of Maine. Detecting the influence of scale and collecting information on cumulative impacts has emerged as a priority research topic in recent years. Monitoring of offshore wind projects sites in the Gulf of Maine will need to be conducted to increase understanding of marine ecology and oceanographic impacts. There are currently very few federal ocean observing buoys collecting data in the Gulf of Maine planning area, and the numbers of buoys in the planning area should be increased to understand baselines and effects from offshore wind development.\nFollowing are some examples of more specific research that needs to be conducted to assess the potential oceanographic effects of future offshore wind buildout in the Gulf of Maine.\n\nMeasure the atmospheric effects associated with energy removal by future wind turbines in the region. This could be performed using instrumentation and modeling similar to the Wind Forecasting Improvement Project 3 (WFIP-3) which is being conducted in the MA/RI lease areas.\nEstablish a Lidar buoy program in the Gulf of Maine similar to programs in other areas along the U.S. Atlantic (e.g., MA, NJ, VA). The buoy(s) would measure wind profile, speed and direction; solar radiation; air temperature and relative humidity; barometric pressure; water velocity, salinity and temperature; wave spectrum.\nConduct glider-based ecological and oceanographic surveys along optimized transects in the Gulf of Maine. These surveys would be similar to what is currently being conducted in the New York Bight and could be an extension of glider surveys previously conducted in the Gulf of Maine as part of the project “Optimizing Ocean Acidification Observations for Model Parameterization in the Coupled Slope Water System of the U.S. Northeast Large Marine Ecosystem”. The glider surveys would capture the seasonal variability with simultaneous oceanographic and ecological sampling. The sensor suite on each glider would characterize the ecosystem’s physical structure (Temperature, Salinity, Density; CTD), tagged fish presence (Vemco receiver), and marine mammal presence (passive acoustics; DMON).\nExpand monitoring of soundscapes in the Gulf of Maine to collect background data and to measure noise from potential offshore wind development in the region. There is a gap in sound data collection in the northern part and deeper waters of the Gulf of Maine (see https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/maps/passive-acoustic-data/).\nSimilar to the way RODEO has been performed in other regions, acquire real-time observations of the construction and initial operation of wind facilities to aid the evaluation of environmental effects of future facilities. Measurements should be made of: pile driving sound & operational sound (PAM), particle motion, cable layer, scour monitoring, seafloor disturbance and recovery, benthic habitat changed, epifouling, and fish.\nBefore any turbines are installed then after construction, collect field measurements to understand how the placement of wind turbine structures and associated effects on hydrodynamics can in turn affect biogeochemical and water quality characteristics of the water column.\nImprove and expand the forecasting capabilities of the Northeast Coastal Ocean Forecast System (NECOFS) with relevance to understanding the potential effects of offshore wind development on oceanographic processes in the Gulf of Maine.\nWork together with NERACOOS to expand engagement with key end users in the offshore wind development and oceanographic communities to clearly identify how data and information can best be provided to suit their needs, refine the technical approach, and verify that user needs are met.\n\n\n\nJ.3.2.2 Southern New England Recommendations\nFollowing are some examples of more specific research that needs to be conducted to assess the potential oceanographic effects of future offshore wind buildout in the Southern New England subregion.\n\nDetermine oceanographic baselines and competing phenomena, such as the impacts of climate change, in addition to effects of offshore wind development. With adjoining lease areas in the MA/RI area, it will be important to understand the oceanographic effects of multiple wind farms and their cumulative impacts. There are currently very few federal ocean observing buoys collecting data in the MA/RI lease areas, and the numbers of buoys in these areas should be increased to understand baselines and effects from offshore wind development.\nThe PIONEER array collected data from the inshore and shelf area to examine exchanges between the shelf and slope and the shelf ecosystem, as well as to provide broader insight into air-sea gas exchange, including carbon dioxide absorption. The array’s first deployment was off the coast of New England at the Continental Shelf/Slope interface, where it collected data from 2016 until it was recovered in September 2022; the array is now being moved to the southern Mid-Atlantic Bight (or RWSC Central Atlantic subregion). Given the time series of oceanographic data collected by the PIONEER array in New England waters, a new sampling program should be initiated to continue this time series and to expand measurements to those needed most for understanding potential effects of offshore wind development in New England waters.\nDuring 2023-2026, post-construction wildlife surveys will be performed by BOEM outside of the MA WEA adjacent to Vineyard Wind 1. These surveys should include collection of oceanographic and habitat covariates to understand potential effects of windfarm development on above and below water processes.\nSimilar to how RODEO was performed at Block Island wind farm, perform similar types of monitoring during construction of other wind farms in the region to understand potential effects on oceanography, habitat, and colonization of foundations. Consideration should be given to monitoring of effects using different mitigation measures (such as for sound propagation) during construction to understand best approaches for minimizing environmental effects.\nCollect field measurements to understand how the placement of wind turbine structures and associated effects on hydrodynamics can in turn affect biogeochemical and water quality characteristics of the water column.\nBased on methodology for WFIP-3, develop a guidance document for how similar types of field programs could be implemented in other regions. The program is unique in terms of implementing a comprehensive observational and modeling study of the coupled atmospheric and oceanic boundary layers in and around offshore wind farms and would be applicable to other subregions where wind farms are being developed.\n\n\n\nJ.3.2.3 New York/New Jersey Bight Recommendations\nFollowing are some examples of more specific research that needs to be conducted to assess the potential oceanographic effects of future offshore wind buildout in the New York/New Jersey Bight subregion.\n\nDetermine oceanographic baselines and competing phenomena, such as the impacts of climate change, in addition to effects of offshore wind development. With adjoining lease areas, especially off the New Jersey coast, it will be important to understand the oceanographic effects of multiple wind farms and their cumulative impacts. There are currently very few federal ocean observing buoys collecting data in the New York/New Jersey Bight lease areas, and the numbers of buoys in these areas should be increased to understand baselines and effects from offshore wind development.\nSimilar to how RODEO was performed at Block Island wind farm, perform similar types of monitoring during construction of other wind farms in the region to understand potential effects on oceanography, habitat, and colonization of foundations. Consideration should be given to monitoring of effects using different mitigation measures (such as for sound propagation) during construction to understand best approaches for minimizing environmental effects.\nCollect field measurements to understand how the placement of wind turbine structures and associated effects on hydrodynamics can in turn affect biogeochemical and water quality characteristics of the water column.\nEnsure coordination between RWSC and MARACOOS (which includes the NY/NJ Bight subregion) to spearhead data collection, archival, and sharing according to industry standards.\nWork together with MARACOOS to expand engagement with key end users in the offshore wind development and oceanographic communities to clearly identify how data and information can best be provided to suit their needs, refine the technical approach, and verify that user needs are met.\n\n\n\n\nJ.3.3 U.S. Central Atlantic Recommendations\nFollowing are some examples of more specific research that needs to be conducted to assess the potential oceanographic effects of future offshore wind buildout in the U.S. Central Atlantic subregion.\n\nDetermine oceanographic baselines and competing phenomena, such as the impacts of climate change, in addition to effects of offshore wind development. With multiple draft WEAs in the U.S. Central Atlantic, on both the shelf and in deeper waters, it will be important to understand the oceanographic effects of multiple wind farms and their cumulative impacts. There are currently very few federal ocean observing buoys collecting data in deeper waters of this subregion; the numbers of buoys should be increased to understand baselines and effects from offshore wind development.\nMeasure the atmospheric effects associated with energy removal by future wind turbines in the region. This could be performed using instrumentation and modeling similar to the Wind Forecasting Improvement Project 3 (WFIP-3) that is being conducted in the MA/RI lease areas.\nSimilar to the way RODEO has been performed, acquire real-time observations of the construction and initial operation of wind facilities to aid the evaluation of environmental effects of future facilities. Measurements should be made of: pile driving sound & operational sound (PAM), particle motion, cable layer, scour monitoring, seafloor disturbance and recovery, benthic habitat changed, epifouling, and fish.\nBefore any turbines are installed and after construction, collect field measurements to understand how the placement of wind turbine structures and associated effects on hydrodynamics can in turn affect biogeochemical and water quality characteristics of the water column. Biogeochemical and biological sensors could be added to existing and future moorings and buoys.\nEnsure coordination between RWSC and MARACOOS (which includes the U.S. Central Atlantic subregion) to spearhead data collection, archival, and sharing according to industry standards.\nWork together with MARACOOS to expand engagement with key end users in the offshore wind development and oceanographic communities to clearly identify how data and information can best be provided to suit their needs, refine the technical approach, and verify that user needs are met.\n\n\n\nJ.3.4 U.S. Southeast Atlantic Recommendations\nFollowing are some examples of more specific research that needs to be conducted to assess the potential oceanographic effects of future offshore wind buildout in the U.S. Southeast Atlantic subregion.\n\nDetermine oceanographic baselines and competing phenomena, such as the impacts of climate change, in addition to effects of offshore wind development. With currently only two, but adjoining, lease areas proposed in the northern area of the subregion, it will be important to understand the oceanographic effects of multiple wind farms and their cumulative impacts. There are currently very few federal ocean observing buoys collecting data in these lease areas, and the numbers of buoys in the whole U.S. Southeast Atlantic subregion should be increased to understand baselines and effects from offshore wind development. Especially, buoys and coastal stations are needed on the east coast of FL, within the 10-50 meter isobaths.\nMeasure the atmospheric effects associated with energy removal by future wind turbines in the region. This could be performed using instrumentation and modeling similar to the Wind Forecasting Improvement Project 3 (WFIP-3) that is being conducted in the MA/RI lease areas.\nAdd high frequency radar stations to fill coverage gaps identified in the subregion.\nEstablish a Lidar buoy program in the U.S. southeastern Atlantic similar to programs in other areas along the U.S. Atlantic (e.g., MA, NJ, VA). The buoy(s) would measure wind profile, speed and direction; solar radiation; air temperature and relative humidity; barometric pressure; water velocity, salinity and temperature; wave spectrum.\nExpand monitoring of soundscapes in the U.S. Southeast Atlantic to collect background data and to measure noise from potential offshore wind development in the region. There is a gap in sound data collection in the shallower waters of the subregion (see https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/maps/passive-acoustic-data/). In addition, fishery independent research programs in the subregion (MARMAP and SEAMAP) could be leveraged to deploy hydrophones in areas where surveys occur.\nSimilar to the way RODEO has been performed in other regions, acquire real-time observations of the construction and initial operation of wind facilities to aid the evaluation of environmental effects of future facilities. Measurements should be made of: pile driving sound & operational sound (PAM), particle motion, cable layer, scour monitoring, seafloor disturbance and recovery, benthic habitat changed, epifouling, and fish.\nBefore any turbines are installed then after construction, collect field measurements to understand how the placement of wind turbine structures and associated effects on hydrodynamics can in turn affect biogeochemical and water quality characteristics of the water column. Biogeochemical and biological sensors could be added to existing and future moorings and buoys.\nEnsure coordination between RWSC and to spearhead data collection, archival, and sharing according to industry standards.\nWork together with SECOORA to expand engagement with key end users in the offshore wind development and oceanographic communities to clearly identify how data and information can best be provided to suit their needs, refine the technical approach, and verify that user needs are met.\nIdentify historical data in the U.S. Southeast Atlantic subregion that needs to be preserved, as well as a pathway to collect, compile, and preserve historical data.\nDevelop high-resolution coupled physical-biogeochemical models incorporating as many marine environmental variables as relevant to offshore wind development and the various U.S. Southeast Atlantic ecosystems (e.g., coral reefs).\nLeverage SECOORA’s education and outreach efforts to develop public engagement campaigns related to ocean observation technologies and offshore wind effects."
+    "text": "J.3 Oceanographic Data Collection & Analysis in U.S. Atlantic Waters\n\nJ.3.1 Ongoing Oceanographic Data Collection and Analysis\nMany entities collect and manage physical and biological oceanographic and meteorological data in U.S. waters. These data and derived data products (e.g., hindcast, nowcast, and forecast model outputs) are produced and used by agencies and private entities for applications such as weather forecasting and maritime safety, in addition to research uses. One program within NOAA is the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), a national-regional partnership that coordinates the contributions of Federally owned observing and modeling systems and develops and integrates non-federal observing and modeling capacity into the system in partnership with IOOS regions. The IOOS Regional Associations (RAs) in the RWSC study area are the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA), the Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS), and the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS). The Directors of each IOOS RA are members of the Habitat & Ecosystem Subcommittee, and IOOS RA staff also participate in each of the other RWSC Subcommittees. Each IOOS RA has different areas of focus with respect to data collection, synthesis, and management based on regional needs and partnerships. The IOOS RAs also coordinate coastal acidification networks along the Atlantic coast (SOCAN, MACAN, NECAN) whose activities should be leveraged with respect to understanding any biogeochemical effects resulting from construction and operation of offshore wind projects. Relevant IOOS RA biological data coordination is captured in each taxa-focused Science Plan chapter. IOOS RAs will coordinate through RWSC Subcommittees and with RWSC leadership on data collection, syntheses, and management with respect to offshore wind and wildlife studies. RWSC participants will also leverage the IOOS RAs extensive partnerships with the research community, and their educational and outreach activities.\nOceanographic and meteorological data collection is being collected within and around offshore wind leases given its inherent value to offshore wind developers to inform engineering and operational decisions. Several other entities are also funding, and/or advocating for oceanographic research and data collection activities with respect to offshore wind, in many cases due to the relevance to megafauna and their prey. Ongoing and planned activities are captured in the Offshore Wind & Wildlife Research Database.\n\n\nJ.3.2 Recommended Oceanographic Data Collection and Analysis\nEntities that deploy platforms to collect oceanographic and meteorological data in and near offshore wind development sites should coordinate with the IOOS RAs to manage and disseminate those data, in real-time, as is feasible. Links to where those data can be accessed should be shared with the RWSC Habitat & Ecosystem Subcommittee as soon as possible. Several offshore wind developers have or are actively coordinating with the IOOS RAs to serve real-time oceanographic and meteorological data from platforms within their lease areas approved by BOEM as part of their Site Assessment Plans. Links below point to active or legacy data:\n\nBeacon Wind (Equinor)\nEmpire Wind (Equinor)\nAtlantic Shores Offshore Wind\nSouthCoast Wind\n\nThe Subcommittee recommends the following data collection activities :\n\nLeverage, maintain awareness, and coordinate with existing data collection programs that characterize baseline hydrodynamic and oceanographic processes, including:\n\nLong-term surveys, datasets, and syntheses that inform the NOAA Fisheries State of the Ecosystem Reports Northeast U.S. Shelf (updated annually) and the Northeast Integrated Ecosystem Assessment.\nCoastal Data Information Program (CDIP)\nNational Data Buoy Center (NDBC)\nU.S. IOOS High Frequency Radar Network\nNational Water Level Observation Network (NWLON)\nDatasets routinely collected by other agencies, including the National Weather Service, U.S. Navy, and others.\n\nCollect oceanographic (and for above-water species, meteorological) data simultaneously to wildlife observation data collection activities to provide context and understand potential drivers of wildlife distribution, abundance, behavior, movement, and health.\n\nLeverage existing IOOS RA infrastructure, including co-locating sensors.\nA list of key oceanographic and meteorological variables, parameters, and platforms/methods is provided in the Appendix. Many of these variables are recognized by the Global Ocean Observing System as Essential Ocean Variables (EOV). The list also specifies whether the variable was identified by RWSC Subcommittees as a potentially useful covariate for species distribution modeling (Hogan et al., 2023; MDAT, 2017; Roberts et al., 2016).\nEnsure that oceanographic/meteorological data collected during offshore wind and wildlife surveys/studies is compiled and made available for use in other analyses and research.\n\nCollect meteorological, hydrographic, oceanographic, and productivity data in a consistent way from the fine- to regional scales to informs models (see Data Analysis) and produce a collection of standardized data products for priority species modeling covariates:\n\nSee the list of key variables, parameters, and platforms/methods in the Appendix.\nEnsure that hydrodynamic and oceanographic processes are consistently measured across the RWSC study area.\nProcesses of interest for which data should be collected for modeling (training and validation) include:\n\nMid-Atlantic cold pool formation; stratification in general\nLocal turbulence production and induced mixing of different offshore wind foundation structures\nWater quality and light penetration (e.g., chemical contamination associated with increased vessel traffic and presence of offshore wind structures, effects on suspended particulate matter and turbidity)\nAtmospheric effects associated with energy removal by wind turbines (e.g., wake effects, the effects on waves, currents, and other air-sea interactions)\nWind farm-induced flow and atmospheric response to both momentum and heat fluxes\nAmbient soundscapes and sound propagation data\nPhytoplankton composition/biomass/abundance, primary productivity, and change over time; occurrence and persistence of harmful algal blooms\nZooplankton composition/biomass/abundance, secondary productivity, and change over time\nFood availability for filter feeders and links to higher trophic levels\n\nWhere appropriate, using observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) to determine optimal location of oceanographic observing at the region-wide scale.\n\nCoordinate with the IOOS RAs and RWSC Subcommittees that may be deploying instrumentation via buoys to strategically co-locate sensors for oceanographic, meteorological, and habitat data.\nInvesting in region wide data collection with AUVs and remote sensing, including gliders, to supplement buoy data and collect more seamless broad scale coverage of physical oceanographic and biogeochemical data, and to record ambient noise.\n\nIdentify reliable reference/control sites, which may also be areas of high ecosystem productivity, for long-term monitoring and baseline data collection of multiple oceanographic variables in areas outside of wind lease areas.\n\nAdvance technologies that facilitate widespread oceanographic and meteorological data collection, transmission, and data management during all phases of offshore wind development, and to ensure that the performance of new technologies is evaluated consistently (see Technology chapter recommendations).\n\nDevelop, test, and validate novel platforms for collecting oceanographic and meteorological data\nLeverage existing and improve real-time data transmission technologies from offshore platforms (cost, availability, reliability)\n\n\n\nJ.3.2.1 Gulf of Maine recommendations\nGaps in assessing the potential impacts of hydrodynamic and atmospheric alterations on physical and biological resources in the northeast have been identified and apply to the Gulf of Maine region (Blair et al., 2022). Determining oceanographic baselines and competing phenomena, such as the impacts of climate change, in addition to effects of offshore wind development is a research need. Characterizing hydrodynamic and atmospheric alterations due to offshore wind development is another broad research need related to future offshore wind development in the Gulf of Maine. Detecting the influence of scale and collecting information on cumulative impacts has emerged as a priority research topic in recent years. Monitoring of offshore wind projects sites in the Gulf of Maine will need to be conducted to increase understanding of marine ecology and oceanographic impacts. There are currently very few federal ocean observing buoys collecting data in the Gulf of Maine planning area, and the numbers of buoys in the planning area should be increased to understand baselines and effects from offshore wind development.\nFollowing are some examples of more specific research that needs to be conducted to assess the potential oceanographic effects of future offshore wind buildout in the Gulf of Maine.\n\nMeasure the atmospheric effects associated with energy removal by future wind turbines in the region. This could be performed using instrumentation and modeling similar to the Wind Forecasting Improvement Project 3 (WFIP-3) which is being conducted in the MA/RI lease areas.\nEstablish a Lidar buoy program in the Gulf of Maine similar to programs in other areas along the U.S. Atlantic (e.g., MA, NJ, VA). The buoy(s) would measure wind profile, speed and direction; solar radiation; air temperature and relative humidity; barometric pressure; water velocity, salinity and temperature; wave spectrum.\nConduct glider-based ecological and oceanographic surveys along optimized transects in the Gulf of Maine. These surveys would be similar to what is currently being conducted in the New York Bight and could be an extension of glider surveys previously conducted in the Gulf of Maine as part of the project “Optimizing Ocean Acidification Observations for Model Parameterization in the Coupled Slope Water System of the U.S. Northeast Large Marine Ecosystem”. The glider surveys would capture the seasonal variability with simultaneous oceanographic and ecological sampling. The sensor suite on each glider would characterize the ecosystem’s physical structure (Temperature, Salinity, Density; CTD), tagged fish presence (Vemco receiver), and marine mammal presence (passive acoustics; DMON).\nExpand monitoring of soundscapes in the Gulf of Maine to collect background data and to measure noise from potential offshore wind development in the region. There is a gap in sound data collection in the northern part and deeper waters of the Gulf of Maine (see https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/maps/passive-acoustic-data/).\nSimilar to the way RODEO has been performed in other regions, acquire real-time observations of the construction and initial operation of wind facilities to aid the evaluation of environmental effects of future facilities. Measurements should be made of: pile driving sound & operational sound (PAM), particle motion, cable layer, scour monitoring, seafloor disturbance and recovery, benthic habitat changed, epifouling, and fish.\nBefore any turbines are installed then after construction, collect field measurements to understand how the placement of wind turbine structures and associated effects on hydrodynamics can in turn affect biogeochemical and water quality characteristics of the water column.\nImprove and expand the forecasting capabilities of the Northeast Coastal Ocean Forecast System (NECOFS) with relevance to understanding the potential effects of offshore wind development on oceanographic processes in the Gulf of Maine.\nWork together with NERACOOS to expand engagement with key end users in the offshore wind development and oceanographic communities to clearly identify how data and information can best be provided to suit their needs, refine the technical approach, and verify that user needs are met.\n\n\n\nJ.3.2.2 Southern New England Recommendations\nFollowing are some examples of more specific research that needs to be conducted to assess the potential oceanographic effects of future offshore wind buildout in the Southern New England subregion.\n\nDetermine oceanographic baselines and competing phenomena, such as the impacts of climate change, in addition to effects of offshore wind development. With adjoining lease areas in the MA/RI area, it will be important to understand the oceanographic effects of multiple wind farms and their cumulative impacts. There are currently very few federal ocean observing buoys collecting data in the MA/RI lease areas, and the numbers of buoys in these areas should be increased to understand baselines and effects from offshore wind development.\nThe PIONEER array collected data from the inshore and shelf area to examine exchanges between the shelf and slope and the shelf ecosystem, as well as to provide broader insight into air-sea gas exchange, including carbon dioxide absorption. The array’s first deployment was off the coast of New England at the Continental Shelf/Slope interface, where it collected data from 2016 until it was recovered in September 2022; the array is now being moved to the southern Mid-Atlantic Bight (or RWSC Central Atlantic subregion). Given the time series of oceanographic data collected by the PIONEER array in New England waters, a new sampling program should be initiated to continue this time series and to expand measurements to those needed most for understanding potential effects of offshore wind development in New England waters.\nDuring 2023-2026, post-construction wildlife surveys will be performed by BOEM outside of the MA WEA adjacent to Vineyard Wind 1. These surveys should include collection of oceanographic and habitat covariates to understand potential effects of windfarm development on above and below water processes.\nSimilar to how RODEO was performed at Block Island wind farm, perform similar types of monitoring during construction of other wind farms in the region to understand potential effects on oceanography, habitat, and colonization of foundations. Consideration should be given to monitoring of effects using different mitigation measures (such as for sound propagation) during construction to understand best approaches for minimizing environmental effects.\nCollect field measurements to understand how the placement of wind turbine structures and associated effects on hydrodynamics can in turn affect biogeochemical and water quality characteristics of the water column.\nBased on methodology for WFIP-3, develop a guidance document for how similar types of field programs could be implemented in other regions. The program is unique in terms of implementing a comprehensive observational and modeling study of the coupled atmospheric and oceanic boundary layers in and around offshore wind farms and would be applicable to other subregions where wind farms are being developed.\n\n\n\nJ.3.2.3 New York/New Jersey Bight Recommendations\nFollowing are some examples of more specific research that needs to be conducted to assess the potential oceanographic effects of future offshore wind buildout in the New York/New Jersey Bight subregion.\n\nDetermine oceanographic baselines and competing phenomena, such as the impacts of climate change, in addition to effects of offshore wind development. With adjoining lease areas, especially off the New Jersey coast, it will be important to understand the oceanographic effects of multiple wind farms and their cumulative impacts. There are currently very few federal ocean observing buoys collecting data in the New York/New Jersey Bight lease areas, and the numbers of buoys in these areas should be increased to understand baselines and effects from offshore wind development.\nSimilar to how RODEO was performed at Block Island wind farm, perform similar types of monitoring during construction of other wind farms in the region to understand potential effects on oceanography, habitat, and colonization of foundations. Consideration should be given to monitoring of effects using different mitigation measures (such as for sound propagation) during construction to understand best approaches for minimizing environmental effects.\nCollect field measurements to understand how the placement of wind turbine structures and associated effects on hydrodynamics can in turn affect biogeochemical and water quality characteristics of the water column.\nEnsure coordination between RWSC and MARACOOS (which includes the NY/NJ Bight subregion) to spearhead data collection, archival, and sharing according to industry standards.\nWork together with MARACOOS to expand engagement with key end users in the offshore wind development and oceanographic communities to clearly identify how data and information can best be provided to suit their needs, refine the technical approach, and verify that user needs are met.\n\n\n\n\nJ.3.3 U.S. Central Atlantic Recommendations\nFollowing are some examples of more specific research that needs to be conducted to assess the potential oceanographic effects of future offshore wind buildout in the U.S. Central Atlantic subregion.\n\nDetermine oceanographic baselines and competing phenomena, such as the impacts of climate change, in addition to effects of offshore wind development. With multiple draft WEAs in the U.S. Central Atlantic, on both the shelf and in deeper waters, it will be important to understand the oceanographic effects of multiple wind farms and their cumulative impacts. There are currently very few federal ocean observing buoys collecting data in deeper waters of this subregion; the numbers of buoys should be increased to understand baselines and effects from offshore wind development.\nMeasure the atmospheric effects associated with energy removal by future wind turbines in the region. This could be performed using instrumentation and modeling similar to the Wind Forecasting Improvement Project 3 (WFIP-3) that is being conducted in the MA/RI lease areas.\nSimilar to the way RODEO has been performed, acquire real-time observations of the construction and initial operation of wind facilities to aid the evaluation of environmental effects of future facilities. Measurements should be made of: pile driving sound & operational sound (PAM), particle motion, cable layer, scour monitoring, seafloor disturbance and recovery, benthic habitat changed, epifouling, and fish.\nBefore any turbines are installed and after construction, collect field measurements to understand how the placement of wind turbine structures and associated effects on hydrodynamics can in turn affect biogeochemical and water quality characteristics of the water column. Biogeochemical and biological sensors could be added to existing and future moorings and buoys.\nEnsure coordination between RWSC and MARACOOS (which includes the U.S. Central Atlantic subregion) to spearhead data collection, archival, and sharing according to industry standards.\nWork together with MARACOOS to expand engagement with key end users in the offshore wind development and oceanographic communities to clearly identify how data and information can best be provided to suit their needs, refine the technical approach, and verify that user needs are met.\n\n\n\nJ.3.4 U.S. Southeast Atlantic Recommendations\nFollowing are some examples of more specific research that needs to be conducted to assess the potential oceanographic effects of future offshore wind buildout in the U.S. Southeast Atlantic subregion.\n\nDetermine oceanographic baselines and competing phenomena, such as the impacts of climate change, in addition to effects of offshore wind development. With currently only two, but adjoining, lease areas proposed in the northern area of the subregion, it will be important to understand the oceanographic effects of multiple wind farms and their cumulative impacts. There are currently very few federal ocean observing buoys collecting data in these lease areas, and the numbers of buoys in the whole U.S. Southeast Atlantic subregion should be increased to understand baselines and effects from offshore wind development. Especially, buoys and coastal stations are needed on the east coast of FL, within the 10-50 meter isobaths.\nMeasure the atmospheric effects associated with energy removal by future wind turbines in the region. This could be performed using instrumentation and modeling similar to the Wind Forecasting Improvement Project 3 (WFIP-3) that is being conducted in the MA/RI lease areas.\nAdd high frequency radar stations to fill coverage gaps identified in the subregion.\nEstablish a Lidar buoy program in the U.S. southeastern Atlantic similar to programs in other areas along the U.S. Atlantic (e.g., MA, NJ, VA). The buoy(s) would measure wind profile, speed and direction; solar radiation; air temperature and relative humidity; barometric pressure; water velocity, salinity and temperature; wave spectrum.\nExpand monitoring of soundscapes in the U.S. Southeast Atlantic to collect background data and to measure noise from potential offshore wind development in the region. There is a gap in sound data collection in the shallower waters of the subregion (see https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/maps/passive-acoustic-data/). In addition, fishery independent research programs in the subregion (MARMAP and SEAMAP) could be leveraged to deploy hydrophones in areas where surveys occur.\nSimilar to the way RODEO has been performed in other regions, acquire real-time observations of the construction and initial operation of wind facilities to aid the evaluation of environmental effects of future facilities. Measurements should be made of: pile driving sound & operational sound (PAM), particle motion, cable layer, scour monitoring, seafloor disturbance and recovery, benthic habitat changed, epifouling, and fish.\nBefore any turbines are installed then after construction, collect field measurements to understand how the placement of wind turbine structures and associated effects on hydrodynamics can in turn affect biogeochemical and water quality characteristics of the water column. Biogeochemical and biological sensors could be added to existing and future moorings and buoys.\nEnsure coordination between RWSC and to spearhead data collection, archival, and sharing according to industry standards.\nWork together with SECOORA to expand engagement with key end users in the offshore wind development and oceanographic communities to clearly identify how data and information can best be provided to suit their needs, refine the technical approach, and verify that user needs are met.\nIdentify historical data in the U.S. Southeast Atlantic subregion that needs to be preserved, as well as a pathway to collect, compile, and preserve historical data.\nDevelop high-resolution coupled physical-biogeochemical models incorporating as many marine environmental variables as relevant to offshore wind development and the various U.S. Southeast Atlantic ecosystems (e.g., coral reefs).\nLeverage SECOORA’s education and outreach efforts to develop public engagement campaigns related to ocean observation technologies and offshore wind effects."
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     "title": "Appendix A: Acronyms",
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-    "text": "3D\nThree dimensional\n\n\nACP\nAmerican Clean Power\n\n\nACT\nAtlantic Cooperative Telemetry Network\n\n\nAI\nArtificial Intelligence\n\n\nAMAPPS\nAtlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species\n\n\nASMFC\nAtlantic States Marine Fisheries\n\n\nATN\nAnimal Telemetry Network\n\n\nAUV\nAutonomous Underwater Vehicle\n\n\nAWWI\nAmerican Wild Wildlife Institute (now Renewable Energy Wildlife Institute)\n\n\nAZMP\nAtlantic Zone Monitoring Program\n\n\nBIWF\nBlock Island Wind Farm\n\n\nBOEM\nBureau of Ocean Energy Management\n\n\nBRI\nBiodiversity Research Institute\n\n\nBRUVS\nBaited Remote Underwater Video Station\n\n\nCARE\nCollective benefit, Authority to control, Responsibility, Ethics\n\n\nCBIBS\nChesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System\n\n\nCCE\nCornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County\n\n\nCDIP\nCoastal Data Information Program\n\n\nCEC\nClean Energy Center\n\n\nCFMC\nCaribbean Fishery Management Council\n\n\nCFRF\nCommercial Fisheries Research Foundation\n\n\nCMECS\nCoastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard\n\n\nCNAPS\nCoupled Northwest Atlantic Prediction System\n\n\nCOP\nConstruction and Operation Plan\n\n\nCT DEEP\nConnecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection\n\n\nCVOW\nCoastal Virginia Offshore Wind\n\n\nDAC\nData Assembly Center\n\n\nDGSC\nData Governance Subcommittee\n\n\nDMR\nDepartment of Marine Resources\n\n\nDNR\nDepartment of Natural Resources\n\n\nDNREC\nState of Delaware. Department of Natural Resources and. Environmental Control\n\n\nDOE\nU.S. Department of Energy\n\n\nDOI\nDigital Object Identifier\n\n\nDPS\nDistinct Population Segments\n\n\nDTAG\nDigital Acoustic Recording Tag\n\n\neDNA\nEnvironmental DNA\n\n\nEA\nEnvironmental Assessments\n\n\neDNA\nEnvironmental Deoxyribonucleic Acid\n\n\nEEF\nEssential Fish Habitat\n\n\nEEZ\nExclusive Economic Zone\n\n\nEIS\nEnvironmental Impact Statements\n\n\nEMF\nElectromagnetic field\n\n\neNGO\nEnvironmental Non-Governmental Organization\n\n\nEOV\nEssential Ocean Variables\n\n\nERDDAP\nEnvironmental Research Division Data Access Program\n\n\nESA\nEndangered Species Act\n\n\nE-TWG\nEnvironmental Technical Working Group\n\n\nFACT Network\nFlorida Atlantic Coast Telemetry Network\n\n\nFAIR\nFindable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable\n\n\nFSU\nFlorida State University\n\n\nFVCOM\nFinite Volume Community Ocean Model\n\n\nFWRI\nThe Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, formerly the Florida Marine Research Institute\n\n\nGCOOS\nGulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System\n\n\nGEO\nGovernor’s Energy Office\n\n\nGPS\nGlobal Positioning System\n\n\nHF Radar\nHigh Frequency Radar\n\n\nHMS\nHighly Migratory Species\n\n\nHVDC\nHigh Voltage Direct Current\n\n\nHz\nHertz\n\n\nIOOS\nIntegrated Ocean Observing System\n\n\nIOOS RA\nIntegrated Ocean Observing System Regional Association\n\n\nISO\nInternational Organization for Standardization\n\n\nIUCN\nInternational Union for Conservation of Nature\n\n\nLTER\nLong Term Ecological Research\n\n\nMACAN\nMid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network\n\n\nMAFMC\nMid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council\n\n\nMARACOOS\nMid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System\n\n\nMARCO\nMid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean\n\n\nMATOS\nMid-Atlantic Acoustic Telemetry Observation System \n\n\nMBON\nMarine Biodiversity Observation Network\n\n\nMMF\nMarine Megafauna Foundation\n\n\nMOU\nMemorandum of Understanding\n\n\nMSA\nMagnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act\n\n\nMTS\nMarine Technology Society\n\n\nNABat\nNorth American Bat Monitoring Program\n\n\nNARWC\nNorth Atlantic Right Whale Consortium\n\n\nNASA\nNational Aeronautics and Space Administration\n\n\nNCCOS\nNational Centers for Coastal Ocean Science\n\n\nNCDMF\nNorth Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries\n\n\nNCEI\nNational Centers for Environmental Information\n\n\nNDBC\nNational Data Buoy Center\n\n\nNECAN\nNorth East Coastal Acidification Network\n\n\nNEFMC\nNew England Fishery Management Council\n\n\nNEFSC\nNortheast Fisheries Science Center\n\n\nNEPA\nNational Environmental Policy Act\n\n\nNERACOOS\nNorth East Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems\n\n\nNESDIS\nNational Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service\n\n\nNIST\nNational Institute of Standards and Technology\n\n\nNJ DEP\nNew Jersey Department of Environmental Protection\n\n\nNMFS\nNational Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries)\n\n\nNOAA \nNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\n\n\nNOMEC\nNational Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization Council\n\n\nNOPP\nNational Oceanographic Partnership Program\n\n\nNOWRDC\nNational Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium\n\n\nNROC\nNortheast Regional Ocean Council\n\n\nNUWC\nNaval Undersea Warfare Center Newport\n\n\nNWFSC\nNorthwest Fisheries Science Center\n\n\nNWLON\nNational Water Level Observation Network\n\n\nNYSERDA\nNew York State Energy Research and Development Authority\n\n\nOBIS-SEAMAP\nOcean Biogeographic Information System – Spatial Ecological Analysis of Megavertebrate Populations\n\n\nOCS\nOuter Continental Shelf\n\n\nOSSE\nObserving system simulation experiments \n\n\nOSW\nOffshore Wind\n\n\nOTN\nOcean Tracking Network\n\n\nPAM\nPassive Acoustic Monitoring\n\n\nPCOD\nPopulation Consequences of Disturbance\n\n\nPCOMS\nPopulation Consequences of Multiple Stressors\n\n\nPNNL\nPacific Northwest National Laboratory\n\n\nProject WOW\nProject Wildlife and Offshore Wind\n\n\nPSO\nProtected Species Observer\n\n\nQA/QC\nQuality Assurance/Quality Control\n\n\nQARTOD\nQuality Assurance of Real-Time Oceanographic Data\n\n\nREWI\nRenewable Energy Wildlife Institute\n\n\nRI DEM DMF\nRhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Marine Fisheries\n\n\nRMI\nResearch and Monitoring Initiative\n\n\nRODEO\nReal-time Opportunity for Development Environmental Observations\n\n\nROMS\nRegional Ocean Modeling System\n\n\nROSA\nResponsible Offshore Science Alliance\n\n\nROV\nRemotely Operated Vehicle\n\n\nRUMFS\nRutgers University Marine Field Station\n\n\nRWSC\nRegional Wildlife Science Collaborative for Offshore Wind\n\n\nSAFMC\nSouth Atlantic Fishery Management Council\n\n\nSBNMS\nStellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary\n\n\nSECOORA\nSoutheastern Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association\n\n\nSEER\nSynthesis of Environmental Effects Research\n\n\nSMRU\nSea Mammal Research Unit\n\n\nSOCAN\nSoutheast Ocean and Coastal Acidification Network\n\n\nSTSSN\nSea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network\n\n\nTBD\nTo Be Determined\n\n\nTHREDDS\nThematic Real-time Environmental Distributed Data Services\n\n\nTRUST\nTransparency, Responsibility, User focus, Sustainability, Technology\n\n\nUAV\nUncrewed Aerial Vehicle\n\n\nUMCES\nUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science\n\n\nUNESCO\nThe United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization\n\n\nUSFWS\nU.S. Fish & Wildlife Service\n\n\nUSGS\nUnited State Geological Survey\n\n\nVIMS\nVirginia Institute of Marine Science\n\n\nWEA\nWind Energy Area\n\n\nWHOI\nWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution\n\n\nWREN\nWorking Together to Resolve Environmental Effects of Wind Energy\n\n\nXML\neXtensible Markup Language"
+    "text": "3D\nThree dimensional\n\n\nACP\nAmerican Clean Power\n\n\nACT\nAtlantic Cooperative Telemetry Network\n\n\nAI\nArtificial Intelligence\n\n\nAMAPPS\nAtlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species\n\n\nASMFC\nAtlantic States Marine Fisheries\n\n\nATN\nAnimal Telemetry Network\n\n\nAUV\nAutonomous Underwater Vehicle\n\n\nAWWI\nAmerican Wild Wildlife Institute (now Renewable Energy Wildlife Institute)\n\n\nAZMP\nAtlantic Zone Monitoring Program\n\n\nBIWF\nBlock Island Wind Farm\n\n\nBOEM\nBureau of Ocean Energy Management\n\n\nBRI\nBiodiversity Research Institute\n\n\nBRUVS\nBaited Remote Underwater Video Station\n\n\nCARE\nCollective benefit, Authority to control, Responsibility, Ethics\n\n\nCBIBS\nChesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System\n\n\nCCE\nCornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County\n\n\nCDIP\nCoastal Data Information Program\n\n\nCEC\nClean Energy Center\n\n\nCFMC\nCaribbean Fishery Management Council\n\n\nCFRF\nCommercial Fisheries Research Foundation\n\n\nCMECS\nCoastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard\n\n\nCNAPS\nCoupled Northwest Atlantic Prediction System\n\n\nCOP\nConstruction and Operation Plan\n\n\nCT DEEP\nConnecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection\n\n\nCVOW\nCoastal Virginia Offshore Wind\n\n\nDAC\nData Assembly Center\n\n\nDGSC\nData Governance Subcommittee\n\n\nDMR\nDepartment of Marine Resources\n\n\nDNR\nDepartment of Natural Resources\n\n\nDNREC\nState of Delaware. Department of Natural Resources and. Environmental Control\n\n\nDOE\nU.S. Department of Energy\n\n\nDOI\nDigital Object Identifier\n\n\nDPS\nDistinct Population Segments\n\n\nDTAG\nDigital Acoustic Recording Tag\n\n\neDNA\nEnvironmental DNA\n\n\nEA\nEnvironmental Assessments\n\n\neDNA\nEnvironmental Deoxyribonucleic Acid\n\n\nEEF\nEssential Fish Habitat\n\n\nEEZ\nExclusive Economic Zone\n\n\nEIS\nEnvironmental Impact Statements\n\n\nEMF\nElectromagnetic field\n\n\neNGO\nEnvironmental Non-Governmental Organization\n\n\nEOV\nEssential Ocean Variables\n\n\nERDDAP\nEnvironmental Research Division Data Access Program\n\n\nESA\nEndangered Species Act\n\n\nE-TWG\nEnvironmental Technical Working Group\n\n\nFACT Network\nFlorida Atlantic Coast Telemetry Network\n\n\nFAIR\nFindable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable\n\n\nFSU\nFlorida State University\n\n\nFVCOM\nFinite Volume Community Ocean Model\n\n\nFWRI\nThe Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, formerly the Florida Marine Research Institute\n\n\nGCOOS\nGulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System\n\n\nGEO\nGovernor’s Energy Office\n\n\nGPS\nGlobal Positioning System\n\n\nHF Radar\nHigh Frequency Radar\n\n\nHMS\nHighly Migratory Species\n\n\nHVDC\nHigh Voltage Direct Current\n\n\nHz\nHertz\n\n\nIOOS\nIntegrated Ocean Observing System\n\n\nIOOS RA\nIntegrated Ocean Observing System Regional Association\n\n\nISO\nInternational Organization for Standardization\n\n\nIUCN\nInternational Union for Conservation of Nature\n\n\nLTER\nLong Term Ecological Research\n\n\nMACAN\nMid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network\n\n\nMAFMC\nMid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council\n\n\nMARACOOS\nMid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System\n\n\nMARCO\nMid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean\n\n\nMATOS\nMid-Atlantic Acoustic Telemetry Observation System \n\n\nMBON\nMarine Biodiversity Observation Network\n\n\nMMF\nMarine Megafauna Foundation\n\n\nMOU\nMemorandum of Understanding\n\n\nMSA\nMagnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act\n\n\nMTS\nMarine Technology Society\n\n\nNABat\nNorth American Bat Monitoring Program\n\n\nNARWC\nNorth Atlantic Right Whale Consortium\n\n\nNASA\nNational Aeronautics and Space Administration\n\n\nNCCOS\nNational Centers for Coastal Ocean Science\n\n\nNCDMF\nNorth Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries\n\n\nNCEI\nNational Centers for Environmental Information\n\n\nNDBC\nNational Data Buoy Center\n\n\nNECAN\nNorth East Coastal Acidification Network\n\n\nNEFMC\nNew England Fishery Management Council\n\n\nNEFSC\nNortheast Fisheries Science Center\n\n\nNEPA\nNational Environmental Policy Act\n\n\nNERACOOS\nNortheastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems\n\n\nNESDIS\nNational Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service\n\n\nNIST\nNational Institute of Standards and Technology\n\n\nNJ DEP\nNew Jersey Department of Environmental Protection\n\n\nNMFS\nNational Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries)\n\n\nNOAA \nNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\n\n\nNOMEC\nNational Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization Council\n\n\nNOPP\nNational Oceanographic Partnership Program\n\n\nNOWRDC\nNational Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium\n\n\nNROC\nNortheast Regional Ocean Council\n\n\nNUWC\nNaval Undersea Warfare Center Newport\n\n\nNWFSC\nNorthwest Fisheries Science Center\n\n\nNWLON\nNational Water Level Observation Network\n\n\nNYSERDA\nNew York State Energy Research and Development Authority\n\n\nOBIS-SEAMAP\nOcean Biogeographic Information System – Spatial Ecological Analysis of Megavertebrate Populations\n\n\nOCS\nOuter Continental Shelf\n\n\nOSSE\nObserving system simulation experiments \n\n\nOSW\nOffshore Wind\n\n\nOTN\nOcean Tracking Network\n\n\nPAM\nPassive Acoustic Monitoring\n\n\nPCOD\nPopulation Consequences of Disturbance\n\n\nPCOMS\nPopulation Consequences of Multiple Stressors\n\n\nPNNL\nPacific Northwest National Laboratory\n\n\nProject WOW\nProject Wildlife and Offshore Wind\n\n\nPSO\nProtected Species Observer\n\n\nQA/QC\nQuality Assurance/Quality Control\n\n\nQARTOD\nQuality Assurance of Real-Time Oceanographic Data\n\n\nREWI\nRenewable Energy Wildlife Institute\n\n\nRI DEM DMF\nRhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Marine Fisheries\n\n\nRMI\nResearch and Monitoring Initiative\n\n\nRODEO\nReal-time Opportunity for Development Environmental Observations\n\n\nROMS\nRegional Ocean Modeling System\n\n\nROSA\nResponsible Offshore Science Alliance\n\n\nROV\nRemotely Operated Vehicle\n\n\nRUMFS\nRutgers University Marine Field Station\n\n\nRWSC\nRegional Wildlife Science Collaborative for Offshore Wind\n\n\nSAFMC\nSouth Atlantic Fishery Management Council\n\n\nSBNMS\nStellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary\n\n\nSECOORA\nSoutheastern Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association\n\n\nSEER\nSynthesis of Environmental Effects Research\n\n\nSMRU\nSea Mammal Research Unit\n\n\nSOCAN\nSoutheast Ocean and Coastal Acidification Network\n\n\nSTSSN\nSea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network\n\n\nTBD\nTo Be Determined\n\n\nTHREDDS\nThematic Real-time Environmental Distributed Data Services\n\n\nTRUST\nTransparency, Responsibility, User focus, Sustainability, Technology\n\n\nUAV\nUncrewed Aerial Vehicle\n\n\nUMCES\nUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science\n\n\nUNESCO\nThe United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization\n\n\nUSFWS\nU.S. Fish & Wildlife Service\n\n\nUSGS\nUnited State Geological Survey\n\n\nVIMS\nVirginia Institute of Marine Science\n\n\nWEA\nWind Energy Area\n\n\nWHOI\nWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution\n\n\nWREN\nWorking Together to Resolve Environmental Effects of Wind Energy\n\n\nXML\neXtensible Markup Language"
   },
   {
     "objectID": "append-dgdm.html#footnotes",
diff --git a/_book/sitemap.xml b/_book/sitemap.xml
index fef0f1b..21dce16 100644
--- a/_book/sitemap.xml
+++ b/_book/sitemap.xml
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
   </url>
   <url>
     <loc>https://rwsc.org/science-plan/marine-mammals.html</loc>
-    <lastmod>2024-01-26T15:01:33.973Z</lastmod>
+    <lastmod>2024-02-09T20:32:16.493Z</lastmod>
   </url>
   <url>
     <loc>https://rwsc.org/science-plan/sea-turtles.html</loc>
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
   </url>
   <url>
     <loc>https://rwsc.org/science-plan/oceanography.html</loc>
-    <lastmod>2024-01-24T22:35:03.452Z</lastmod>
+    <lastmod>2024-02-09T20:32:16.499Z</lastmod>
   </url>
   <url>
     <loc>https://rwsc.org/science-plan/seafloor.html</loc>
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@
   </url>
   <url>
     <loc>https://rwsc.org/science-plan/append-heo.html</loc>
-    <lastmod>2024-01-24T23:47:54.076Z</lastmod>
+    <lastmod>2024-02-09T20:32:16.520Z</lastmod>
   </url>
   <url>
     <loc>https://rwsc.org/science-plan/append-hes.html</loc>
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@
   </url>
   <url>
     <loc>https://rwsc.org/science-plan/append-acronyms.html</loc>
-    <lastmod>2024-01-24T22:35:03.463Z</lastmod>
+    <lastmod>2024-02-09T20:32:17.488Z</lastmod>
   </url>
   <url>
     <loc>https://rwsc.org/science-plan/append-dgdm.html</loc>
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@
   </url>
   <url>
     <loc>https://rwsc.org/science-plan/append-rosters.html</loc>
-    <lastmod>2024-02-09T16:18:33.637Z</lastmod>
+    <lastmod>2024-02-09T20:32:16.507Z</lastmod>
   </url>
   <url>
     <loc>https://rwsc.org/science-plan/append-birds.html</loc>
diff --git a/append-acronyms.qmd b/append-acronyms.qmd
index e80a2f4..3effce9 100644
--- a/append-acronyms.qmd
+++ b/append-acronyms.qmd
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # Acronyms
 
 |              |                                                                                                    |
-|-----------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
+|-------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|
 | 3D           | Three dimensional                                                                                  |
 | ACP          | American Clean Power                                                                               |
 | ACT          | Atlantic Cooperative Telemetry Network                                                             |
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@
 | NEFMC        | New England Fishery Management Council                                                             |
 | NEFSC        | Northeast Fisheries Science Center                                                                 |
 | NEPA         | National Environmental Policy Act                                                                  |
-| NERACOOS     |  North East Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems                                |
+| NERACOOS     | Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems                               |
 | NESDIS       | National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service                                    |
 | NIST         | National Institute of Standards and Technology                                                     |
 | NJ DEP       | New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection                                                  |
diff --git a/append-heo.qmd b/append-heo.qmd
index 6baf461..f6680a3 100644
--- a/append-heo.qmd
+++ b/append-heo.qmd
@@ -470,7 +470,7 @@ These research topics were then aligned with RWSC research themes and science pl
 Many entities collect and manage physical and biological oceanographic and meteorological data in U.S. waters.
 These data and derived data products (e.g., hindcast, nowcast, and forecast model outputs) are produced and used by agencies and private entities for applications such as weather forecasting and maritime safety, in addition to research uses.
 One program within NOAA is the [U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS),](#0) a national-regional partnership that coordinates the contributions of Federally owned observing and modeling systems and develops and integrates non-federal observing and modeling capacity into the system in partnership with IOOS regions.
-The IOOS Regional Associations (RAs) in the RWSC study area are the [Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA)](#0), the [Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS)](#0), and the [North East Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS)](#0).
+The IOOS Regional Associations (RAs) in the RWSC study area are the [Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA)](secoora.org), the [Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS)](maracoos.org), and the [Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS)](neracoos.org).
 The Directors of each IOOS RA are members of the Habitat & Ecosystem Subcommittee, and IOOS RA staff also participate in each of the other RWSC Subcommittees.
 Each IOOS RA has different areas of focus with respect to data collection, synthesis, and management based on regional needs and partnerships.
 The IOOS RAs also coordinate coastal acidification networks along the Atlantic coast ([SOCAN](#0), [MACAN](#0), [NECAN](#0)) whose activities should be leveraged with respect to understanding any biogeochemical effects resulting from construction and operation of offshore wind projects.
diff --git a/marine-mammals.qmd b/marine-mammals.qmd
index d7fb785..12e5d4a 100644
--- a/marine-mammals.qmd
+++ b/marine-mammals.qmd
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ A combination of methods (visual, acoustic, tagging) is recommended to provide t
 
 -   Advance oceanographic and biological data collection and use in marine mammal research.
 
-    -   Coordinate with the North East Regional Association of Coastal and Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS), Mid-Atlantic Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (MARACOOS), and Southeastern Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA).
+    -   Coordinate with the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal and Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS), Mid-Atlantic Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (MARACOOS), and Southeastern Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA).
 
     -   Leverage existing ocean observing platforms or add new ocean observing assets for marine mammal monitoring.
 
diff --git a/oceanography.qmd b/oceanography.qmd
index 274e90c..0df2ef9 100644
--- a/oceanography.qmd
+++ b/oceanography.qmd
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ It is likely that some of the tools and methods used to collect seafloor habitat
 Many entities collect and manage physical and biological oceanographic and meteorological data in U.S. waters.
 These data and derived data products (e.g., hindcast, nowcast, and forecast model outputs) are produced and used by agencies and private entities for applications such as weather forecasting and maritime safety, in addition to research uses.
 One program within NOAA is the [U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS),](https://ioos.noaa.gov/) a national-regional partnership that coordinates the contributions of Federally owned observing and modeling systems and develops and integrates non-federal observing and modeling capacity into the system in partnership with IOOS regions.
-The IOOS Regional Associations (RAs) in the RWSC study area are the [Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA)](https://secoora.org/), the [Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS)](https://maracoos.org/), and the [North East Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS)](https://neracoos.org/).
+The IOOS Regional Associations (RAs) in the RWSC study area are the [Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA)](https://secoora.org/), the [Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS)](https://maracoos.org/), and the [Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS)](https://neracoos.org/).
 The Directors of each IOOS RA are members of the Habitat & Ecosystem Subcommittee, and IOOS RA staff also participate in each of the other RWSC Subcommittees.
 Each IOOS RA has different areas of focus with respect to data collection, synthesis, and management based on regional needs and partnerships.
 The IOOS RAs also coordinate coastal acidification networks along the Atlantic coast ([SOCAN](https://www.socan.secoora.org/), [MACAN](https://midacan.org/), [NECAN](http://necan.org/)) whose activities should be leveraged with respect to understanding any biogeochemical effects resulting from construction and operation of offshore wind projects.