AT-24-03: Ocean Environmental Monitoring and Sound Propagation Study at Mid-Atlantic Shelfbreak Offshore Wind Area
ID: 353074Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (DOI-BOEM)

Award Range

$3M - $3M

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Environment

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is offering a cooperative agreement for the Ocean Environmental Monitoring and Sound Propagation Study at the Mid-Atlantic Shelfbreak Offshore Wind Area, with a total funding amount of $3 million. This study aims to investigate the ecological impacts of offshore wind development through enhanced acoustic monitoring, addressing the limitations of traditional sound modeling methods that often neglect the effects of climate change on marine environments. The project will deploy acoustic sensors near the National Science Foundation’s Pioneer Array to collect both active and passive data, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of oceanographic processes and ecosystem dynamics. Interested applicants must submit proposals by June 13, 2024, and can direct inquiries to Deja Bracey at Deja.Bracey@bsee.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
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    Title
    Posted
    The Ocean Environmental Monitoring and Sound Propagation Study at the Mid-Atlantic Shelfbreak Offshore Wind Area aims to investigate the ecological impact of offshore wind development through enhanced acoustic monitoring. Traditional sound modeling methods often overlook the effects of climate change on marine environments. This study will deploy acoustic sensors near the National Science Foundation’s Pioneer Array to collect both active and passive data, allowing for comprehensive analysis of oceanographic processes and ecosystem dynamics. The study’s objectives include understanding mesoscale oceanographic processes, improving sound propagation models, and assessing shifts in marine life due to offshore wind farms. Key tasks involve a project kickoff meeting, developing a detailed study plan—including sensor deployment and data collection—and conducting analyses to characterize soundscapes and propagation in relation to environmental variables. Furthermore, the study will reference prior research to ensure data integrity and relevance while contributing to broader ocean monitoring efforts. The project is funded by BOEM, allocating $3 million over four years, and aims to provide valuable insights for assessing the long-term impacts of renewable energy initiatives on marine ecosystems. Ultimately, this research could inform regulatory frameworks regarding offshore wind development in sensitive environments.
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