The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has selected five multiyear projects that will further study environmental and commercial fishing topics in support of responsibly developing offshore wind.
The projects totaling more than $2 million advance Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s nation-leading Green New Deal goal of 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035 as codified under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).
The selected projects include: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) with the Responsible Offshore Development Alliance (RODA) and others; Responsible Offshore Development Alliance (RODA); Biodiversity Research Institute; Environmental and Fisheries Research for Offshore Wind and Development of Monitoring Protocols for Nanotag Studies at Offshore Wind Farms.
Alicia Barton, President and CEO, NYSERDA said, “As New York becomes the national epicenter for the U.S. offshore wind industry, we continue to undertake evidence-based environmental and commercial fishing related research to help us advance offshore wind development in way that is sensitive to the environment, ocean and the economy. These projects expand our efforts to mitigate potential impacts of offshore wind energy development and will help protect the State’s coastal resources and marine environment ensuring these resources can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
The announcement builds on New York’s commitment to responsibly develop offshore wind as a renewable energy source by collecting data and conducting analysis identified by stakeholders as necessary to allowing informed decision making about how to best mitigate impacts to marine wildlife and industries.
NYSERDA’s efforts to analyze and collect new offshore environmental data began in 2017, via digital aerial surveys of birds, marine mammals, sharks and fish shoals. This three-year survey concluded this past spring after collecting more than 3.5 million images across the New York Bight. This survey was one of more than 20 studies NYSERDA has undertaken to provide current information about potential environmental and social sensitivities, economic and practical considerations, and regulatory requirements associated with offshore wind energy development identified under New York’s Offshore Wind Master Plan.
The newly selected projects support independent research to build upon this scientific and technical foundation by further addressing environmental, maritime, economic and social issues.