Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Washington D.C., DC Videos
Videos by Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in Washington D.C.. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) promotes energy independence, environmental protection
Scientific data informs our decisions on offshore energy development.
But what exactly does that mean? 🤔
Example: we map the baseline acoustic seascape to understand what sounds are naturally present in the ocean (spoiler: the ocean can be very loud).
With underwater listening devices, we also study how vocalizing marine mammals move and behave at different times during the year. 🐬🐳
Check out mid-Atlantic seasonal patterns here: https://ow.ly/w8JG50Q3Qq4
Our research helps us identify areas to avoid and steps we can take to reduce potential impacts to ensure that offshore energy development does not cause population-level effects on these marine mammals.
To mitigate potential impacts, our data inform, for example, the restriction of construction schedules in line with seasonal migration patterns, requiring technologies to reduce human-induced sounds, and having protected species observers present during these operations.
Learn about our nationwide recommendations to mitigate potential impacts: https://ow.ly/coHV50Q3QqS
to enable soundOther Bureau of Ocean Energy Management videos
Scientific data informs our decisions on offshore energy development. But what exactly does that mean? 🤔 Example: we map the baseline acoustic seascape to understand what sounds are naturally present in the ocean (spoiler: the ocean can be very loud). With underwater listening devices, we also study how vocalizing marine mammals move and behave at different times during the year. 🐬🐳 Check out mid-Atlantic seasonal patterns here: https://ow.ly/w8JG50Q3Qq4 Our research helps us identify areas to avoid and steps we can take to reduce potential impacts to ensure that offshore energy development does not cause population-level effects on these marine mammals. To mitigate potential impacts, our data inform, for example, the restriction of construction schedules in line with seasonal migration patterns, requiring technologies to reduce human-induced sounds, and having protected species observers present during these operations. Learn about our nationwide recommendations to mitigate potential impacts: https://ow.ly/coHV50Q3QqS
What do you get if you mix a cow and a mermaid? 🐄🧜♀️ It may be a manatee...but we are still trying to figure that out #ManateeAwarenessMonth Our most recent study tracks the movement and habitat use of the endangered West Indian manatee through the northern Gulf of Mexico. Studies like these help ensure their protection when considering offshore energy development. Details: http://ow.ly/HEkw50LmRaF
As of today, our nation hosts 7 offshore wind turbines: 5 in Rhode Island state waters and 2 turbines in federal waters offshore Virginia Beach. From these projects, we have learned that, once installed, these reef-urbished structures become encrusted with marine life. From the water surface to the seafloor, these turbines are fish aggregating devices that attract a diversity of marine species, allowing them to flourish and thrive. Interested in learning more about the potential effects of offshore wind development on essential fish habitats and fishes? Visit: https://ow.ly/zHfF50Q2ee4
Climate change is bigger than what a single project can counteract. Combatting climate change will require a combination of efforts to contend with hundreds of years of industrialization. These efforts include offshore wind. By increasing our offshore wind supply, we can decrease our demand for conventional energy. This is a piece in the puzzle to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and slow human-induced climate change. So even though a single offshore wind energy project will not be able to curb the impact of 150 years of actions, cumulatively these projects can have an effect. #InternationalDayofClimateAction
When you think of the ocean... You might not think about bats. 🦇 But we do! These critical species can travel far out to sea, which is why we require automated tracking systems to monitor their movement and mitigate risks around offshore infrastructure. To support the coexistence of bats and offshore wind, we jointly fund projects with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). 🦇 On the East Coast - http://ow.ly/7v5y50NJwJl - we fund assessments on the risk that offshore wind development poses to bats and how to prioritize wildlife monitoring needs. 🦇 On the West Coast - http://ow.ly/Xquh50NJwJi - we fund bat acoustic monitoring at fixed and mobile sites. These projects are just a few of our environmental studies that collect data and develop monitoring tools to protect wildlife. #BatWeek
For over 50 years, the Marine Mammal Protection Act has saved critical species from extinction. When the MMPA was passed, there were serious public concerns over the welfare of marine mammals. Human activities were causing the depletion and even extinction of these critical species. Today, the MMPA protects all marine mammals, from whales to sea otters to walruses and more. The Act prohibits the harassment, hunting, or capturing of any of these species. At BOEM, we protect our most vulnerable and mitigate risks to marine life. In honor of the anniversary of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, thank you to all who protect and promote the recovery of marine mammals.
⚓Most marine archaeological sites are either submerged pre-contact Native American settlements dating from the end of the last Ice Age or historic shipwrecks dating from as early as the 16th century. ⚓ Learn more: https://ow.ly/9lCk50PTBOu
Human-induced climate change is a result of hundreds of years of industrialization. Combating climate change will require combining efforts, like renewable energy projects AND energy-efficient technologies. Each is a piece of the puzzle to reduce GHGs to reach net zero. A single offshore wind energy project or a wind energy efficient technology will not be able to curb the impact of 150 years of actions. Climate change is bigger than what a single industry can counteract. But cumulatively, these projects and technologies can have an effect. #EnergyEfficiencyDay
Our birthday may be October 1st, but why not celebrate all weekend? 🎉 For 12 years, we have managed development of U.S. Outer Continental Shelf energy and mineral resources in an environmentally and economically responsible way. We look forward to many more birthdays to come!
We are otterly obsessed with great science - and when it comes to sea otters, we're big fans! During our 50 years of environmental studies, we have conducted over 89 studies specifically on the protection, risk mitigation, and conservation of sea otters. And we often partner with federal agencies to expand our knowledge! For example, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)’s understanding of the sea otter’s habitat and response to human activity has helped inform our decision-making when managing offshore energy infrastructure. Love science too? Check out what we learned: https://ow.ly/8tEa50PQN5J #SeaOtterAwarenessWeek
The coastal shorelines of North Carolina are critical to protecting communities and marine habitats from waves and tropical storms. But these areas are susceptible to erosion and flooding. To preserve these ecosystems, we lease sand to the state and local governments for beach nourishment projects. Since 1995, we have leased over 14 million cubic yards of sand to support long-term shoreline management programs in North Carolina. Renourishment projects like these reduce storm damage and impacts from flooding, while establishing sufficient useable recreational beaches. Visit https://ow.ly/6ex550PQn7h to view our leasing activities in the state. #NorthCarolinaDay
Arrr matey! 🏴☠️ The briny deep be holdin' ancient relics from all o' human history! 'Tis the solemn duty of our swashbucklin' Marine Archaeology crew to delve into these treasures, documentin' the settlements of old, and the sunken galleons of the deep. They helpin' us fathom the days of yore to guidin' our choices goin' forward ⚓ These discoveries hold the promise to broaden our savvy of trade, machinery, and the ways of olden times. They also weigh heavily in the reckonin' of our decisions to harnessin' the boundless energy of the salty abyss. Set yer sights on more knowledge, me hearties: https://ow.ly/QasF50PMYqU
#VirginiaDay Did you know the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project was the first offshore wind farm installed in US federal water? The project has been fully operational since 2020. CVOW may have been the first. But, with the Central Atlantic Wind Energy Area, announced in July 2023, there are more potentially to come! Visit https://ow.ly/JV6A50PLJPG to learn more about our efforts underway. And for our Virginia-related environmental studies, check out our portfolio here: https://ow.ly/Um7X50PLJPM
We are dedicated to protecting our shores, nourishing our beaches, and restoring our wetlands. Learn how: https://www.boem.gov/marine-minerals #NationalBeachDay 🏖️
Whale sharks are America’s forgotten fish. Until recently... 👀 The largest fish in the ocean has been making an unusually high appearance along the Florida panhandle in recent weeks, which has been coincidentally convenient for us. This increased spotting has timed well with our whaley important project with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), and Blue World Research Institute. 🎙️With our partners, we are deploying multiple tags and acoustic transmitters to gather whale sharks' telemetry, behavior, and habitat use patterns in the Gulf of Mexico. The data from this study will be used to better inform our decisions on offshore energy development. This includes limiting development in critical habitat areas and minimizing conflict among ocean users and whale sharks. Interested in learning about each of the tagged whale sharks? 🦈Visit USM Whale Shark Research for all the details on Big Mel, Carl, Chaos, Dotty, Ivey, Johnny, Lorelai, Oliver, Smalls, and Tucker!
The Block Island Wind Farm is the nation's first offshore wind farm. But these reef-urbished structures aren't just producing energy. 🐚🐚🐚 They're encrusted with marine life - from the water surface to the seafloor! Discover this mussel-see attractions here: https://ow.ly/xorb50Pqii6
Lobster fans, we've got good news! 🦞 And no, we aren't talking about Cheddar Bay Biscuits... The following study, from our European cousins, evaluates the impacts of offshore wind farms on size, distribution, and catch rates of lobsters. During construction and operation of the wind farm, no differences were found! Looks like lobsters and offshore wind infrastructure are a wind-erful combination. #NationalLobsterDay Details: http://ow.ly/V03250JhK7R
Did you know? 🐢 Including some of the oldest species on earth, there are over 350 species of turtles, living across all continents (except Antarctica) in both salt and fresh water environments. 🐢 In some species, weather determines if turtle eggs become male or female. Lower temperatures lead to male eggs hatching, while higher temperatures lead to female hatchlings. 🐢 Turtles lose their first “baby tooth” within an hour. Baby turtles, called hatchlings, have an “egg tooth” on their beak to help them hatch out of their shell. This tooth disappears approximately an hour after hatching. 🐢 A turtle’s shell is not an exoskeleton. Some people mistake a turtle’s hard outer shell for an exoskeleton, but it’s actually a modified rib cage that’s part of the vertebral column. #WorldTurtleDay
#NationalDolphinDay Through our environmental studies program, we study the occurrence and distribution of protected cetacean, like dolphins. By deploying underwater listening devices to record the ambient noise levels and marine mammal calls, we can track movements and locations. These results are important and can help inform appropriate protection and mitigation measures during the management of ocean resources.