Anticipating shifts in marine bird distributions for planning, leasing, and assessment of energy development on the outer continental shelf

This study developed maps of the spatial distributions of marine bird species in U.S. Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) waters that can be used to inform planning for offshore wind energy development and to guide future data collection efforts. Sighting survey data from three decades were analyzed to derive monthly maps for 49 marine bird species in U.S. Atlantic OCS and adjacent waters from Florida to Maine. Habitat-based species distribution modeling was employed to account for spatial and temporal heterogeneity in survey effort. Model predictions were made for a retrospective period and a future period. Future predictions were derived from a simulation experiment that used a high-resolution global climate model. Model predictions are presented as monthly maps of the relative density of each study species throughout the study area in each period. These maps identify areas where the densities of marine bird species are likely to be higher or lower on a monthly basis, and this information can contribute to assessments of relative risk exposure aimed at minimizing the impacts of offshore wind energy activities on marine birds.

USD: $499,639

2020-06-30 → 2022-12-31