BOEM develops, conducts and oversees world-class scientific research to inform its policy decisions. By using science, regulatory frameworks and input from others, the bureau considers the potential for BOEM activities to impact the ocean’s physical characteristics, biological resources and marine or coastal uses that are important to the environment and society.
Celebrating Sea Turtle Week
Overview Sea Turtle Week, from June 8th-16th, aims to raise awareness about sea turtles, their habitats, and their struggle for survival. This year, the week begins with World Ocean Day (June 8) and
BOEM Helps to Restore Popular Florida Beaches
This project aims to protect and enhance a portion of Florida’s cherished but critically eroded beaches. Coastal resilience efforts, like these, strengthen the ability of individuals, communities, and infrastructure to "bounce back" after hazardous weather events.
Leatherback Sea Turtle
Distribution: Widely distributed in the Atlantic, Pacific, to the Antarctic waters. They are known for their extensive migratory patterns, traveling long distances between feeding and nesting sites
Green Sea Turtles
Distribution: Found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. Ecosystem: Coastal areas such as coral reefs
Loggerhead Sea Turtles
Distribution: Found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. They inhabit tropical and temperate waters, avoiding the coldest regions. Ecosystem: Primarily
Atlantic Sturgeon: An Ancient Relic from Prehistoric Times
Distribution: From the east coast of North America through; the eastern Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem: Mostly salt water, but spawns in freshwaters Feeding Habits: Benthic feeder Taxonomy: Family
See Otters
One of Alaska’s largest funders of marine science, BOEM’s Alaska OCS Region is testing a new approach to studying sea otter populations. The approach uses an AI-powered technique that promises to be
Kochanowski to speak at renewable-energy conference May 23
Meeting Link: Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference 5/23/2024 Location United States Description Alaska is incredibly rich in renewable resources. At 11 a.m. Thursday, May 23, Givey Kochanowski
The Squat Lobster
Distribution: Common in oceans around the world, except the coldest Arctic and Antarctic waters Ecosystem: Coral reefs at all depths, continental margins, shelf environments, hydrothermal vents
A Light-Bulb Moment
Staff members at the Bureau of Ocean Energy’s Alaska OCS Region had the opportunity to work with fifth- and sixth-graders from all over Anchorage at Outdoor Week 2024, held by the Bureau of Land Management’s Campbell Creek Science Center here May 7-10.
BOEM-NASA Air Quality Study Published in AGU Journal
Scientists with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently published an analysis of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) patterns and trends in the Gulf of Mexico using satellite data to identify NO2 hotspots from oil and natural gas (ONG) platforms, establish a baseline for future emissions estimates, and provide a methodology for analyzing NO2 measurements.
Programmatic Approaches to Data Modernization and Accessibility
BOEM is deploying innovative strategies to modernize our data by utilizing Open-Source Software (OSS), automation, and the fundamentals of computer programming.
Blue Dragon Sea Slug
Dive into the mesmerizing world of the Blue Dragon Sea Slug, an ocean drifter with a lethal secret weapon. Learn about the marvels and perils of this small, yet formidable, creature of the deep.
The Peacock Mantis Shrimp
The mantis shrimp (order Stomatopoda) is so named because of its blend of features: the front part of its body has the bulging eyes and grasping forelimbs resembling a praying mantis, while its latter half has the hard exoskeleton resembling a shrimp.
Dumbo Octopus: The Whimsical Survivor of the Deep
Distribution: Worldwide, tropical and temperate latitudes Ecosystem: Deep-open ocean Feeding Habits: Foraging Predator Taxonomy: Family Opisthoteuthidae (umbrella octopuses) Class Cephalopoda (squids
BOEM Helps to Restore Popular Outer Banks Beaches
Over the years, Outer Banks beaches have been severely impacted by extreme weather events and naturally occurring erosion. In 2022, BOEM entered into a negotiated agreement to provide access to approximately 3.14 million cubic yards of Outer Continental Shelf sand to replenish 11.65 miles of Dare County shoreline along portions of the Towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills. Projects like these reduce storm damage and impacts from flooding, while maintaining useable recreational beaches.
Cetacean Estimation: Belugas Count! 2023
Belugas Count! is a BOEM-sponsored, NOAA-led, and citizen-driven initiative to track the population of this ecologically important species. At the forefront of the effort are the citizens who volunteer to staff 14 public shore viewing stations around the Cook Inlet in Alaska.
Surf 50 Years of Coastal and Ocean Science
BOEM’s Environmental Studies Program (ESP) develops, fund and manages rigorous scientific research specifically to inform policy decisions on energy and mineral resource development on the Outer
Boldly Explore Where No One Has Explored Before
BOEM is exploring the uncharted ocean off the coast of the United States, thanks to improving technology and the combined efforts of partner federal agencies.
The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
Derived from invited article submitted by Gregory S. Boland, former BOEM employee. This year, the Department of the Interior (DOI) celebrates nearly 50 years of environmental protection of the Flower