BOEM Encourages Nominations for New National Academies Committee for Offshore Wind Energy and Fisheries

Release Date
10/26/2022

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) continues to seek opportunities to expand and improve its communication with the fishing community on offshore wind energy activities.

As such, BOEM has requested that the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) establish a new standing committee on offshore wind energy and fisheries. The committee will serve as an independent, credible forum to discuss the state of science and pressing concerns related to the intersection of offshore wind with fisheries.   

The committee will provide BOEM ongoing assistance in the development of the nation’s offshore wind energy resources and their potential effects on fisheries. It will meet regularly to:

  • Engage in discussions and exchanges of information on key topics of interest to BOEM’s activities related to offshore wind and fisheries.
  • Provide expert assessment of recent developments in selected fields of science and technology, including reviewing and providing general advice on gaps and priorities for research.
  • Provide stakeholder understanding and insights on a diversity of issues pertinent to offshore wind and fisheries to ground discussions, provide context, and expand the Committee’s and BOEM’s understanding on the topics of discussion.

Meeting topics will be chosen in consultation with BOEM staff, based on input from BOEM and other stakeholders.

NASEM is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on this committee. The 15-member committee will be a diverse group of scientists and other stakeholders related to offshore wind and fisheries broadly, such as commercial and recreational fisheries, non-governmental organizations, community representatives and offshore wind industry. Anyone can nominate any individual as a committee member.

BOEM firmly believes that diversity, equity and inclusion are critical components for finding innovative solutions to challenging issues. Therefore, we encourage the nomination of volunteers from all regions and all sectors, especially underrepresented groups.

Submit your nominations by November 9, 2022 to: https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/standing-committee-on-the-development-of-offshore-wind-and-impacts-to-fisheries.

-- BOEM --

The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is responsible for America’s offshore energy and mineral resources. The bureau promotes energy independence, environmental protection and economic development through responsible, science-based management of energy and mineral resources on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.