BOEM FY 2020 Environmental Studies Program (ESP)

archived

The Pacific Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Region of BOEM is offering a competitive cooperative agreement for the study Supplemental Data Regarding the Behavioral Response of Rock Crabs to Subsea Cables with Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) and Potential Impact to Fisheries (National Studies List [NSL] #PC-19-02) to determine whether renewable energy power cables may deter commercial crab species from crossing over the cables to reach baited traps.The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) authorized BOEM to issue leases, easements, and rights of way to allow for renewable energy development on the OCS. EPAct provided a general framework for BOEM to follow when authorizing these renewable energy activities.Section 19(e) of the OCS Lands Act (OCSLA) (Public Law 95-372)(43 U.S. Code 1345) authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected States to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information and joint utilization of available expertise to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to OCS operations both onshore and offshore.The purpose of this award is to determine whether alternating current (AC) power cables associated with renewable energy (viz. wind turbine) deter commercial crab species (i.e., rock crabs) from crossing over the cables to reach baited traps similar to those used in local fisheries. This will benefit West Coast rock crab fishermen and the western coastal States, local Governments, and local communities to which the economy of this fishery contributes. This will allow BOEM to make the science-informed decisions, perform the analyses required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).The overall objective of this study is to test whether AC power cables will act as an ¿electrified fence¿ on the seafloor that reduces crabs¿ entry into baited traps similar to those used in local fisheries.The total anticipated amount of available funding is approximately $240,000 subject to the availability of funds. The anticipated period of performance will be from FY 2020 through FY 2021. BOEM anticipates making one cooperative agreement award in FY 2020 for one proposal submitted under this Program Announcement.This Program Announcement describes the specific projects that may be awarded to the universities or eligible groups identified. All awards are premised on receipt of an acceptable proposal. This is not an open solicitation for proposals.This announcement is specifically to announce intent to undertake the following project(s):¿ Supplemental Data Regarding the Behavioral Response of Rock Crabs to Subsea Cables with EMF and Potential Impact to FisheriesOpen to:¿ All eligible institutions within the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network.No other proposals are requested at this time.

High