Table of Contents List of Figures .....................................................................................................................................ii List of Tables .....................................................................................................................................iii List of Acronyms ............................................................................................................................... iv 1 Overview .....................................................................................................................................1 1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 1 1.1.1 Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Mission .............................................................. 1 1.1.2 Realizing Ocean Stewardship Through Science ............................................................... 1 1.1.3 Funding ............................................................................................................................ 2 1.2 ESP Principles ................................................................................................................................ 4 1.2.1 Use-Inspired Science ........................................................................................................ 4 1.2.2 Scientific Integrity and Credibility ................................................................................... 4 1.2.3 Peer Review ..................................................................................................................... 5 1.2.4 Partnering and Leveraging ............................................................................................... 5 1.2.5 Information Management and Dissemination ................................................................ 6 1.2.6 Outreach and Education .................................................................................................. 6 1.3 About the Studies Development Plan ........................................................................................... 7 1.3.1 Studies Development Plan (SDP) Overview ..................................................................... 7 1.3.2 What BOEM Needs to Know ............................................................................................ 7 1.3.3 Criteria for Study Development and Approval ................................................................ 8 1.3.4 Strategic Science Questions............................................................................................. 9 1.3.5 SDP Development Process ............................................................................................. 10 1.4 Overview of BOEM’s Programs ................................................................................................... 11 1.4.1 Conventional Energy ...................................................................................................... 11 1.4.2 Renewable Energy ......................................................................................................... 11 1.4.3 Marine Minerals ............................................................................................................ 12 2 National Studies ........................................................................................................................ 13 2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 13 2.2 Decision Context ......................................................................................................................... 13 2.2.1 Upcoming Decisions ...................................................................................................... 14 2.2.2 Current/Relevant Issues ................................................................................................ 14 2.2.3 NEPA/Consultation Information Needs ......................................................................... 15 2.3 Alignment With SSQs .................................................................................................................. 16 3 Alaska Studies ............................................................................................................................ 19 3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 19 3.2 Decision Context ......................................................................................................................... 21 3.2.1 Current/Relevant Issues ................................................................................................ 21 3.2.2 NEPA/Consultation Information Needs ......................................................................... 22 3.3 SSQs Unique to the Alaska Region .............................................................................................. 23 ESP Studies Development Plan 2022–2023 | i 3.4 Alignment With SSQs .................................................................................................................. 23 4 Gulf of Mexico Studies ............................................................................................................... 27 4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 27 4.1.1 Conventional Energy ...................................................................................................... 27 4.1.2 Marine Mineral Activities .............................................................................................. 28 4.1.3 Renewable Energy Activities ......................................................................................... 29 4.2 Decision Context ......................................................................................................................... 30 4.2.1 Current/Relevant Issues ................................................................................................ 30 4.2.2 NEPA/Consultation Information Needs ......................................................................... 30 4.3 Alignment With SSQs .................................................................................................................. 30 4.3.1 Conventional Energy ...................................................................................................... 31 4.3.2 Marine Minerals Activities ............................................................................................. 31 4.3.3 Renewable Energy Activities ......................................................................................... 31 5 Pacific Studies ............................................................................................................................ 35 5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 35 5.1.1 Conventional Energy Activities ...................................................................................... 35 5.1.2 Renewable Energy Activities ......................................................................................... 38 5.1.3 Marine Minerals Activities ............................................................................................. 42 5.2 Decision Context ......................................................................................................................... 42 5.2.1 Conventional Energy Science Strategy and Decision Context ....................................... 42 5.2.2 Renewable Energy Science Strategy & Decision Context .............................................. 42 5.3 Alignment With SSQs .................................................................................................................. 43 6 Atlantic Studies .......................................................................................................................... 45 6.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 45 6.1.1 Conventional Energy Program ....................................................................................... 45 6.1.2 Renewable Energy Program .......................................................................................... 47 6.1.3 Marine Minerals Activities ............................................................................................. 47 6.2 Decision Context ......................................................................................................................... 48 6.2.1 Current/Relevant Issues ................................................................................................ 48 6.2.2 NEPA/Consultation Information Needs ......................................................................... 48 6.3 Alignment With SSQs .................................................................................................................. 48 6.3.1 Renewable Energy Program .......................................................................................... 48 6.3.2 Marine Minerals Program.............................................................................................. 50 7 References ................................................................................................................................