As a federal agency within department of interior, the mission of the united states fish and wildlife service (USFWS) is to work with others to conserve, protect, manage, and enhance fish, wildlife,…

As a federal agency within department of interior, the mission of the united states fish and wildlife service (USFWS) is to work with others to conserve, protect, manage, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the american people. The USFWS division of migratory birds serves as a focal point in the united states for policy development and strategic planning, program implementation, and evaluation of actions designed to conserve migratory birds and their habitats. The purpose ofthis award is to fund staff and associated expenses to support the USFWS division of migratory birds in northeast region with activities related to offshore renewable energy projects in U.S. Waters, with a primary focus on projects in the USFWS northeast region. In addition, the staff may offer expertise and assistance for related activities in other regions (e.g., southeast, gulf of mexico, great lakes and pacific) and nationally. Specific activities of this award include hiring multiple renewable energy biologists within theusfws division of migratory birds in the northeast region and purchasing supplies to support environmental review of offshore renewable energy projects. Activities of the renewable energy biologists will include: I) conducting environmental assessments of migratory birds at all active offshore renewable energy projects in the USFWS northeast region, II) developing and implementing recommendations for avoidance, minimization, mitigation, monitoring measures and beneficial practices informed by the bestavailable science and methodologies, III) working with partners to develop, lead, and support scientific studies that address the highest priority information gaps for migratory birds and offshore renewable energy, and IV) coordination of related activities with partners across programs, regions, agencies, and sectors. Deliverables produced by staff funded under this agreement may include, but not be limited to, peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, white papers, databases, data products, science support tools andother science products related to federal waters energy development and migratory bird conservation, and trainings for service staff and contractors to utilize these tools and products. Expected outcomes include improvements to the efficiency, consistency, and content of environmental reviews related to renewable energy projects in U.S. Waters based on the best available information.