Shelfbreak ocean acoustics and environmental studies on the southern mid-atlantic bight

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) awarded a $600,000 Cooperative Agreement titled "SHELFBREAK OCEAN ACOUSTICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES ON THE SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC BIGHT" to the University of California San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography on Aug 27, 2024. The award, funded under BOEM's Environmental Studies Program (CFDA 15.423), supports scientific research and environmental monitoring to understand and mitigate potential impacts from offshore energy and mineral development.

Under this Cooperative Agreement, Scripps Institution of Oceanography will conduct studies on ocean acoustics and environmental conditions in the southern Mid-Atlantic Bight region. The research aims to improve modeling and monitoring capabilities for assessing noise effects and ecological dynamics related to offshore renewable energy development. Scripps has sub-awarded $134,880 to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to contribute specialized expertise in sound propagation modeling and acoustic monitoring. Additionally, the University of Rhode Island has received a $50,000 sub-award to support the overall research efforts. The project is scheduled for completion by Sep 30, 2028.