PC-20-02_MiniSOW_ESASOC_Schroeder_20200728 (004).docx

National Studies List (NSL) Number: PC-20-02 Artificial Structures Offshore California Mini-Statement of Work (SOW) June 29, 2021

National Studies List (NSL) Number: PC-20-02 Artificial Structures Offshore California Mini-Statement of Work (SOW) June 29, 2021

Mini-Statement of Work

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK/DELIVERABLES

The Environmental Status of Artificial Structures Offshore California Amount to be funded in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021: $750,000 Total amount to be funded: $750,000

PURPOSE

This award will assist decision-makers in evaluating plans or applications that involve significant amounts of marine infrastructure (which function as de facto artificial reefs), to ascertain if proposed alternatives may have adverse environmental effects, and to gain insight in determining if existing energy infrastructure affects other uses of the outer continental shelf (OCS).

The State of California, local government agencies, and the public will be the primary beneficiaries of this federal assistance agreement. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) administers the California Artificial Reef Program, because, as declared by the California Legislature in Fish and Game Code, Article 2, Section 6420, a “program of artificial reef research and development…is in the public interest.” The CDFW is currently in the process of updating their artificial reef management and monitoring plan and would benefit from a systematic effort that evaluates the status and productivity of anthropogenic habitats and includes quantitative data on existing marine infrastructure. Finally, permitting agencies at both the State and local level will benefit from the environmental data and analyses resulting from this award because it can assist them in planning for and reviewing proposed energy projects, especially those concerning decommissioning, that may have effects in waters under their jurisdiction.

This award implements the OCS Lands Act mandate to conduct environmental studies to predict impacts on the human, marine, and coastal environments from OCS resource activities (43 U.S.C. § 1346 (b)).

BACKGROUND

Marine infrastructure from offshore energy development changes the distribution and abundance of local marine habitats and species via the introduction of artificial hard substrate. This “artificial reef” effect potentially modifies a variety of local and regional processes, including those that drive the ecological dynamics of managed, sensitive, or non-native species. Marine infrastructure may also enhance or curtail other uses of the OCS, such as fishing. Decision makers must therefore understand how offshore projects that add or remove significant amounts of hard substrate into the marine environment may be evaluated and managed (including cumulative effects). In the Pacific Region, these habitat issues are of particular importance due to: 1) the imminent decommissioning of oil and gas platforms and their associated subsea structures such as pipelines, power cables and wellheads, which may remove potentially important habitat for managed fish species; and 2) the foreseeable introduction of new marine infrastructure from offshore renewable energy facilties which may affect local biodiversity and food web structure.

In southern California, it remains unclear to what extent platform habitat and other similar man-made structures (such as metal-hulled shipwrecks) contribute to regional-scale ecological dynamics. This is due in part to the lack of a comprehensive understanding of the extent of man-made habitat available and variation in the quality of these habitats across the Southern California Planning Region. An understanding of how local features interact with regional drivers will enable suitable forecasts about the consequences of decisions related to marine infrastructure and support environmental review.

There are ecological data currently available at the local oil and gas production platform level, but there is a lack of necessary regional context and assessment of how this infrastructure may inhibit other uses of the OCS. In contrast to platforms, there is very little to no information regarding the status of other marine infrastructure/facilities or obstructions associated with offshore energy development (e.g., pipelines, power cables, geotextile mattresses, shell mounds, anchors, buoys, anode sleds, wellheads, oilfield debris, etc.) that may function as de facto artificial reefs. For the conventional energy program, decisions regarding whether to issue an exception from current regulations requiring their eventual removal (outlined in 30 CFR 250 subpart Q) will require this information. For the renewable energy program, evaluating proposed projects requires an understanding of potential impacts associated with new offshore structures.

Work planned as part of this award will build upon results from other studies. Region-wide patterns of productivity will guide future work (Pondella et al., 2018; Zellmer et al., 2019). Previous BOEM-funded studies in the Pacific Region will provide some additional information on the artificial reef function of platforms (Love, 2019; Meyer-Gutbrod et al., 2020) and on region-wide patterns of reef fish distribution and abundance (e.g., Love et al., 2009).

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study are to:

1) Use relevant ecological indicators (e.g. productivity, biodiversity, biomass, etc.) to develop an improved understanding of how local or regional factors influence the variation in environmental status observed in marine infrastructure/facility/obstruction habitats (i.e., de facto artificial reefs) within the Pacific Region, particularly the Southern California Planning Area

2) Generate a set of environmental criteria to evaluate potential artificial reef effects from future individual projects that may add or leave marine infrastructure in the environment

3) Gain insight in determining if existing energy infrastructure affects other uses of the outer continental shelf (OCS)

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

A three-year project proposal should be developed to address the above objectives. BOEM estimates $750,000 will be available for this study and the proposed plan should scale the scope of work to this level of funding. The work plan shall prioritize pipelines, power cables, and other facilities or obstructions, such as shell mounds (outlined in 30 CFR § 250 subpart Q), that have insufficient scientific information available regarding their role as marine habitats. Should additional funding become available to expand work, an updated proposal will be required.

KEY TASKS: Possible tasks may include, but are not limited to:

1) Collect data. The recipient shall present a plan to survey a subset of sites within the Pacific Region, particularly within the Southern California Planning Area, to be analyzed in task 2 and will aim to (a) build upon existing data, (b) measure relevant local characteristics, and (c) measure or estimate characteristics thought to be important as regional drivers of observed patterns. The aim is to understand the relative importance of local versus regional factors in determining individual reef status, and recipient shall formulate hypotheses to test among alternatives. Local characteristics shall be the basis to describe the environmental status of surveyed habitats, and may include ecological information (e.g., biodiversity, biomass, presence of commercially important species, non-native species, extent of artificial reef “halo” [sensu Ogden et al., 1973], food web and trophic pathways, etc.), habitat and physical characteristics (e.g. temperature, depth, relief height, seabed slope, substrate type, sediment characteristics, seafloor integrity, contaminants, noise levels, hydrographic characteristics, etc.), relevant anthropogenic features (e.g. lost fishing gear, marine debris, etc.), and other characteristics deemed important. The survey plan shall consider at least three different classes of habitats, including (a) existing oil and gas infrastructure, with a focus on those facilities that have little information available (subsea pipelines, power cables, temporarily abandoned wellheads, etc.), (b) structural analogs to energy infrastructure (e.g. metal-hulled shipwrecks, mariculture facilities, meteorological buoys, other artificial reefs, etc.), and (c) natural habitats that can be used as reference sites to interpret the ecological role of the previous two anthropogenic habitat classes. The plan should describe how data collection may occur using two different approaches. The first approach will collect data from existing industry inspection videos, especially those surveying subsea pipelines, and shall build upon other published work that tests suitable methodologies (Pradella et al., 2014; McClean et al., 2017, 2018, 2020; Bond et al., 2018a,b; Rouse et al., 2019; Sward et al., 2019). The second approach will collect new data from the field. A region-wide sampling design and justification for survey methods selected (e.g. diver, baited underwater cameras, remotely operative vehicles, etc.) shall be described in the plan. Sociological status (human use) will be assessed by summarizing existing data on fishing intensity (e.g. Zellmer et al., 2018; Fisheries Liaison Offices), by inferring patterns from indirect observations of marine debris or lost fishing gear, or by other suitable methods.

2) Perform analyses. The recipient shall present a plan to analyze data collected in task 1 that will test hypotheses regarding the physical, biological, or geographical factors important in determining the ecological status and productivity of surveyed sites. The analysis plan shall include a description and justification of statistical tests that will be used to test hypotheses, and a description of planned spatial analyses.

3) Synthesize information. Recipient shall produce a technical summary and final report that describes the methods, results, and key findings of the study. Concurrent with the report, the recipient shall submit all databases, metadata, and other information relevant to the analyses conducted in task 2 (e.g. published length-weight relationships, etc.). Conclusions contained within the synthesis shall include criteria for decision-makers to consider regarding regulations outlined in 30 CFR 250 subpart Q and, if appropriate, suggestions to support environmental review when evaluating potential artificial reef effects of proposed decommissioning or renewable energy projects. If appropriate, analyses may compare and discuss outcomes pertinent to other BOEM Regions or relevant to international scenarios and suggest future avenues of research.

MILESTONE TABLE

The below milestone table outlines the predicted schedule for key tasks during the period of performance for this award.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

As needed to fulfill requirements of a Cooperative Agreement, the recipient will be responsible for written consideration of Data Management, a Logistics Plan, Safety Management (including marine vessel and diving safety), Permits/Interagency Coordination, and Local Involvement/Traditional Knowledge.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

This project is being proposed as a Cooperative Agreement between the Southern California Marine Institute (SCMI), Occidental College, and BOEM under the umbrella of the California Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). This umbrella limits overhead costs to 17.5%. A CESU project is a collaborative effort of agency and partner scientists initiated upon agency or partner identification of a need to address an area of concern that falls under the Californian CESU mission statement at http://ucanr.org/sites/CCESU/files/70742.pdf.

Performance Plan Recipient will perform the following:

1) At a minimum, conduct all described tasks

2) Inform the BOEM Project Officer (PO) immediately of problems or delays as they begin to develop

3) Ensure adequate data collection and analysis

4) Ensure Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) compliant metadata (https://www.fgdc.gov/resources/download-geospatial-standards) are submitted, so that future users will be able to understand where, when, and how the data were collected and processed

5) Acknowledge Federal sponsorship in the draft and final reports by placing the following statement on the disclaimer page of both reports:

“Study collaboration and funding were provided by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Environmental Studies Program, Washington, DC under Agreement Number XXXXX.”

The agreement number will be determined and designated at time of award.

BOEM will perform the following:

1) Work closely with the recipient to provide real time direction or re-direction on data analysis based on early results

2) As needed, liaison with the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), the California State Lands Commission, or Inter-agency Decommissioning Working Group to obtain industry inspection videos and information on existing facilities and/or obstructions within the Southern California Planning Area

3) Provide subject matter expertise to identify marine species, locations of shipwrecks, and ensure project team understands relevant laws and regulations regarding offshore energy

4) Provide critical support for fieldwork (dive operations and research cruises)

5) Perform some data synthesis and writing for journal publication(s) of study results

6) Provide funding and oversight

Performance Measures At the end of the study, the PO will assess performance of the program by answering the following questions:

1) Did the study address the objectives as cited in the cooperative agreement?

2) Were the results obtained from the study useful to BOEM and BSEE information needs?

3) Were the study results useful for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses?

4) Did the study results identify new resources or issues relevant to BOEM’s mission?

5) Were study results obtained within the time frame for intended use?

6) Did the study produce peer-reviewed products or use a scientific review board to validate study conclusions?

MEETINGS, REPORTS, AND OTHER DELIVERABLES

Post Award Meeting The recipient will hold a face-to-face Post Award Meeting in BOEM’s Pacific Region office (preferred) or Post Award Teleconference Call within one (1) month after award at a time that is mutually agreeable to BOEM and the recipient. The recipient will provide a draft action plan and meeting agenda one week prior to the meeting to allow for review by all involved. The recipient will prepare and distribute notes and a summary including action items such as suggested changes, modifications, and other items of discussions along with suggested actions or remedies to the PO within two (2) weeks after adjourning the meeting. Any agreed-to changes that might affect the agreement are subject to approval in writing by the Contracting Officer (CO).

Quarterly Progress Reports/In-person Meetings Submit brief quarterly progress reports to the PO, CO, and Environmental Studies Program Representative (ESPR) as email or email attachment. The progress reports will include:

1) A summary of work accomplished and overall progress made in each task of the Agreement which shall include a list of datasets prepared, scientific presentations given, and scientific manuscripts prepared

2) A summary of any significant problems encountered during the preceding three (3) months, including an assessment of their probable impact on the recipient's performance and statements of corrective actions taken or proposed

3) A summary of any major technical findings and interpretations during the preceding three (3) months

4) A list of any meetings held or other contacts made in connection with the Agreement during the preceding four (4) months, including a brief summary which outlines the subject, participants, date, location, and outcome of each such contact or meeting

5) A summary of major work activities scheduled for the next four (4) months

6) A summary of any questions or problems regarding the recipient's work requiring discussion or resolution with BOEM

Photographic Work Documentation Performance of work during some tasks will be documented through photography and may include videography. The quality of the images and video shall be suitable for use in printed material and PowerPoint presentations or for duplication. The images shall be clearly identified by task, location, date, and subject matter. The photography and videography shall be delivered to BOEM on external Universal Serial Bus (USB) 3.0 hard drive(s) with Type-A USB connectors, formatted for reading/writing by the current Microsoft Windows® computer operating system, shall be considered part of the final report, and shall be delivered to BOEM per the deliverable schedule for the final report.

Data Synthesis and Report/Publication

1) Using the acquired data, analytical results, and conclusions from the study, the recipient shall evaluate the acquired information, interpret the results, and generate tables and graphics as needed to fulfill the objectives.

2) The recipient will synthesize the evaluated information into a report about the ecological status of artificial structures offshore California that meets the objectives of this study. This report will be submitted to BOEM and contain a unique BOEM numbered identifier. This report will conform to all current Environmental Studies Program (ESP) Data And Information Specifications: (https://www.boem.gov/esp-data-and-information-specifications).

3) All data and images will be submitted to BOEM on the specified type of USB external hard drive(s).

Journal Publication and/or Oral Presentations The recipient shall require of all investigators that all manuscripts intended to be published in journals, and all abstracts or summaries prepared for oral and/or poster presentations, based on this study be submitted to BOEM for review and comment prior to submittal to the journal or conference authority. All such publications and oral (and/or poster) presentations shall contain an acknowledgement of support from BOEM under this Cooperative Agreement.

An acknowledgement page shall be incorporated into the PowerPoint slides for oral presentations. Publication of scientific results in peer-reviewed journals is strongly encouraged. PowerPoint and poster presentations shall include BOEM’s logo that the PO will provide upon request.

List of Purchased Equipment Submit a list of purchased equipment at conclusion of project.

REFERENCES

Bond, T., Langlois, T.J., Partridge, J.C., Birt, M.J., Malseed, B.E., Smith, L., McLean, D.L. 2018. Diel shifts and habitat associations of fish assemblages on a subsea pipeline. Fisheries Research 206:220-234.

Bond, T., Partridge, J.C., Taylor, M.D., Langlois, T.J., Malseed, B.E., Smith, L.D., McLean, D.L. 2018. Fish associated with a subsea pipeline and adjacent seafloor of the North West Shelf of Western Australia. Marine Environmental Research 141:53-65.

Coates, J.H., Schiff, K., Mazor, R.D., Pondella, D.J., Schaffner, R., Whiteman, E. 2018. Development of a biological condition assessment index for shallow, subtidal rocky reefs in Southern California, USA. Marine Ecology 39:e12471.

Love, M.S., Yoklavich, M., and Schroeder, D.M. 2009. Demersal fish assemblages in the Southern California Bight based on visual surveys in deep water. Environmental Biology of Fishes 84:55-68.

Love M.S. 2019. An Overview of Ecological Research Associated with Oil and Gas Platforms Offshore California. Camarillo (CA): US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. OCS Study BOEM 2019-052. 148 p.

McLean, D.L., Partridge, J.C., Bond, T., Birt, M.J., Bornt, K.R., Langlois, T.J. 2017. Using industry ROV videos to assess fish associations with subsea pipelines. Continental Shelf Research 141:76-97.

McLean, D.L., Taylor, M.D., Partridge, J.C., Gibbons, B., Langlois, T.J., Malseed, B.E., Smith, L.D., Bond, T. 2018. Fish and habitats on wellhead infrastructure on the north west shelf of Western Australia. Continental Shelf Research 164:10-27.

McLean, D.L., Vaughan, B.I., Malseed, B.E. and Taylor, M.D. 2020. Fish-habitat associations on a subsea pipeline within an Australian Marine Park. Marine Environmental Research 153:104813.

Meyer‐Gutbrod, E.L., Love, M.S., Schroeder, D.M., Claisse, J.T., Kui, L., Miller, R.J. 2020. Forecasting the legacy of offshore oil and gas platforms on fish community structure and productivity. Ecological Applications.

Ogden, J.C., Brown, R.A. and Salesky, N., 1973. Grazing by the echinoid Diadema antillarum Philippi: formation of halos around West Indian patch reefs. Science 182(4113):715-717.

Pondella, D.J. II, Piacenza S.E., Claisse J.T., Williams C.M., Williams J.P., Zellmer A.J., Caselle J.E. 2019. Assessing drivers of rocky reef fish biomass density from the Southern California Bight. Marine Ecology Progress Series 628:125-140.

Pradella, N., Fowler, A.M., Booth, D.J., Macreadie, P.I. 2014. Fish assemblages associated with oil industry structures on the continental shelf of north‐western Australia. Journal of Fish Biology 84(1):247-255.

Rouse, S., Lacey, N.C., Hayes, P., Wilding, T.A. 2019. Benthic conservation features and species associated with subsea pipelines: considerations for decommissioning. Frontiers in Marine Science 6:200.

Sward, D., Monk, J., Barrett, N. 2019. A systematic review of remotely operated vehicle surveys for visually assessing fish assemblages. Frontiers in Marine Science 6:1-19.

Zellmer, A.J., Claisse, J.T., Williams, C.M., Pondella, D.J. 2018. Long‐term, spatial marine harvest intensity as an indicator of human impact on shallow rocky reef ecosystems. Marine Ecology 39:e12463.

Zellmer A.J., Claisse J.T., Williams C.M., Schwab S., Pondella D.J. 2019. Predicting optimal sites for ecosystem restoration using multi-species distribution modeling. Frontiers in Marine Science 6:3.

DELIVERABLES, DISTRIBUTION, AND DUE DATES

ADDRESSES FOR RECIPIENTS OF DELIVERABLES:

Contracting Officer (CO) Dominique Bruce-Morton Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Acquisition Management Division 45600 Woodland Road, MS VAE-AMD Sterling, VA 20166 Tel: (703) 787-1342 Email: dominique.bruce-morton@bsee.gov

Project Officer (PO)/ Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) Donna M. Schroeder Marine Ecologist Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Pacific OCS Region 760 Paseo Camarillo, Suite 102 Camarillo, CA 93010 Tel: (805) 384-6382; Fax: (805) 388-1049 Email: donna.schroeder@boem.gov

Environmental Studies Program Representative (ESPR) Mark Mueller, Benthic Ecologist Division of Environmental Sciences Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 45600 Woodland Road, MSC VAM-OEP Sterling, VA 20166-9216 Tel: (703) 787-1089; Fax: (703) 787-1066 Email: mark.mueller@boem.gov

Chief, Division of Environmental Sciences (DES Chief) Chief, Division of Environmental Sciences c/o ESP Specialist Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Division of Environmental Sciences 45600 Woodland Road, MSC VAM-OEP Sterling, VA 20166 Email: environmentalstudiesprogram2@boem.gov

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