Unlocking the Depths: Optimizing Benthic Habitat Assessments for Offshore Wind Development

Presentation Description: Benthic habitat assessments are important components of a Construction and Operations Plan (COP) for offshore wind projects. This poster addresses the purpose of benthic habitat assessment surveys and the steps required to prepare a successful benthic habitat assessment as part of the offshore wind permitting process. Challenges encountered in developing, conducting, and reporting results from these surveys are offered. Recommendations on how to integrate, streamline, and standardize these surveys across stakeholders and within the permitting process are also discussed.