Planning for the Possibility of Offshore Wind on Oregon’s Outer Continental Shelf

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One of the most interesting things about my fellowship is that while I technically work for the West Coast Ocean Alliance (WCOA) and West Coast Ocean Data Portal (WCODP), my duties require that I interact frequently with staff from federal agencies, state governments, and tribal governments, and liaise with them on specific projects. One project that I am working on at the moment is the development of an Oregon Offshore Wind Planner tool for the State of Oregon and Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM), which is being hosted by the WCODP.

BOEM is the federal agency responsible for for issuing leases for renewable energy projects on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), and they have a Renewable Energy Authorization Process that they engage in before any decisions about leases are made in an area. BOEM must coordinate with governmental partners for this process, and the primary way that they do so is through Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Forces. These Task Forces consist of federal agencies, state governments, local governments and federally recognized tribes; there are currently fourteen Task Forces in the United States. While Oregon held its first Task Force meeting in 2011, they paused meetings for several years until September 2019. At this meeting, BOEM and the State of Oregon announced their intention to begin an offshore wind planning process, which could take 5 – 10 years and eventually culminate in the construction of offshore wind operations off the coast of Oregon— or, depending on the input from state, local, and tribal governments, and stakeholders— nothing at all. Since it is an effort that is ultimately about building trust amongst all of these groups, the beginning of this process involves a lot of planning and analysis— and the collection of lots of data and input from interested parties and stakeholders.

The first offshore wind farm in the United States off of Block Island, Rhode Island. We may have similar sights here in Oregon in the future, but not until after several years of planning and collecting input from different government entities and stakeholders (Image from Ørsted and Rhode Island Sea Grant).

In order to publicize and receive feedback on their strategy to gather and analyze data, the Task Force produced a Draft Data Gathering and Engagement Plan, which they presented at a remote Task Force meeting in June 2020 and received comments on for several weeks afterward. In this plan, the Task Force outlines their intention to use the West Coast Ocean Data Portal as a platform to house a map-viewer tool that highlights all the data to be used in the planning process, and that could lead to the eventual selection of what are called ‘Call Areas.’ The term Call Areas comes from the publication in the Federal Register of a ‘Call for Information and Nominations,’ which means that BOEM wants more information from researchers and stakeholders about that area, and nominations from developers saying that they would be interested in bidding on a lease there. In other words, they are specific geographic areas that will undergo further review to see if BOEM will accept competitive bids for leases there at the appropriate time in the future.

The working title for this tool is the Oregon Offshore Wind Planner, and this is where I come into the picture. I have been working with staff from the State of Oregon and BOEM to identify the datasets we want to include in this tool, and to make sure that we have the most up-to-date data as possible. Sometimes, this requires a bit of sleuthing, and in one case the data we were looking for seemed to have been lost in a fire where a server was destroyed. Fortunately, we tracked it down somewhere else!

A screenshot of the not-yet-released Oregon Offshore Wind Planner tool, with some example layers turned on.

Some of the places we’re looking include ERDDAP (a data access program belonging to NOAA), Marine Cadastre (A joint BOEM and NOAA initiative providing data to meet the needs of offshore energy and marine planning communities) and the Oregon Spatial Data Library (a joint effort between the Department of Administrative Services Geospatial Enterprise Office and Oregon State University). We’re also reviewing existing BOEM-funded reports on the West Coast to make sure we capture any relevant spatial data that comes from them.

Right now, the plan is to conclude this initial data-gathering process and release the draft version of the Oregon Offshore Wind planner tool this fall. At that point, BOEM and the State of Oregon will collect feedback from affected parties and stakeholders about whether they have all the data they should in order to inform the larger process that could lead to the creation of Call Areas off the coast of Oregon. This whole process is one that I was generally aware of, but never involved with prior to my fellowship— now, I’ve learned a lot about data management, made some interesting connections in the hunt for spatial data, and am looking forward to tracking this process long-term. For more information on renewable energy activities and future public meeting announcements for the Task Force, you can visit boem.gov/Oregon.

The Importance of Science Communication in Policymaking with the EPA

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I’ve learned a lot about how science plays an active role in policymaking since the beginning of my internship. One key point I’ve learned is how important communicating scientific findings to non-scientific crowds is. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity in the past to teach a small after school program about science to children in elementary school because it has taught me how to make complex ideas more accessible to others. Science can be especially intimidating and being able to explain things in a way that doesn’t go over the audience’s head or make them feel overwhelmed or inadequate is important but challenging.

My view of science policy has changed since the beginning of my internship and my mentor has certainly opened my eyes to what may lie ahead if I were to go into this type of work myself. In an effort to not be overly political, I have feared that if I were to go work for a government organization such as the EPA, that dealing with the frustrations of potentially having a boss who denies the problem I am researching even exists would be too much for me to cope with. My mentor has worked under two different administrations so far and has mentioned that even though there may be disagreements between the administration and the scientists working for them, everyone deserves their fair shot at making the world a better place according to their vision. Talking with my mentor about this has helped immensely though and has further inspired me to want to work for such an organization so that maybe I could try to help better explain the issues at hand in an understanding and non-threatening way.

Learning About Scientific Policy and its Various Challenges…

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After several weeks working for OCOIN, which centers around research on the Oregon Coast and surrounding areas, I’ve learned how important it is as scientists to not only make your research applicable to policy, but also making it very accessible to the general public. Environmental policy doesn’t just take into account scientific research, but overall public opinion as well. This makes it really important for researchers to educate the public with their findings.

I think this internship has given me a better idea of how policy organization works, despite not having been to an agency-level meeting (yet!). Since I work more on the technical side of things, I’m getting first-hand knowledge on how important it is for websites and presentations to be visually appealing, easy to understand, and very organized. (The organization part benefits us too during the editing process!)

With this being my last week working for OCOIN, I can honestly say that I’ve really enjoyed working with such intelligent and passionate members of the scientific community, on the research and policy-making sides. Every person I’ve met that’s involved with conservation has valued the well being of animals, humans, and wants to keep the world healthy. So by definition, they tend to be really kind and passionate people :) Based on this positive experience, I do think I’d like to continue my involvement with scientific policy in the future, at least in some capacity.

Science Policy and the Organization of the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

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Before I get to the real substance of this blog post, try saying “South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve” five times fast… It takes some practice, so good luck!

Once you have mastered saying “South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve,” you can move on to the remainder of this post.

Okay, games aside… For this week’s blog, I have answered questions related to science policy that can be seen below in bold.

Now that you’ve been on the job for several weeks, how has your view of science policy changed (if at all)?

My views on science policy haven’t really changed, though working for a state-run organization has given me a better understanding of the resources available to organizations like the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (SSNERR). I’ve also heard more about what it takes to get additional funds through grants for various projects (and it doesn’t seem easy).

Do you have a better understanding of how policy organizations work?

One of my goals for this summer is to have an in-depth understanding of how the SSNERR is run. As of now, I have not had time to learn more about how it works on a macro-level, but I have definitely developed a better understanding of how the SSNERR team works on a micro/local level. I have had the opportunity to work with both the science and education teams this summer; as a result, I feel I have a solid understanding of how similar programs may be organized. I also have a better understanding of what positions are necessary to run a state-guided science organization.

Have you had a chance to attend any agency-level meetings?

I meet frequently with the education team, but have not yet attended an all-staff meeting or meeting of higher status. I will be attending the next all-staff meeting in order to learn about how the meetings and agenda-setting work, though my role at the South Slough (given my limited time) has not made it imperative for me to attend such meetings. I believe I will get to attend a National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) meeting this summer as well, which will help me understand the larger system as a whole. 

Does your agency have ties to other states, and/or to national-level organizations?  

The South Slough was the first location designated as a National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) and is affiliated with the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS). This system functions under NOAA. As seen on NOAA’s website, “The National Estuarine Research Reserve System is a network of 29 coastal sites designated to protect and study estuarine systems. Established through the Coastal Zone Management Act, the reserves represent a partnership program between NOAA and the coastal states. NOAA provides funding and national guidance, and each site is managed on a daily basis by a lead state agency or university with input from local partners.”

Logo for South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
Our logo at the South Slough!

A Day in the Life of Angela

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Succulent planter globe hanging in a window.
Succulent globe I received as a graduation present hanging in my window with my other plants.

Remind us what your project is:

This summer I am working for the Oregon Coastal Ocean Information Network (OCOIN) on outreach projects.

What have you been doing in your first few weeks on the job?

Lately we have been working a lot on the newsletter, annual meeting, and technical updates.

Describe your daily routine in the time of COVID-19 remote (or in person) work:

I usually start my day with a meeting either with OCOIN staff or a another agency. I then break for lunch then work the rest of the afternoon on my projects.

Do you work 8 hours straight?

I definitely try not to work 8 hours straight! I sometimes have to take a mid-day night just to give my eyes a break.

Do you multitask?

I like to listen to a podcast while I work. Some of my favorites are Crime Junkie, This Land, OPB (all things considered section).

Do you have “coffee” with colleagues/co-workers/other interns?

Yes! OCOIN has three interns this summer so meet every Friday morning and talk about our favorite books, our pets, our OCOIN projects and anything else that pops up. We don’t usually set an agenda which is nice because we just talk about what is happening in our lives. The Friday morning meetings help facilitate some of the interactions I would have hoped to have working with a team in the office.

How often do you check in with your supervisor?

I check in with my supervisors at least twice a week. The nice thing about the OCOIN committee is that there area several of them to ask for help or get guidance/advice from!

How often are team meetings?

We have at least one team meeting a week but as we get closer to the annual meeting we will probably have more.

How do you stay motivated (exercise breaks, phone calls with friends, walking meetings…)?

OCOIN uses a platform that organizes all the team members and their tasks which is ironically called Teamwork. This platform is very useful for staying motivated because it provides you with progress reports and details about your tasks at hand. I also take breaks and tend to my plants, I have attached one of my creations but there are many more!

What is one downside or your COVID-19 work routine?

I think the one downside to the COVID work routine is that the screen time is making me very tired when I log off for the day and I don’t stay up as late to do the personal things I want.

What is one upside of your COVID-19 work routine?

Because my project is remote I have enjoyed making my own schedule so that I can take care of things for myself and still get a days work in. I think most work a modified schedule right now which is super cool because you could email someone at 10 pm and they might get back to you right away!

Blog Post 1 “Connecting to the Vision”: My Remote Summer Internship with ODFW

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This summer, I am interning with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife on the Marine Reserves Program. I am working with the human dimensions team. My primary work duties will be looking at the visitor surveys that have been conducted in the past at the 5 Oregon Marine Reserves. After going over those reports, reading other relevant literature and the legislative history of the creation of the Marine Reserves, I will provide ODFW with a summary of my findings of the visitor surveys and connect it to the bigger picture of the program. Originally, my primary work duty would have been to conduct the last visitor survey of their report but because of COVID-19, that wasn’t possible anymore! I’m thankful ODFW Marine Reserves Program still kept me on and found work for me to do. Being a part of this internship also will help me network and meet people I’m not normally exposed to. For instance, I sit in on the weekly staff meetings and am able to converse with the whole team, even though I’m working primarily with the human dimensions team. 

The project I’m working on will help ODFW submit their report to the Oregon legislature because the Marine Reserves will be evaluated in 2023. Those project goals help advance Oregon Sea Grant’s vision and mission because the Marine Reserve goals are about resiliency and sustainability for the coastal communities. ODFW’s mission statement is to “protect and enhance Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations.” It’ll be really interesting to see how visitor’s interceptions have changed over the years, or if it has at all. 

My first day in the field

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My first day working in the field also happened to be my first day working in person with researchers of the USDA-ARS. I woke up at the not so bright and early time of 4 am and I left at 5 am for Tillamook Bay. This was a two-hour drive and we started with field work right away at 7 am to take advantage of the low tide.

We donned our waders and lugged all of our gear to the mud flats. These mud flats are thick and sandy making it quite difficult to walk through, some areas being more difficult than others. I definitely fell and got stuck in the mud multiple times.

Part of the area we worked in was previously used as oyster aquaculture, pictured below is PVC pipes oyster lines were attached to.

We collected different species of burrowing shrimp, one of the mud shrimps I found is shown below.

My first day in the field may have been difficult but it was very cool to see the species I’m studying in their natural habitat. Although the drive was long and early, it was beautiful getting to see the Oregon coast along the way.

Summer at the Oregon DEQ: Learning, Planning, and Spreading the Word

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My name is Chris Schmokel, and I am an environmental chemistry major at Oregon State University and also an Oregon Sea Grant Summer Scholar Fellow. My fellowship placement is with the Oregon DEQ, and this summer I’m working on two projects: starting up a pilot program to test for copper concentrations in Oregon waters, and creating a short video to share all the good work being done by the Oregon Sea Grant’s Oregon Applied Sustainability Experience internship program.

Some background on the copper testing project:

A boat in dry dock with a hull covered in algae and barnacles.
A sailboat with an extremely fouled hull.

Organic growth on the underside of boats is known as fouling, and it can range from a mild inconvenience to a major problem, depending on how long a boat is in the water and the type of aquatic organisms present at a given location. Many techniques have been developed over the years to deal with this problem, but currently the most prevalent solution is the use of special antifouling paint for the undersides of boats. This paint contains a large percentage of copper, which acts as a biocide, slowly leaching into the water adjacent to a boat and discouraging organisms from attaching to it. Unfortunately, copper ions released in this way can spread beyond a boat’s immediate vicinity, and can cause unintended ecological harm. A great deal of research has shown that excessive copper concentrations are toxic to many types of aquatic organisms, including freshwater mussels and salmonids, among others. Both California and Washington have passed regulations to control the use of copper based boat paint, but Oregon has yet to do so. My project for the summer will focus on developing a pilot water testing program to help the DEQ get a better picture of the concentrations of copper at various sites around Oregon. This sort of testing may be the first step towards Oregon enacting copper regulations similar to its neighboring states.

My second project this summer is creating a short video to highlight the work of the Oregon Sea Grant’s Oregon Applied Sustainability Experience internship program. This program partners college students with local businesses to find ways to improves efficiency and prevent waste and pollution. Tomorrow morning at 4:30 AM (!!!) I’ll be hopping in my car and heading down to Port Orford to get some shots of the halibut boats coming in to offload their catch. I’ll also be sitting down with intern Connor Nolan to talk about the work he’s doing with Port Orford Sustainable Seafood to reduce processing waste and maybe even convert it into a marketable product in the form of fish paste for cooking.

I’m very excited about these projects, and I hope next time I post I’ll have some fun photos from Port Orford, as well as some new information on a copper testing pilot program.

Video equipment laid out on a bed.
All my video gear laid out for tomorrow.

Summer Initiatives at Haystack Rock

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This summer I am going to be interning with the Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP) located in Cannon Beach. While I was hoping to bear witness to the 250-foot monolith that is Haystack Rock in person, alas the pandemic continues to throw curve balls. My summer project will be done remotely. While I am grateful for my safety at home, this change is certainly an adjustment. However, you know what they say–a smooth sea never made a skillful sailor!

Summer Plans

So far, my plans for this summer include conducting a cost-benefit analysis from a few different perspectives. These will include the local government, visitors, business owners, and residents. I am also doing research on the history of the protections at Haystack Rock. The histories will come from both reviewing literature and from oral histories of long-time residents of the area. I will also use this information to create a model for how to implement protection measures, like those at Haystack Rock, in other coastal areas.

I believe the outcome of my project will be useful in spreading awareness on the effects of protected areas. By adding to a growing body of research as well as creating educational materials, I will be furthering HRAP’s mission to protect the delicate marine life at Haystack Rock and educate people about it. This area attracts a large amount of tourists, especially during the summer season. Anywhere from 100-200 people visit a day! It is important that they are knowledgeable while also enjoying the beautiful sites.

I am also looking forward to strengthening the connection between HRAP and the coastal community. I will accomplish this by working closely with partner orgs, communicating with members of the government, and surveying HRAP’s visitors. It will contribute to Oregon Sea Grant’s vision of a thriving coastal community and ecosystem by strengthening the relationship between the two. Today is my fourth official day on the job, and I am just getting started. I am excited to make a meaningful contribution this summer!

Beginning of my Summer Sea Scholar Internship with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

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As a Summer Sea Scholar, my primary duties will be working in the science communication aspect of the Shellfish and Estuarine Habitat Assessment of Coastal Oregon (SEACOR) Program in the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) by translating outreach documents into Spanish. I hope that this project will involve the Oregon Spanish-speaking community in the enjoyment of the state’s natural areas and activities. 

Being my first week on the job, the on-boarding process has me doing a lot of reading on the topic to get specific context on what I will be working on. It has been very interesting learning about shellfish ecology in the Pacific Northwest and how Oregonians interact with these marine organisms. 

Having linguistically diverse outreach will inform a larger audience of the Pacific Northwest’s marine environment, regulations, activities, and ODFW’s work. It may interest Spanish-speakers to get more hands-on experiences with environmental science and perhaps inspire future scientists. This project aligns well with the ODFW mission of enhancing Oregon’s natural areas for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. As an organization that encourages discovery and scientific understanding within Oregon’s coastal communities, the Oregon Sea Grant’s mission supports the goals of my project. I’m excited to get started!

Thanks for reading!