Advancing Ocean Stewardship. 50 Years of BOEM Ecological Assessment

For the past 50 years, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) Environmental Studies Program (ESP) has been essential in advancing ocean stewardship. Established in 1973, BOEM has been a critical source of data for predicting, evaluating, and mitigating environmental impacts from offshore energy and marine mineral operations on human, marine, and coastal ecosystems.

A Environmental Mission Built on Science

BOEM’s Environmental Studies Program (ESP) aims to achieve ocean stewardship through rigorous scientific research, aligning with the agency’s core mission of responsibly managing energy and mineral development on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) while prioritizing environmental considerations. This approach further supports the Department of Interior‘s broader land stewardship goals, fostering collaboration between the federal government and ocean users to collectively manage natural resources with mutual respect.

A Practical Approach to Environmental Studies Program (ESP)

The Environmental Studies Program (ESP) actively conducts, finances, and oversees comprehensive scientific research aimed at guiding policy decisions regarding the development of energy and mineral resources on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Collaborating with BOEM staff across offices and regions, ESP scientists identify critical research topics and information needs to ensure responsible offshore energy and mineral resource management, having invested over $1.25 billion in research since its establishment. 

BOEM Mission Flexibility

Continued program priorities are subject to change as the political climate varies. For continued success, ESP must be flexible in its ability to satisfy new priorities. ESP data supports BOEM role as a resource management agency. Historically, ESP studies focus on active or planned offshore energy or mineral development needs. Study data is limited in scope to a defined area and does not address scientific study beyond. Broadening the scope to areas outside the development area would expand vital baseline information that can be applied to future areas subject to development.

The People and Evolving Priorities Behind Advancing Ocean Stewardship Through ESP

The Environmental Studies Program thrives due to its team of over 200 environmental scientists. Their expertise extends to marine biology, oceanography, archaeology, economics, and climate science. As a result, the program benefits from a diverse range of knowledge and perspectives.

Their contributions are advancing ocean stewardship through science, as the program continuously adapts to emerging challenges. Each year, the ESP invites input from staff and stakeholders across the nation, thereby ensuring a broad range of perspectives are considered when identifying new study topics.

As global trends shift toward renewable energy, the ESP is increasingly focused on offshore wind development and the growing demand for marine minerals. Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act has broadened the program’s scope, allowing studies in U.S. territories.

EcoCentricNow’s Commitment to Environmental Sustainability and Stewardship Through Energy-Efficient Solutions

EcoCentricNow LLC (ECN) distributes interior and exterior LED property lighting, handheld lighting, and an assortment of batteries. ECN’s mission is to promote environmental stewardship by distributing well-designed, long-lasting, energy-efficient LED lighting products and supplies that foster ecological sustainability and human well-being.

References
Cluck, R. E. (2024). Innovative program has provided important scientific data to inform bureau’s decisions for 50 years. Environmental Studies Program, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.