Delineation of Area of Interest:
The NJDEP used data collected during its Ocean/Wind Power Ecological Baseline Studies to develop an Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) to serve as a guide in identify areas of sensitivity within the study area based on features ranging from physical obstructions and usages to the presence and density of biological resources including avian populations and aquatic habitat. The attached Map Number 2: Areas of Sensitivity and Avoidance Zones within NJ Baseline Ecological Study Area delineates the portion of the study area that should not be considered for development due to the presence and number of cumulative features (categories/features in order of priority are listed below). The development of these "Avoidance Zones" may have greater adverse impacts to the physical and ecological integrity and existing usage of this area. It is important to note that this map is meant to serve as a guide only, and may best illustrate where the most environmentally sensitive and conflicting use areas are anticipated based on information currently available to the Department..
The areas identified with the Baseline Ecological Study Area for avoidance are as follows:
Northern portion of the study area which includes a major shipping lane and additional telecommunications cables. High bird densities are also present in this area due to a number of shoals and artificial underwater features, which have shown to be positively correlated with avian populations. Southernmost section of the study area where a large number of shoals and biological resources are concentrated (e.g. birds, marine mammals, sea turtles), including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Essential Fish Habitat (EFH), which increases the areas sensitivity to development. State Boundary to 7 NM Line - The study also identified that avian density (sitting and feeding) markedly decreased moving from inshore to offshore, with a steep decline observed at approximately 7 NM. Thus, the area bounded by the state boundary to the 7 NM limit is also included in the avoidance area due to high avian densities, as well as for the numerous shipwrecks, reefs, and shoals that tend to also occur in this zone, in addition to higher human activity from recreational and commercial vessels (e.g. the Tug Barge Transit Route roughly follows this 7 NM line).
Categories and Description of Environmentally Sensitive Areas:
The following categories describe the rationale for determining environmentally sensitive areas. The categories are in order of priority. The areas recommended to be removed from consideration for the RFI were primarily based on the first four categories.
No Build Areas (i.e. Shipping lanes, traffic separation zones, pipelines and cables, artificial reefs, and shipwrecks) - Development should be excluded in blocks containing some of these features (e.g., shipping lanes) since they would directly and adversely affect shipping. Buffer areas may also be required to avoid impacts. Shoals - Should be avoided since they function as feeding grounds and nurseries for various pelagic and bottom-dwelling species, as well as serve as fishing/feeding hotspots for recreational and commercial fishermen, birds, sea turtles and marine mammals. High Avian Densities - Mostly concentrated within state waters along the coast, however some hotspots found offshore, usually associated with shoals or other unique bottom features and/or oceanographic dynamics. Development should be avoided in these areas since adverse affects may be incurred due to the greater potential for in flight mortality due to collisions with wind turbines, avoidance behaviors caused by the disturbance/presence of turbines and disturbance of bottom features. Distance from Shore - the results of the OWPEBS found that birds, certain marine mammals and other resources were found in higher densities closer to shore. As stated above, bird activity begins to decrease beyond 7 NM from the coast. Therefore, environmental impacts would generally be expected to be reduced with increasing distance from the shoreline. Fishing hotspots - Although usually associated with shoals, other natural and artificial bottom features can contribute to their productivity, thus should be avoided when possible. Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles - As shown in the OWPEBS, marine mammal and sea turtles densities are roughly evenly distributed throughout the study area, and low in number (with the exception of dolphins). However, marine mammal and sea turtle densities are often found to be higher near underwater features such as shoals and ridges. Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) - EFHs, although not well defined in the study area, do occur for numerous fish species, and are known to use the area during all or some life stages. In some cases, EFHs in the Study Area overlap (especially in the South), increasing impact potential.
The objective of this study is to conduct baseline studies in waters off New Jersey's coast to determine the current distribution and usage of this area by ecological resources. The scope of work includes the collection of data on the distribution, abundance and migratory patterns of avian, marine mammal, sea turtle and other species in the study area over an 24-month period.
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