Seabirds in 3D: A Framework to Evaluate Collision Vulnerability with Future Offshore Wind Developments - Interim Project Report #2: Assessing Tradeoffs between Seabird Density at Collision Risk Height and Wind Facility Performance

Report

Title: Seabirds in 3D: A Framework to Evaluate Collision Vulnerability with Future Offshore Wind Developments - Interim Project Report #2: Assessing Tradeoffs between Seabird Density at Collision Risk Height and Wind Facility Performance

Author:

Wallach, E.; Chamberlin, C.; Schneider, S.; Bernstein, S.; Trush, S.; Kramer, S.; Terrill, S.; Ainley, D.; Jacobson, A.

Publication Date:

April 14, 2025

Document Number:

Interim Project Report #2

Pages:

Place Published:

Humboldt, United States

Affiliation

H.T. Harvey & Associates, Schatz Energy Research Center

Sponsoring Organization:

California Energy Commission

Technology:

Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind, Floating Offshore Wind

Stressor:

Collision

Receptor:

Birds, Seabirds

Language:

English

Document Access

Website:

External Link

Attachment:

Access File

Citation

Wallach, E.; Chamberlin, C.; Schneider, S.; Bernstein, S.; Trush, S.; Kramer, S.; Terrill, S.; Ainley, D.; Jacobson, A. (2025). Seabirds in 3D: A Framework to Evaluate Collision Vulnerability with Future Offshore Wind Developments - Interim Project Report #2: Assessing Tradeoffs between Seabird Density at Collision Risk Height and Wind Facility Performance (Report No. Interim Project Report #2). Report by H.T. Harvey & Associates. Report for California Energy Commission.

@techreport{Wallach-2025-,
author = {Wallach, E and Chamberlin, C and Schneider, S and Bernstein, S and Trush, S and Kramer, S and Terrill, S and Ainley, D and Jacobson, A},
title = {Seabirds in 3D: A Framework to Evaluate Collision Vulnerability with Future Offshore Wind Developments - Interim Project Report #2: Assessing Tradeoffs between Seabird Density at Collision Risk Height and Wind Facility Performance},
institution = {H.T. Harvey & Associates},
year = {2025},
month = {apr},
number = {Interim Project Report #2},
address = {Humboldt, United States},
url = {https://schatzcenter.org/pubs/2025-OSW-R3-Seabirdsin3D-interim2-SchatzCenterandHTHarvey.pdf},
keywords = {Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind, Floating Offshore Wind, Collision, Birds, Seabirds},
}

Export Citation to BibTex

TY - RPRT
TI - Seabirds in 3D: A Framework to Evaluate Collision Vulnerability with Future Offshore Wind Developments - Interim Project Report #2: Assessing Tradeoffs between Seabird Density at Collision Risk Height and Wind Facility Performance
AU - Wallach, E
AU - Chamberlin, C
AU - Schneider, S
AU - Bernstein, S
AU - Trush, S
AU - Kramer, S
AU - Terrill, S
AU - Ainley, D
AU - Jacobson, A
AB - Herein we assess, using a multi-objective Pareto optimality the degree to which seabirds off the coast of California may collide with turbine rotors under different offshore wind development scenarios relative to wind facility performance. This Multi-objective Pareto Optimality approach is used to analyze tradeoffs between seabird densities predicted to be at risk from turbine collisions, as determined by a 3D Seabird Collision Vulnerability Framework (i.e., “3D Framework”), and simulated power generation profiles. This current assessment encompasses all offshore areas between Point Conception, California to Yaquina Head, Oregon, that are shallow enough to support state-of-the-art turbine mooring technologies (e.g., sea floor is within 1,300 m distance from the sea surface). Results presented herein are focused on the outcome for four different seabird groupings: All Modeled Bird Species, California Species of Special Concern (CSSC), Seabirds Listed at the State and/or Federal level (SFTE), and the BlackFooted Albatross.
CY - Humboldt, United States
DA - 2025/04//
PY - 2025
SP - 42
PB - H.T. Harvey & Associates
SN - Interim Project Report #2
UR - https://schatzcenter.org/pubs/2025-OSW-R3-Seabirdsin3D-interim2-SchatzCenterandHTHarvey.pdf
LA - English
KW - Wind Energy
KW - Fixed Offshore Wind
KW - Floating Offshore Wind
KW - Collision
KW - Birds
KW - Seabirds
ER -

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Abstract

Herein we assess, using a multi-objective Pareto optimality the degree to which seabirds off the coast of California may collide with turbine rotors under different offshore wind development scenarios relative to wind facility performance. This Multi-objective Pareto Optimality approach is used to analyze tradeoffs between seabird densities predicted to be at risk from turbine collisions, as determined by a 3D Seabird Collision Vulnerability Framework (i.e., “3D Framework”), and simulated power generation profiles. This current assessment encompasses all offshore areas between Point Conception, California to Yaquina Head, Oregon, that are shallow enough to support state-of-the-art turbine mooring technologies (e.g., sea floor is within 1,300 m distance from the sea surface). Results presented herein are focused on the outcome for four different seabird groupings: All Modeled Bird Species, California Species of Special Concern (CSSC), Seabirds Listed at the State and/or Federal level (SFTE), and the BlackFooted Albatross.