The objective of this study is to understand potential impacts of offshore renewable energy development on maritime traffic and fisheries (commercial, recreational, and Tribal) on the west coast in federal and state waters. The study will consist of a literature review and information gathering through public meetings to document the historic and current uses of areas that could be considered for renewable energy development and assess how they may be affected by the installation and operation of wind turbines and/or hydrokinetic energy structures. Specifically, the committee will:

(1) Document historic and current uses of offshore areas based on available, published information to include—

(A) Historic and current Tribal, commercial, and recreational fishing grounds, as well as areas where fish stocks are anticipated to shift in the future;
(B) Tribal usual and accustomed fishing areas in all covered waters;

(C) Historic, current and potential future shipping lanes, based on projected growth in shipping traffic in all covered waters.

(2) Analyze—

(A) Current and expected Coast Guard operations relevant to commercial fishing activities, including search and rescue, radar, navigation, communications, and safety within and near renewable energy sites;

(B) Anticipated, substantial interactions with, and adverse impacts on, maritime activities with the placement of renewable energy infrastructure and the associated construction, maintenance, and operation; and

(C) Anticipated, substantial benefits and methods to mitigate adverse impacts through design, siting, maintenance and operational plans for renewable energy infrastructure, and including adjustments in management of fishing, shipping, and other maritime activities.

(3) Review the current decision-making processes for offshore wind in covered waters, and outline recommendations for governmental consideration of all impacted coastal communities, particularly Tribal governments and fisheries communities, in the decision-making process for offshore wind in covered waters, including recommendations for—

(A) ensuring the appropriate governmental consideration of potential benefits of offshore wind in covered waters; and

(B) risk reduction and mitigation of adverse impacts for safety at sea and search and rescue Coast Guard operations relevant to commercial fishing activities.