PC-23-01: BOEM-MARINe (Multi-Agency Rocky Intertidal Network)

The purpose of this study is to evaluate impacts to rocky shore species from OCS activities. The rocky intertidal areas established by the Multi-Agency Rocky Intertidal Network (MARINe) represent over 20 years of continuous monitoring adjacent to Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) facilities off southern California. National Parks, Marine Sanctuaries, California State Agencies and their citizens depend on this information to evaluate potential impacts and manage water quality, protected areas, public health and natural resources. Results from this study were used in oil spill resource damage assessments, listing and endangered species consultations of black abalone, California Marine Protected Area designations, and California Areas of Special Biological Significance assessments. MARINe data remain essential for assessing damages and predicting recovery from oils spills. MARINe data were used in past spills including one Federal pipeline and two tanker oil spills offshore California, and a pipeline oil spill near several Platforms in 2015. MARINe sites established offshore of Oregon adjacent to a potential lease area have established an ecological baseline condition of the shoreline before wave energy devices are deployed offshore. These sites also provide a strong latitudinal comparison to California sites, which can monitor for and help prepare for baseline assessments in areas considered for the BOEM National Program Oil and Gas Program.This study implements BOEM’s Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act mandate to monitor the marine and coastal environments adjacent to OCS operations.