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Revised Marine Bird Collision and Displacement Vulnerability Index for U.S. Pacific Outer Continental Shelf Offshore Wind Energy Development

Data Report 1214
Ecosystems Mission Area—Species Management Research Program
Prepared in cooperation with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
By: , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/dr1214

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Abstract

The installation of offshore wind energy infrastructure (OWEI) at sea may affect marine birds by increasing the risk of mortality from collision with OWEI (Collision Vulnerability) and causing disturbance and displacement from important habitats (Displacement Vulnerability). In 2017, we published the first comprehensive database quantifying marine bird Collision Vulnerability and Displacement Vulnerability to potential OWEI in the region of the U.S. Pacific Outer Continental Shelf (POCS; waters within the Exclusive Economic Zone of California, Oregon, and Washington). We have updated this Vulnerability Index with new research and data, additional species present in the POCS, and an evolved understanding of the application and utility of the Index. Of the species assessed, phalaropes and Red-billed Tropicbird have the highest Collision Vulnerability, and gulls, terns, jaegers, skuas, and pelicans have moderately high Collision Vulnerability. Boobies, sea ducks, and pelicans have the greatest Displacement Vulnerability. The overall trends in ranked Vulnerability among marine birds in the POCS were consistent between Version 1 and Version 2 although new data and revised calculations updated the outcomes. Alcids, loons, storm-petrels, Brant, and phalaropes ranked higher for Collision Vulnerability in Version 2 compared to Version 1; sea ducks, cormorants, skua, and jaegers ranked lower for Collision Vulnerability in Version 2 compared to Version 1. Displacement Vulnerability ranks were higher in Version 2 for gulls, pelicans, sea ducks, and alcids and lower for albatrosses, terns, and loons. Vulnerability Index Version 2 is an up-to-date, representative, and transparent assessment of marine bird vulnerability to potential offshore wind energy development. This updated Vulnerability Index can assist resource managers and others in understanding and addressing potential interactions between OWEI and marine bird species that inhabit the POCS.

Suggested Citation

Kelsey, E.C., Felis, J.J., Pereksta, D.M., and Adams, J., 2025, Revised marine bird collision and displacement vulnerability index for U.S. Pacific Outer Continental Shelf offshore wind energy development (ver. 1.1, November 2025): U.S. Geological Survey Data Report 1214, 32 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/dr1214.

ISSN: 2771-9448 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Conclusions
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Revised marine bird collision and displacement vulnerability index for U.S. Pacific Outer Continental Shelf offshore wind energy development
Series title Data Report
Series number 1214
DOI 10.3133/dr1214
Edition Version 1.0: August 19, 2025; Version 1.1: November 17, 2025
Publication Date August 21, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Western Ecological Research Center
Description viii, 32 p.
Country Mexico, United States
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional publication details