Scientists from CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. (CSA) will be attending the Pacific Offshore Wind Summit 2023 from May 8–10, 2023, at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento, California.

The 2023 summit, as the overarching theme of Going Big on California Wind: Setting a Course to 25 GW suggests, will table some of the more immediate challenges surrounding the state’s offshore wind ambitions—including the preparation of a full Strategic Plan due by June 30 per the landmark AB 525 law.

The agenda will center around key items, including the identification of suitable sea space and necessary transmission infrastructure, the requirements for port access and support services, the permitting process, and broad stakeholder engagement to ensure the monitoring and protection of cultural and marine environmental resources. The 2023 summit will bring together cross-sector delegates to plan how states on the US west coast can establish a sustainable floating wind industry and supply chain that will generate jobs and economic development for decades, with California as the bellwether for offshore renewable energy development.

Mary Jo Barkaszi, CSA’s Marine Mammal Programs Manager & Offshore Wind and Renewable Ocean Energy Director, and Brian Balcom, CSA Senior Scientist, will be onsite in Sacramento and happy to schedule meetings with parties interested in learning about CSA’s multidisciplinary marine survey services designed to support the exploration, planning, and monitoring of offshore wind sites.

Ms. Barkaszi has served as the technical lead and client manager for a large number of Incidental Harassment Authorization applications for offshore wind developments. She has also served as a subject matter expert and author for several wind farm Survey Plans, Site Assessment Plans, and Construction and Operation Plans. In addition, she is the technical lead for the preparation of multiple offshore wind Biological Assessments.

Mr. Balcom has been involved with CSA’s offshore energy and renewable energy projects since 1981, providing technical expertise and impact assessment, mitigation, and monitoring experience pursuant to US and international regulations.

We look forward to seeing you in California!