The New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) yesterday released a comprehensive study on the physical, biological, wildlife and geographic characteristics of the Atlantic Ocean impacting New Yorkers. The results of the New York Offshore Atlantic Ocean Study will lay the groundwork for selecting offshore areas where wind development could be most suitable and appropriate and will serve to help protect habitats important to the environmental health and recreational and tourism priorities of the coastal communities as well as sustaining New York’s ocean-based industries.

“The Offshore Atlantic Ocean Study is a critical first step as New York State seeks to plan for current and future uses of the Atlantic Ocean,” said Cesar A. Perales, New York Secretary of State. “Our coastal communities rely on a vibrant ocean economy and this information will help protect existing industries, while we explore new economic opportunities, such as the development of offshore wind capabilities. We’d like to thank all our partners, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), for their cooperation in helping us conduct this invaluable study.”