INSPIRE is a part of MOCEAN, a collaborative of interdisciplinary scientists within the US east coast region working collectively to ensure the advancement of marine and material science, engineering practice, economic models, bluetech, policy, and data-driven frameworks that will ensure healthy oceans, a strong and diverse new blue economy, and a just energy transition.
Through this network, INSPIRE scientists collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders interested in offshore wind development along the US east coast, including academics, offshore wind developers, and NGOs. Through active engagement in MOCEAN, INSPIRE participates and contributes to workshops aimed at bringing scientists, regulators, and industry partners together to discuss synergies and data gaps in efforts to advance offshore wind industry within the US east coast region.
One research initiative that has grown from the MOCEAN network involves evaluating and implementing innovative nature inclusive solutions centered on micronutrient additions and active biological seeding. This research is in partnership with researchers at WHOI and MBL.
Through connections established through MOCEAN, INSPIRE is collaborating with Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) and Marine Imaging Technologies to incorporate the use of molecular tools (e.g., eDNA, qPCR) in monitoring epifaunal communities on introduced structures at several of Orsted’s wind farms in southern New England.