These areas represent the sea space identified in the California Energy Commission's (CEC) AB 525 sea space identification process. Throughout the AB 525 sea space identification process, CEC used a series of geospatial overlays of existing data on existing ocean use and coastal resources that could be easily mapped to identify sea space. This process allowed CEC to map the geospatial extent of sea space, by identifying the wind generation potential of these areas and areas where biological and ocean use conflicts were avoided or minimized.

These areas are defined by four characteristics:

• Annual average wind speed greater than or equal to 7m/s
• Water depth less than or equal to 2,600m depth
• Ocean bottom slope less than or equal to 10 percent
• A minimum distance of 20 miles from the shoreline

The suitable sea space identified for AB 525 should be considered as areas where research should be focused to better understand impacts of offshore wind deployment. They should also be areas for additional data gathering, research, and feasibility analysis to lessen conflicts and help minimize the potential impacts of offshore wind development.