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As offshore wind energy development is planned in the United States, there is an increasing need for pre- and post-construction monitoring plans to be focused on species determined to be most vulnerable to hazards of a specific project. We propose a conceptual model that incorporates biological and sociological parameters. Specifically, we suggest that demographic, ethological/biological, and population sensitivity be considered with legal protection, economic importance, and/or stakeholder interest. We recommend that vulnerability determinations include qualitative and quantitative methods.