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Science Overview

NPRB recommends research relating to fisheries or marine ecosystems in the North Pacific Ocean, Bering Sea, and Arctic Ocean to the US Secretary of Commerce.

We emphasize research that we think best addresses pressing fishery management or marine ecosystem information needs.

Funding History

Since 2002, the Board has approved almost $34 million in marine research, summarized in this table.

  • $2.2 million in research in 2002
  • $7.0 million in research in 2003
  • $3.6 million in research in 2004
  • $5.9 million in research in 2005
  • $6.7 million in research in 2006
  • $3.9 million in research in 2007
  • $4.1 million in research in 2008

The Board supports wide ranging marine research in an effort to achieve its overall mission of building a clear understanding of the North Pacific, Bering Sea, and Arctic Ocean ecosystems that enables effective management and sustainable use of marine resources.

Cooperative Research: A Sound Mandate

Although we are well funded, our funds are finite and our mission overlaps with those of others. The Board fosters cooperation through partnerships with other organizations and their liaisons, as well as regular, annual workshops where investigators have opportunities to collaborate and share data.

In 2003, the Board contracted with Jim Schumacher of Two Crow Environmental, Inc. to map out research plans and activities being accomplished by various agencies and entities, pertaining to fisheries and the marine ecosystem. The summary presentation and final report provided much assistance in developing the 2004 RFP and the Science Plan.