NPRB Launches Northern Bering Sea Integrated Ecosystem Research Program

by Brendan Smith | Oct 16, 2023 | Headlines, Northern Bering Sea

[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – OCTOBER 20, 2003]

THE NORTH PACIFIC RESEARCH BOARD (NPRB) has officially released its Request for Pre-Proposals for the Northern Bering Sea Integrated Ecosystem Research Program—the newest iteration of the Integrated Ecosystem Research Program (IERP). The Northern Bering Sea IERP will focus on the northern Bering Sea and will include consideration of adjacent ecosystems, including the southeastern Bering Sea, western Bering Sea, and Chukchi Sea, respectively.

With recent warming in the Bering and Chukchi Seas and reduction in the extent and duration of seasonal sea ice, this important ecosystem—which bridges the divide between the sub-Arctic and Arctic—is showing signs of profound transition. There is evidence of profound shifts in timing, interactions, and ecological processes. Distribution of important groundfish populations have shifted north and populations of Bering Sea snow and king crab and stocks have collapsed. And while Bristol Bay sockeye salmon have set run and harvest records, there are persistent concerns for Yukon and Kuskokwim River Chinook and chum salmon populations. More information is needed to better understand why these changes are occurring, how they will affect the ecosystem in the future, and the implications for subsistence and commercial activities in this region.

NPRB is specifically interested in how environmental conditions and processes in the Northern Bering Sea influence species of commercial, ecological and subsistence importance, and implications for state and federal fisheries management and communities that depend on these resources. Approximately $6.5 million have been made available by NPRB to pursue these questions in the Northern Bering Sea with the hope that partners may offer additional funding to support research of mutual interest.

“NPRB is excited to announce the launch of this program, designed to improve our understanding of system processes, species movement and interactions, and response to change in this important system connecting the Pacific and Arctic regions. We aim to promote collaboration and partnership to develop research that addresses issues of importance to coastal communities and commercial fisheries in western Alaska, improves forecasts, and promotes sustainable and informed management.” — Dr. Matthew Baker, Science Director, North Pacific Research Board

Pre-proposals will be due Wednesday, May 15th 2024, 4:00:00 pm AKDT. Following an initial review of the pre-proposals, a subset will be invited to submit full proposals in October 2024. Awards up to $10,000 will be available to support the development of full proposals with Indigenous Co-Investigators, or Indigenous-led proposals can apply the funds to seek Western science Co-Investigators. These awards are a new approach added to the proposal process for the Northern Bering Sea IERP. Danielle Dickson, NPRB Senior Program Manager, notes that the awards aim “to strengthen the relevance of the research to Alaskan coastal communities and to involve Alaska community members in the research.”

Final funding decisions will be announced in October 2025 and the research program will extend through September 2031. NPRB anticipates offering $6.5 million and partners may offer additional funding to support research of mutual interest.

An informational webinar for those interested will be available on Monday, October 30 10-11 AM Alaska time and can be accessed using this Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82196968880?pwd=RlZ3MG5USHI3UXpHT2FCS004VlE3UT09. The event will be recorded, and the recording will be shared on the NBS IERP website.

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JOIN US! Upcoming IERP Webinar Oct. 30th

The NBS IERP RFP informational webinar will be available on Monday, October 30 10-11 AM Alaska time and can be accessed using this Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82196968880?pwd=RlZ3MG5USHI3UXpHT2FCS004VlE3UT09. The event will be recorded, and the recording will be shared on the NBS IERP website.

Pre-proposals will be invited in two research categories:

1. Oceanography and lower trophic level productivity:
Influence of sea ice dynamics, ocean properties, and advection on the phenology, magnitude, and location of primary and secondary production that influence species of commercial, ecological and subsistence importance.

2. Species distribution and interactions:
Physical, biological, and ecological drivers and important thresholds relevant to the distribution, phenology, life history, and condition of species of commercial, ecological and subsistence importance, and implications for state and federal fisheries management and communities that depend on these resources.

Questions should be directed to Danielle Dickson, Senior Program Manager of the Integrated Ecosystem Research Program (Danielle.Dickson@nprb.org) or Matthew Baker, NPRB Science Director (Matthew.Baker@nprb.org).

To stay informed about the Northern Bering Sea IERP, please visit: https://nprb.org/northern-bering-sea-ierp.

Photo Credit: Ray Bulson

NPRB Announces Anticipated Solicitation of Pre-Proposals for Northern Bering Sea Integrated Ecosystem Research Program

by Brendan Smith | Jun 6, 2023 | Headlines, Northern Bering Sea

THE NORTH PACIFIC RESEARCH BOARD (NPRB) anticipates issuing a solicitation for pre-proposals in October 2023 for an Integrated Ecosystem Research Program (IERP) that will support integrated research in the Bering and Chukchi Seas, centered in the Northern Bering Sea. Topics of interest include how environmental conditions and processes in the Northern Bering Sea influence species of commercial, ecological and subsistence importance, and implications for state and federal fisheries management and communities that depend on these resources.

Following an initial review of the pre-proposals, a subset will be invited to submit full proposals in October 2024. Awards up to $10,000 will be available to support the development of full proposals with Indigenous Co-Investigators, or Indigenous-led proposals can apply the funds to seek Western science Co-Investigators.

Final funding decisions will be announced in October 2025 and the research program will extend through September 2031. NPRB anticipates offering $6.5 million and partners may offer additional funding to support research of mutual interest.

Pre-proposals will be invited in two research categories:

1. Oceanography and lower trophic level productivity:
Influence of sea ice dynamics, ocean properties, and advection on the phenology, magnitude, and location of primary and secondary production that influence species of commercial, ecological and subsistence importance.

2. Species distribution and interactions:
Physical, biological, and ecological drivers and important thresholds relevant to the distribution, phenology, and life history of species of commercial, ecological and subsistence importance, and implications for state and federal fisheries management and communities that depend on these resources.

Innovative approaches to using Indigenous Knowledge and Western science in concert are encouraged in both research categories. Individual pre-proposals may request up to $2.5 million. The budget should include funding needed for logistics support (e.g., vessel contract) and the logistics support should be presented separately from the rest of the budget (separate templates will be provided). Pre-proposals should be viable as independent projects but may include an explanation of the intent to integrate with other pre-proposals, if funded.

Questions should be directed to Danielle Dickson, Senior Program Manager of the Integrated Ecosystem Research Program (Danielle.Dickson@nprb.org) or Matthew Baker, NPRB Science Director (Matthew.Baker@nprb.org).

To stay informed about the Northern Bering Sea IERP, and to find the RFP when it is released, please visit: https://nprb.org/northern-bering-sea-ierp.

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Photo Credit: Bonnie Reynolds

NPRB Releases Four-Part Arctic Film Series

by Brendan Smith | Mar 3, 2023 | Arctic Program

The North Pacific Research Board (NPRB) has released a four-part film series highlighting the Arctic Integrated Ecosystem Research Program (IERP). The series features the cultural and scientific importance of studying the Arctic, the science methods and results, how coastal communities were involved in the program, and the different research vessels and science equipment used to conduct the research.

The Arctic IERP sampled the Northern Bering and Chukchi Seas from 2017-2019 during spring through fall. The field sampling occurred at a time when water temperatures in the region were some of the highest ever recorded. The multi-disciplinary program documented profound changes in every aspect of the ecosystem, including changes in the nutritional quality of prey and changes in the distribution of fishes, seabirds, and marine mammals.

Arctic community members participated at every stage of the research, from informing the questions and emphasizing linkages to food security, to participating in cruises and social science research, and discussing the results and how they can be applied. The participation and perspectives of these individuals strengthened the research and ensured that it is relevant to meeting the needs of people in the region.

The Arctic IERP was supported by funding from the North Pacific Research Board, the Collaborative Alaskan Arctic Studies Program (formerly the North Slope Borough/Shell Baseline Studies Program), the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), and the Office of Naval Research Marine Mammals and Biology Program. Generous in-kind support was contributed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the National Science Foundation.

To learn more about the Arctic IERP and to view the films, please visit: https://nprb.org/arctic-program/. Films were produced by the North Pacific Research Board and Onpoint Outreach.

Seeking Nominations for Advisory Panel for Gulf of Alaska and At-Large Seats

by Brendan Smith | Mar 3, 2023 | Headlines

The North Pacific Research Board seeks applications to fill three seats on its Advisory Panel. Two designated seats will represent the Gulf of Alaska Region and one designated seat will represent the North Pacific At-large.

The deadline for receipt of nomination materials is Friday, March 31, 2023.

The mission of the North Pacific Research Board (NPRB) is to develop a comprehensive science program that will further understanding of the North Pacific, Bering Sea, and Arctic Ocean ecosystems, inform effective management of fisheries, and help to sustain and enhance marine resources.

The NPRB Advisory Panel represents stakeholders, user groups, Alaska Native communities, and other interested groups and communities from the Pacific Arctic, Bering Sea-Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska. The NPRB Advisory Panel advises the Board in achieving its overall mission to improve understanding of marine ecosystems in the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, and Arctic and to inform sustainable fisheries management. NPRB Advisory Panel helps shape research and outreach programs, including identification of research priorities, program development, evaluation of communications and outreach, and review of proposals received by the Board.

The Board is committed to incorporating meaningful community involvement throughout its science program, from planning to oversight and review. The Advisory Panel has a significant advice-giving role, with active involvement in defining research questions and highlighting proposals with stakeholder relevance. To this end, nominations are sought from individuals with practical knowledge and experience specific to one or more of the large marine ecosystems in Alaska.

For more information, please refer to https://nprb.org/nprb-leadership/.

Appointments are for three-year terms, with a maximum of two consecutive terms.

The Advisory Panel meets twice each year for 2-3 days in Anchorage (April and September). While no pay is provided, the Board covers all expenses for travel, food, and lodging for non-federal panel members to attend panel meetings. NPRB also covers travel expenses for panel members to attend the Alaska Marine Science Symposium, held in January each year in Anchorage.

The Board will consider the following attributes when making appointments to the Advisory Panel:

Candidates should be active, involved members of their community and/or industry to ensure the best and most relevant input into the Board;
Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to be objective in considering research activities and science planning;
Candidates should be committed to full and active participation for each meeting in their term;
Candidates will be considered for their experience, rather than political clout or connection; and
Candidates should be responsible and diligent in reporting on Board activities to their community, industry, or user group and facilitate engagement with relevant constituencies.

The deadline for receipt of nomination materials is Friday, March 31, 2023.

Nominations and self-nominations may be submitted by email to Matthew.Baker@nprb.org.

Nominations/Self-nominations must include:

A brief resume of not more than two pages;
Full contact information including phone number and email address; and
Up to three letters of references.

Nominees will be considered and appointed by the Board at its April 2023 meeting. The new Advisory Panel members will begin their three-year term in September 2023. The Advisory Panel is scheduled to meet September 12-14, 2023 in Anchorage.

Please note:
In-person attendance and active participation at panel meetings is critical to NPRB’s success. Nominees and self‐nominees are asked to take a close look at their calendars to see if the typical Advisory Panel meeting schedule is compatible with theirs. The Advisory Panel typically meets the third week of April and the second or third week of September every year.

Conflict of Interest Policy. The Board and its panels follow conflict of interest procedures (available here) during the proposal selection process, requiring recusals and disclosures on individual proposals. Nominees and self‐nominees are strongly encouraged to review this policy.

For more information, contact NPRB Science Director, Matthew.Baker@nprb.org or NPRB Executive Director, Lynn.Palensky@nprb.org. Please also visit the website at www.nprb.org for more information about the Board and its activities.

The North Pacific Research Board seeks applications to fill three seats on its Advisory Panel. Two designated seats will represent the Gulf of Alaska Region and one designated seat will represent the North Pacific At-large.

The deadline for receipt of nomination materials is Friday, March 31, 2023.

The mission of the North Pacific Research Board (NPRB) is to develop a comprehensive science program that will further understanding of the North Pacific, Bering Sea, and Arctic Ocean ecosystems, inform effective management of fisheries, and help to sustain and enhance marine resources.

The NPRB Advisory Panel represents stakeholders, user groups, Alaska Native communities, and other interested groups and communities from the Pacific Arctic, Bering Sea-Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska. The NPRB Advisory Panel advises the Board in achieving its overall mission to improve understanding of marine ecosystems in the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, and Arctic and to inform sustainable fisheries management. NPRB Advisory Panel helps shape research and outreach programs, including identification of research priorities, program development, evaluation of communications and outreach, and review of proposals received by the Board.

The Board is committed to incorporating meaningful community involvement throughout its science program, from planning to oversight and review. The Advisory Panel has a significant advice-giving role, with active involvement in defining research questions and highlighting proposals with stakeholder relevance. To this end, nominations are sought from individuals with practical knowledge and experience specific to one or more of the large marine ecosystems in Alaska.

For more information, please refer to https://nprb.org/nprb-leadership/.

Appointments are for three-year terms, with a maximum of two consecutive terms.

The Advisory Panel meets twice each year for 2-3 days in Anchorage (April and September). While no pay is provided, the Board covers all expenses for travel, food, and lodging for non-federal panel members to attend panel meetings. NPRB also covers travel expenses for panel members to attend the Alaska Marine Science Symposium, held in January each year in Anchorage.

The Board will consider the following attributes when making appointments to the Advisory Panel:

Candidates should be active, involved members of their community and/or industry to ensure the best and most relevant input into the Board;
Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to be objective in considering research activities and science planning;
Candidates should be committed to full and active participation for each meeting in their term;
Candidates will be considered for their experience, rather than political clout or connection; and
Candidates should be responsible and diligent in reporting on Board activities to their community, industry, or user group and facilitate engagement with relevant constituencies.

The deadline for receipt of nomination materials is Friday, March 31, 2023.

Nominations and self-nominations may be submitted by email to Matthew.Baker@nprb.org.

Nominations/Self-nominations must include:

A brief resume of not more than two pages;
Full contact information including phone number and email address; and
Up to three letters of references.

Nominees will be considered and appointed by the Board at its April 2023 meeting. The new Advisory Panel members will begin their three-year term in September 2023. The Advisory Panel is scheduled to meet September 12-14, 2023 in Anchorage.

Please note:
In-person attendance and active participation at panel meetings is critical to NPRB’s success. Nominees and self‐nominees are asked to take a close look at their calendars to see if the typical Advisory Panel meeting schedule is compatible with theirs. The Advisory Panel typically meets the third week of April and the second or third week of September every year.

Conflict of Interest Policy. The Board and its panels follow conflict of interest procedures (available here) during the proposal selection process, requiring recusals and disclosures on individual proposals. Nominees and self‐nominees are strongly encouraged to review this policy.

For more information, contact NPRB Science Director, Matthew.Baker@nprb.org or NPRB Executive Director, Lynn.Palensky@nprb.org. Please also visit the website at www.nprb.org for more information about the Board and its activities.

Position Announcement: Administrative Assistant/Office Manager

by Brendan Smith | Nov 22, 2022 | Headlines

Anchorage, AK 99501 US – Primary Location

Summary:

Under the general direction of the Executive Director (ED), the Administrative Assistant / Office Manager is responsible for providing executive level administrative assistance to the Executive Director, and administrative and programmatic support to the Board, Panels and staff of North Pacific Research Board (NPRB). In addition, this position will be responsible for operations, function, and safety of the office suite.

This position involves a moderate level of social engagement and interaction and requires at least 24 hours of the 32 (or 40) hours of work in the office, between the hours between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. over 4 days between Monday and Friday.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree and minimum of three years of experience in an administrative or executive assistant position; experience in a similar position may substitute for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Desired Qualifications:

Minimum of three years’ experience providing executive assistance and supervising office administration for a scientific or technical organization.

Primary Areas of Work and Examples of Duties:

Administrative Assistance

Ensure smooth operation of NPRB’s day-to-day and longer-term business cycles by planning and coordinating logistics, drafting/filing documents, scheduling, and other office-wide needs.
Procure office supplies and equipment.
Review invoices and travel claims and submit for payment to NPRB’s fiscal agent. Retain an administrative record of documents forwarded to fiscal office.
Assist ED with developing and tracking office-wide processes and projects.
Develop agendas for staff meetings, take notes, document staff tasks and deadlines to facilitate coordination, and update shared calendar.
Process timesheets and staff credit card reconciliations.
Assist the ED with external communications.
Assist ED with staff travel policies, planning and reimbursement.

Board, Panel, and Committee Support

Organize meeting logistics, such as hotel and catering contracts.
Format meeting documents and build web-based electronic agendas for Board and Panel meetings.
Attend meetings to take notes, provide technical support, and manage catering.
Assist Board, Panels, guests, and Graduate Student Research Award (GSRA) students with travel claims.
On-site meeting preparation, organization, and clean-up.
Maintain records for Board and Panel membership and attendance.
Manage and maintain meeting calendar.
Operate audio visual equipment during meetings and provide technical assistance to meeting participants.

Office Management

As NPRB is the primary lessee, work with ED and as primary office point of contact (POC) for communications about office organization, protocols and procedures for shared use, and safety measures.
Schedule routine maintenance of the office suite and coordinate cleaning and repairs.
Maintain sublessee records and contact information.
Order shared supplies and ensure they are stocked appropriately (e.g., water, paper, supplies).
Maintain list of contracts for office services and process invoices.
Maintain office equipment such as the printer and postage machines.
Interface with property managers to address building issues and needs.
Work with IT provider to ensure normal operations of Microsoft Office 365 (SharePoint, Teams, Outlook, etc.).

Program Support and Management Assistance

Assist proposers to all NPRB research programs and users of NPRB online systems. Address issues or route questions to the appropriate program manager.
Assist with proofing, editing, and formatting documents as needed, such as the biennial report, brochures, and meeting memos and minutes.
Assist with subaward preparation and processes, if needed.
Work with Science Director to manage NPRB Publication Library by maintaining a citations database and issuing NPRB publication numbers for peer-reviewed papers resulting from NPRB-funded research.
Assist with communications projects, including annual photo contest, calendars, mailings, announcements, website updates, production of materials, and other tasks as needed.
Assist program managers with meeting logistics, travel arrangements, and meeting support for occasional meetings specific to NPRB programs.

Alaska Marine Science Symposium (AMSS)

Work with the AMSS coordinator as necessary to assist with communication, financial and logistics tasks.
Take on any role necessary to help at the event.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to act as ambassador for the NPRB – providing a congenial, helpful customer relations experience for our partners, contractors, researchers, and community.
Demonstrate the ability to use discretion regarding matters of official business regarding personnel actions, confidential information, acquisitions/bidding and personnel matters.
Attention to detail to carefully proofread documents, travel claims, invoice payments and correspondence before materials are shared externally.
Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and evaluate projects and duties.
Excellent writing skills, and advanced knowledge of English spelling and grammar.
Ability to record spoken language quickly and accurately.
Ability to communicate clearly and interact effectively and professionally with NPRB’s broad range of constituents, including Board and Panel members, researchers, partners, applicants, contractors, and the public.
Ability to work independently with attention to detail and adherence to deadlines.
Ability to easily adjust to changing situations.
Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and educations in a small team environment.
Ability to anticipate needs, remain flexible to changing needs, develop resourceful approaches to challenges and willingness to help.
Proficient computer skills including strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, SharePoint, and Teams, as well as Adobe Acrobat, Trello, and online communications platforms.
Interest in or curiosity about marine science, knowledge of website development, reference software, and familiarity with federal grant processes are beneficial.
General level of knowledge to operate meeting room audio/visual equipment.

Physical and Other Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Applicants should be willing to work occasional nights/weekends, and to travel to meetings or field sites as required.

Travel:

Some travel is required – one trip to Seattle in March (typically) and some inter-Alaska travel on an irregular basis. There is also opportunity to attend an Alaska marine research-related event as part of employee professional development and enrichment.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 12/29/2022

START DATE: 2/15/20223

PAY RATE: $59,800 – $63,731

Full-Time Position with Benefits

Please upload your resume, cover letter and letter of reference when you apply.

Must be able to pass background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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