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Current
Biennial Report

What’s New
At NPRB?

Integrated Ecosystem
Research

To support innovative multi-disciplinary research to improve understanding of the complex mechanistic processes that influence the structure and function of marine ecosystems.

INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM RESEARCH

NPRB supports large-scale interdisciplinary ecosystem-based research. This requires multiple agency coordination, collaboration, and investigation of a broad suite of research centered on a specific large marine ecosystem. NPRB developed the Integrated Ecosystem Research Program (IERP) to support large-scale research to better understand the complex mechanistic processes that influence the structure and function of marine ecosystems. IERP investigations include, for example, studies of the processes that affect productivity, organize biological communities, shape species interactions, and influence ecosystem services for communities and industry. IERP research is explicitly intended to identify and characterize important ecosystem attributes and processes to improve our ability to forecast and respond to environmental change.

The program promotes collaboration across disciplines (e.g., oceanography, fisheries, social science) and integration across ecosystem components (e.g., physics, chemistry, plankton, invertebrates, fishes, marine birds and mammals, humans). It also advances partnership and exchange among the wide range of entities and institutions responsible for implementing research and management in the North Pacific. For each Integrated Ecosystem Research Program (IERP) there is a primary research focus, with connections to each NRPB topic area (see below). Since 2002, NPRB has supported three IERPs in the Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, and Arctic marine ecosystems. NPRB is currently planning a fourth IERP that will be centered in, but not limited to, the Northern Bering Sea. The intent is to examine processes and dynamics in this region as influenced by adjacent systems. 

The Arctic Integrated Ecosystem Reserach Program looked at how physical changes in the ocean influence the flow of energy through the marine food web in the Bering Strait, Chukchi Sea, and western Beaufort Sea from 2017-2021.

The Bering Sea Project, a partnership between the North Pacific Research Board and the National Science Foundation, sought to understand the impacts of climate change and dynamic sea ice cover on the eastern Bering Sea ecosystem. 

The Gulf of Alaska Project tested three main hypotheses about the survival and recruitment of five focal groundfish species (Pacific cod, Pacific ocean perch, walleye pollock, arrowtooth flounder, sablefish) during their first year of life.

NPRB logo

Phases of Integrated ecosystem Research

ASSESSMENT PHASE

During the assessment phase, existing knowledge is synthesized and research needs are identified.

Research Implementation

During the research implementation phase, data are collected and integrated analyses are conducted. The research implementation phase is typically five years in duration and includes 2-3 years of field data collection.

Synthesis

During the synthesis phase, data and ideas that resulted from the research implementation phase are further leveraged to provide an opportunity to address new research questions and conduct integrated analyses that will inform resource management.

WHo we are

General Info

NPRB is a marine research organization that supports pressing fishery management issues or marine ecosystem needs.

Reports & Publications

More than 600 peer-reviewed publications have been produced through NPRB-funded research. Browse our reports here.

Leadership

A 20 member Board, representing Federal, State, and other entitites receiving advice from Science and Advisory Panels.

Partnerships

Looking to partner? NPRB welcomes partnerships to co-fund research in areas of common interest and across its programs.

Outreach & Engagement

NPRB engages with a broad and diverse set of Alaskan stakeholders and audiences, from coastal communities to academia.

Staff

Supporting the Board, Science, and Advisory Panels for funding decisions, science priorities, recommendations, and program management.

Funding Available

The Core Program offers year-round funding with flexible rolling submission options.

SUBMIT YOUR RESEARCH PRIORITIES

NPRB staff begins developing draft research priorities for the Core Program in late July and August. Submit before July 2nd to be considered for the current year’s RFP development. 

Our Programs
INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM PROGRAMS

Science Foundation

Research programs addressing pressing fishery management issues and Alaska marine ecosystem information needs.

Integrated Ecosystem Research

These are large-scale interdisciplinary ecosystem-based programs, requiring multiple agency coordination, collaboration, and investigation.

Outreach Program

Science communication, engagement, outreach, and education initiatives for NPRB programs.

Core
Program

A competitive, peer-reviewed annual request for proposal (RFP) process dedicated to Alaska marine research.

Graduate

Research

Awards

Supporting next generation scientists, researchers, and resource managers to further studies in marine science and to our mission.

Long-Term Monitoring

These are new or existing time-series projects that enhance the ability to understand the current state of marine ecosystems.

Examining how physical changes in the ocean influenced the flow of energy through the marine food web in the Bering Strait, Chukchi Sea, and western Beaufort Sea.

Studying the survival and recruitment of five focal groundfish species (Pacific cod, Pacific ocean perch, walleye pollock, arrowtooth flounder, sablefish) during their first year of life.

Understanding the impacts of climate change and dynamic sea ice cover on the eastern Bering Sea ecosystem in partnership with the National Science Foundation.

Northern

Bering Sea

COMING SOON! Focusing on the northern Bering Sea and will include consideration of upstream and downstream ecosystems in the southeastern Bering Sea, western Bering Sea, and Chukchi Sea.

About NPRB
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