International Science

ST coordinates NOAA Fisheries? international science enterprise across all Science Centers through the implementation of the NOAA Fisheries International Science Strategy. The Strategy provides the framework by which NOAA Fisheries: 1) Meets U.S. obligations to provide science advice to Regional Fishery Management Organizations and international bodies, 2) Participates in bilateral and multilateral science agreements and science organizations, 3) Strengthens fishery science capacity in other countries, and 4) Elevates the international science enterprise. These investments in the international science arena, including leadership roles in organizations such as the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and the North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES) strengthen NOAA Fisheries? science capacity to support the management and conservation of living marine resources. NOAA Fisheries? international science activities are a critical component for providing the best available science to inform and guide the conservation of marine resources. With many highly migratory fish stocks and protected species as trust resources, the U.S. and other nations must work cooperatively to manage them effectively. The International Science Strategy is intended to initiate a process for coordinating and prioritizing the diffuse and ad-hoc nature of NMFS? international science initiatives into a cohesive program and to raise the importance of international science to implement NMFS? mission.