Terms of Reference:

The two major international marine science organizations in the northern hemisphere, ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) and PICES (North Pacific Marine Science Organization), are focused on different oceans but have in common many scientific issues. In the past 10 years, there have been significant increases in reciprocal exchanges, cooperative sponsorships of scientific meetings and projects, and deeper linkages that have often developed on a case-by-case basis. The objective of this Study Group is to develop a formal framework for cooperation between ICES and PICES to serve as the basis for linkages of our science plans and longer-term strategic planning.

The Study Group intends to:

1. Study Group members will review their organization’s existing and planned scientific activities to identify scientific themes that could potentially benefit from the other’s involvement in these activities;
2. Lists of potential areas of cooperation will be exchanged by September 2010;
3. A meeting/workshop will be convened after documents are exchanged in spring 2011 to:
   

   a)	Improve understanding of the science activities of each organization;
   b)	Review scientific topics from TOR(1) to identify areas of common interest;
   c)	As an example of recent cooperation, review progress of the joint Working Group on Forecasting of Climate Change Impacts on Fish and Shellfish (WG-FCCIFS) established in 2008;
   d)	Develop a framework for cooperation between ICES and PICES that lists categories of joint activities and the rationale for each, including the benefits to each Organization from the joint activity; identify priorities for joint activities within categories;
   e)	Recommend processes for implementing TOR(3d);
   f)	Recommend approaches to develop a strategic plan for cooperation and mechanisms to periodically update that plan.

4. The Co-Chairmen will prepare a final Study Group report for distribution by the P/ICES Secretariats by August 2011.