• Acronym: SG-PICES-NPFC
• Parent Committee: SB
• Term: Oct. 2017 – Oct. 2019
  (extended in 2018 – Decision 2018/S/4 (v))
• Co-Chairs:
  PICES Co-Chair: Mr. Eddy Kennedy (Eddy.Kennedy@dfo-mpo.gc.ca)
  NPFC Co-Chair: Dr. Vladimir Kulik (NPFC/Russia) (vladimir.kulik@tinro-center.ru)

The purpose of a joint PICES-NPFC Study Group for Scientific Cooperation of PICES and NPFC is to develop a framework of enhanced collaboration between the two organizations to achieve a greater understanding of pelagic ecosystem structure and variability, and its effect on the dynamics and production of fisheries target species, for sustainable use of high seas fish production. The Study Group will review each organization’s scientific needs and identify where similar key questions or scientific issues might be explored jointly by both organizations.

1. Review the scientific interests and objectives of each organization;
2. Identify potential areas and specific topics for scientific cooperation;
3. Identify potential collaborative methods (such as representation at each other’s meetings, holding of joint workshops or symposia, development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the organizations or other formal agreements, establishment of joint working groups);
4. Clarify practical steps to advance the cooperative activities identified above;
5. Provide advice on how information produced by PICES can be shared and applied in NPFC;
6. Make a specific proposal to each organization for further consideration.