1

North Slope Science Initiative - Introduction

Bill Seitz

USGS

January 2004

North Slope Presentation

Background

• Most ecological studies in the North Slope region have been local; ecosystem-level research and monitoring largely has been lacking.

• Climate changes over past several decades on the North Slope have been very rapid.

• Lacking scientific basis for separating anthropogenic from natural change.

• Cooperative ecosystem-wide inventory, monitoring and research needed.

North Slope Presentation

What is it…

• NSSI is a interagency program.• Exact structure and operation under development.• Serves to integrate, leverage and develop inventory,

monitoring and research on the North Slope.• Science to support resource management.

North Slope Presentation

Mission

To sustain a healthy and biologically diverse ecosystem on the North Slope of Alaska and the human use of marine and terrestrial resources in the ecosystem through greater understanding of how the ecosystem is affected by natural changes and human activities

North Slope Presentation

Goals

• Improve understanding of North Slope ecosystem dynamics and use of the resources;

• Improve ability to manage and protect the fish and wildlife populations that comprise the ecologically diverse ecosystems of the North Slope, and provide long-term, sustained benefits to local communities and the nation;

• Improve ability to forecast and respond to effects of changes, through integration of various research activities, including long-term monitoring;

North Slope Presentation

Goals (cont.)

• Foster cooperation with other entities conducting research and management in the North Slope, and work toward common goals for North Slope ecosystems;

• Support high quality projects that promise long-term as well as those with more immediate applicability.

North Slope Presentation

Organization

• North Slope Oversight Group• Science Technical Advisory Group• Committees (as necessary)• Stakeholders

North Slope Presentation

Oversight Group Membership

• Bureau of Land Management• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service• Minerals Management Service• Alaska Department of Natural Resources• Alaska Department of Fish and Game• North Slope Borough• U.S. Geological Survey

North Slope Presentation

Advisory Groups/Committees

• Science and Technical Advisory Group– Specific form to be determined.– Composition and charter under development.

• Committees– Formed as needed.– Ad hoc and Standing possible.

North Slope Presentation

Operation

• Actual operating procedures and staffing still under development.

• First step is NSSI Strategy Development