A Century of Ecosystem Science : Planning Long-Term Research in the Gulf of Alaska

This report provides guidance to the Gulf Ecosystem Monitoring (GEM) program to help ensure that it is based on a a science plan that is robust, far-reaching, and scientifically sound. The report commends the Trustee Council for its foresight in setting aside funds to create a trust fund to provide long-term research support; it notes that the GEM program offers an unparalleled opportunity to increase understanding of how large marine ecosystems function and change over time. The report outlines elements of a sound long-term science plan, including conceptual foundation, scope and geographic focus, organizational structure, community involvement, data and information management, and synthesis, modeling, and evaluation. Table of ContentsFront MatterExecutive Summary1. Planning Long-Term Ecosystem Science2. The Importance of Conceptual Foundation3. Geographic Scope and Geographic Focus4. Organizational Structure5. Community Involvement and Traditional Knowledge6. Data and Information Management7. Synthesis, Modeling, and Evaluation8. Conclusions and RecommendationsReferencesAppendix A: Biosketches of the Committee's MembersAppendix B: Acronyms