OceAn science OceAn science OceAn science

esearch priorities and realizing their results—ocean-observing and modeling capabilities,
mechanisms to translate research results into effective decision-making tools, and
initiatives to educate and instill a sense of stewardship in the public—are described and
revisited throughout this document.
The ocean research priorities emerged from a larger suite of questions that were considered,
and emphasize topics such as systems research and predictability. The following
questions, with equal overall weight, were used to identify the most compelling research
priorities for each theme, recognizing that the prioritization criteria for one theme may
not be equally applicable to another:
• Is the proposed research transformational (e.g., will the proposed research enable
significant advances for insight and application, even with potentially high risk for its
success; would success provide dramatic benefits for the nation?)?
• Does the proposed research impact many societal theme areas?
• Does the research address high-priority needs of resource managers?
• Would the research provide understanding of high value to the broader scientific
community?
• Will the research promote partnerships to expand the nation’s capabilities (e.g., contributions
from other partners, including communities outside of ocean science, such
as health science; unique timing of activities)?
• Does the research serve to contribute to or enhance the leadership of the United
States in ocean science?
• Does the research contribute to a greater understanding of ocean issues at a
global scale?
• Does the research address mandates of governing entities (federal agencies, state,
tribal, and local governments)?
Four near-term priorities were developed to initiate rapid progress towards the 20
ocean research priorities. These near-term priorities are not a direct subset of the larger
research priorities, but incorporate issues highlighted in many of them. These priorities
were selected from a larger suite of efforts using the criteria above, with an added focus on
impact (i.e., the value of the work), urgency (i.e., the need for a concentrated effort over
the next two to five years), and partnerships (i.e., the effort will maximize collaborations
among agencies and external partnerships).
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