The program focuses on copepods and euphausiids, their pelagic prey and predators. Since the main question focuses on how climate affects the carrying capacity, the program targets the dominant species within the ecosystem. Economically or ecologically important Evidence that life history variability is linked to environmental variability. Widely distributed, providing opportunity for regional comparisons. Demonstrated evidence of long-term shifts in abundance.
Analogous species occur in other ecosystems.
Based on these criteria, the following key species were identified for the Bering Sea program.