This announcement solicits two-year proposals for synthesis, monitoring and process studies to begin 1 October 1998, contingent on the availability of funds and facilities. The Bering Sea ecosystem is influenced by climate variability. On longer time scales, there is an almost exponential increase in jellyfish populations since 1989. Such trends and one-year events may be related to prolonged weather patterns in the North Pacific and observed shifts in Arctic climate.
Opportunity is extended to academic, private, and federal researchers.
The deadline for proposals is 30 April 1998. Final decisions on awards will be made by 1 August 1998. Phase II will be followed by two years of synthesis. The Bering Sea ecosystem is among the most productive of high-latitude seas and supports large populations of marine fish, birds and mammals. Pollock, salmon, halibut, and crab generate over 2 billion dollars a year in fisheries revenue and provide a major source of protein.