Priorities are updated annually through DOI's Bureau Information Needs Process, and current priorities are included in announcements. Studies target benthic biota, marine mammals, coastal environments, and commercial and sport fisheries. Investigations have also involved sublethal toxicity analyses, assessments of physical and chemical oceanographic regimes, and seabird distribution and abundance estimations. FY96 funding has been determined through the open-competitive procurement process. Limited opportunities will be advertised in the Commerce Business Daily in FY97.
States play key roles in both natural resource science and management.
The NBS State Partnership initiative seeks to enhance and strengthen working relationships between NBS and States. NBS also seeks to expand its ties to include States with which it does not have historic ties, and to develop relationships with a broader range of agencies than was historically the case. About half the funding will be provided to States, with the remainder being provided to NBS units for activities that complement State efforts. The MMS uses a number of vehicles to announce research opportunities. While MMS does accept unsolicited proposals, few are funded due to limited resources.