NOAA Fisheries Cooperative Research Program

Chandler, Mark

The NOAA Fisheries' Cooperative Research Program carries out collaborative projects via a diverse nationwide network. This work involves regional partnerships with a broad range of external stakeholders, including State and tribal managers and scientists (including interstate fishery commissions), fishing industry participants (including commercial and recreational fishermen), and educational institutions. Benefits of cooperative research include increased quantity and quality of data, inclusion of stakeholders’ knowledge in science and management, improved relevance of research to fisheries management, and reduced costs of science through leveraging of funds and sharing of costs. In addition, the cooperative research program promotes shared understanding of science and support for management decisions by stakeholders and improves relationships with constituents. This talk will provide an overview of the program's legislative mandate, goals, priorities, structure, funding, and linkages to other agency efforts.