Terms of Reference:

The Study Group was recommended by the PICES Science Board to develop recommendations for one or more new Integrative Scientific Program(s) to be undertaken by scientists in PICES member countries. The Study Group will report directly to Governing Council. The Study Group will consist of the current (as of April 2005) membership of Science Board (including Chairmen of Technical Committees and the CCCC Program) plus up to 1 additional member from Canada, 2 additional members from China, 1 additional member from Japan, and 1 additional member from Russia. The Study Group will:

1. Solicit ideas (short 1-page descriptions) from PICES Committees, the CCCC Program, and more broadly as appropriate, concerning future major scientific endeavors for PICES;
2. Compile, review and assess the responses; develop themes of potential interest to all member countries, and present the results to Governing Council at PICES XIV, indicating preferences of the Study Group if more than one theme is recommended;
3. Disseminate findings and recommendations after meeting with Governing Council, and seek feedback from the PICES scientific community;
4. Present revised themes and recommendations for proceeding with the implementation of the selected theme(s) to Governing Council at its interim meeting in spring 2006;
5. Provide the final report to Governing Council and make an open forum presentation on the preferred theme(s) at PICES XV.