Observations are essential to support all marine science and advice. Scientists and resource managers rely on monitoring and the resulting data sets that allow us to track environmental and population changes in the ecosystems and identify resources for sustainable use and protection.
ICES has a number of expert groups that design, plan, and coordinate different types of surveys to support fish stock assessments and the development of science. The design of these surveys needs to be evaluated and optimized to meet the needs of our member countries. New technologies are identified and evaluated. The design, deployment and efficiency of sampling methods and gears are advised on. All this is carried out while developing monitoring that meets emerging data, science, and advisory needs, and is focused on integrated ecosystem assessment and ecosystem-based management. And then, how should the resulting data be used in assessments and advice?
The Ecosystem Observation Steering Group (EOSG) guides and supports these expert groups working on topics related to ecosystem observation as they meet data demands and contribute to the running and further development of effectively coordinated, integrated, quality-assured, and cost-effective monitoring in the ICES region and beyond.
Nominations open
The term of the current EOSG Chair Joël Vigneau is coming to an end and nominations are being accepted for the position - a four-year term beginning in January 2024. As Chair, you will have the opportunity to influence the direction and impact of ICES science in this area, develop an international science network, and contribute to the work of ICES Science Committee. To allow time to interact with existing steering group chairs and the current chair of the Ecosystem Observation Steering Group to support the handover of responsibilities for this group, a new Chair will be elected in 2023.
Interested?
Becoming a Steering Group Chair provides an excellent career opportunity for scientists already involved in ICES network, allowing the person to influence the direction and impact of ICES science, develop an international science network, and contribute to the work of ICES and the Science Committee (SCICOM).
While the position is unremunerated, the selected person will receive an annual travel budget to support participation at ICES meetings, engagement with expert groups, and scientific activity internationally.
The term for the upcoming EOSG Chair is four years which begins on January 1 2024. If you have any questions regarding the role, please contact current EOSG Chair Joël Vigneau.
Some advice
As Chair, Vigneau has helped expert groups contribute to both the science objectives and advisory needs of ICES, supporting the move toward integrated ecosystem monitoring.
He points to adapting our surveys to the evolution of the ecosystem, spatial access restrictions, new technologies for data capture, and adopting a regional approach to better match the advisory process as the key emerging issues for the incoming Chair to discuss with expert group chairs.
"EOSG has a reasonable number of expert groups to work with, composed of both dedicated survey coordination working groups and transversal technical working groups. The work of conducting research surveys at sea is well documented in ICES online manuals and the participation of working groups is well established", says Vigneau, "Your role as the EOSG chair mainly consists of creating a channel for all expert group chairs to communicate on common or specific issues and report on research developments, proposed solutions, and implementing new initiatives. The position is very enriching, you will play an important part in ICES organization and participate in the challenging evolution of marine science".
How to apply
If you are interested – or would like to nominate someone – then please contact your national Council delegates, Science Committee, or Advisory Committee members with the following information:
- A short CV and an expression of interest that includes-
- Your reasons for standing for the role of steering group chair
- Relevant experience in science, advice, leadership and/or management
- Your vision for the steering group
- Any other information you wish to share with the Committees
The deadline for nominations is Friday 9 June 2023. Nominated candidates will make their presentation to the Science Committee and Advisory Committee on 20 June.
