Ocean Protection Council Science Advisory Team (OPC-SAT)
As a well-respected and diverse team of scientists, the OPC-SAT lends credibility to the scientific information the OPC uses to inform and guide its decisions.
The OST coordinates all activities of the OPC-SAT on behalf of the state. This includes mobilizing the appropriate OPC-SAT experts to provide technical advice on OPC proposals, projects and reports, organizing a variety of venues to bring the OPC-SAT and OPC staff and other managers together to generate ideas and discuss ongoing initiatives, and harnessing the OPC-SAT to be a gateway to the wider scientific community.
The OPC-SAT: Who They Are
The OPC-SAT is composed of 24 esteemed scientists from a range of independent research institutions along the west coast and beyond. Members represent a wide range of disciplines, including both the natural and social sciences.
- Develop recommendations on scientific issues identified by the OPC
- Respond to information requests from the OPC
- Evaluate the technical merit of scientific and technical projects proposed to the OPC
- Provide technical advice on OPC agenda items and reports
- Participate in technical working groups and scientific forums to address critical management problems
- Assist in ranking and refining annual research priorities
- Identify critical emerging science issues of concern to the OPC and the state
Primary Tasks of the OPC-SAT
Meetings of the OPC-SAT
OST hosts semi-annual meetings with the OPC-SAT, the OPC, other state managers, and guest speakers. These meetings are an opportunity for scientists to learn about the state’s priorities and challenges, as well as report out on structured activities and efforts on behalf of the OPC. They are often rife with animated discussion as state leaders and scientists work together to improve the role of science in decision-making.
OPC-SAT Summary Handout
Also visit the OST products page for OPC-SAT Products and Documents.
OPC-SAT Leadership
The OPC-SAT Executive Committee is composed of the OPC science advisor, the OPC-SAT co-chair, the co-chair elect, and the co-chair emeritus. This group provides continuity of leadership, maintains institutional knowledge, and ensures that information is shared among OPC-SAT members. The 2011-2012 members of the Executive Committee are Skyli McAfee (OPC science advisor), Alexandria Boehm (OPC-SAT co-chair), Mark Carr (co-chair elect), and Gary Griggs (co-chair emeritus).
OPC-SAT Membership
- Richard F. Ambrose Professor/Director, University of California, Los Angeles/Environmental Science and Engineering
- Alexandria B. Boehm (co-chair) Associate Professor, Stanford University
- Mark Carr (co-chair elect) Professor, University of California, Santa Cruz
- Daniel R. Cayan, Meteorologist, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
- Francisco Chavez, Senior Scientist, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
- Kenneth Coale, Director, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, San Jose State University
- Christopher Costello, Associate Professor, University of California, Santa Barbara
- John Field, Fisheries Scientist, NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center
- Steve Gaines, Professor/Dean, Donald Bren School of Environmental Science, University of California, Santa Barbara
- Gary Griggs, (co-chair emeritus) Professor/Director, University of California, Santa Cruz/Institute of Marine Sciences
- Frances Gulland, Director of Veterinary Science The Marine Mammal Center
- Madeleine Hall-Arber, Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Sam Johnson, Research, Geologist U.S. Geological Survey
- Karen McLeod, Director of Science, Communication Partnership for Science and the Sea, Oregon State University
- Steven N. Murray, Professor/Dean, California State University Fullerton/College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- Karina J. Nielsen, Assistant Professor, Sonoma State University
- Jeffrey D. Paduan, Associate Professor, Naval Postgraduate School
- Harry N. Scheiber, Professor, University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law
- Jerry Schubel, President and CEO, Aquarium of the Pacific
- John J. Stachowicz, Associate Professor, University of California, Davis
- William Sydeman, President, Farallon Institute for Advanced Ecosystem Research
- Stephen Weisberg, Executive Director, Southern California Coastal Water Research Project
