Ocean observation is a science priority for ICES. 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.
Our expert groups design, plan, and coordinate different types of surveys to support fish stock assessments and the development of science. The design of these surveys need 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 is 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.
The term of the current Chair is coming to an end and nominations are being accepted for the position - a three-year term beginning in January 2021. 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 during 2020.
Advice from
the current Chair
Sven Kupschus, Cefas, is the current chair of EOSG. After moving back to
Europe from the US, Kupschus became heavily involved with ICES advisory process,
contributing to stock assessment and benchmark groups for many years. “As part
of this work, I became increasingly interested in what data we collected and
how”.
He then transitioned to the science side of things - where many of the
decisions and impacts of the data collection are considered - attending survey
and methodological working groups. With this shift in focus came the
realization that both ecosystem and stock assessment advice could benefit from
a greater connectivity between data collectors and data users. Since then,
Kupschus has predominantly focused on these aspects, utilizing his existing connection
to the advisory system along with his insights into the operations of data
collection.
Kupschus took on the role of EOSG chair in 2017, representing the EOSG
expert groups in both ACOM and SCICOM as well as contributing to numerous
subgroups and taskforces. “I thought of it as a natural progression from where I had been and an
opportunity to positively input into a system from which I had benefitted. I
also felt that I could use the opportunity to develop direction in the area of
data collection and improve communication with data users as I have spanned
those activities throughout my career and felt the importance of this was
underestimated in ICES.
Challenges
"EOSG is
the largest of ICES steering groups and the main challenge has been the
organization. One
of my main accomplishments has been to drive forward a bottom-up consultative
process with the expert groups in how to tackle this and provide opportunities
for improvements in EOSG." This has resulted in the expert groups with very diverse roles and
responsibilities now being divided amongst two steering groups (Ecosystem
Observation Steering Group and the newly created Data Science and Technology Steering Group). Kupschus feels that each steering group will now have its own better defined focus, leaving scope for future development and
more interesting science to come and the incoming chair will have the scope to make more efficient
and effective progress on new challenges.
"In the steering group chair role, you have to rely on
motivating others - which was a personal challenge, as I have for many years relied on being
able to do things myself - but the strength of ICES is in a community opinion."
Kupschus feels that having
chaired a steering group, he now has a much better understanding of ICES
processes and how to operate effectively in the system both as an expert group
chair or even just a member. "The best ideas can get lost in the system unless
you know how the system works. This knowledge has and is likely to impact my
effectiveness in driving marine science forward for the rest of my career."
Interested?
“EOSG really needs an enthusiastic chair that is willing to put the
effort in to make some changes. It’s not for everyone and it’s not for the title. However, if
you see places where we can improve our science and advice and if you enjoy
working with a diverse range of people learning about many different topics,
then it could be really rewarding."
“Being a member of ICES does not grant you instant access to resources or
open direct pathways to develop your career as some might expect", says Kupschus, "However, it
does grant you intimate access to one of the largest networks of scientists and
if, like me, you are interested in a broad range of topics and methodologies,
there are few places in the world that can offer the same level of scope for
learning and opportunities for cooperation.”
The term for the EOSG Chair is three years which begins on
January 1 2021. If you have any questions regarding the role,
please contact current EOSG Chair Sven Kupschus.
The
deadline for nominations is Tuesday 15 September 2020.
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