We propose to undertake
a three year investigation of widely observed interdecadal changes in the
growth and recruitment of Pacific halibut. Recent advances in our
understanding of climatic variability have led to a general theory of 20-30
year climatic regimes across the North Pacific. The remarkable temporal
coincidence of changes in the general atmospheric and oceanic circulation
with changes in halibut population characteristics provide a conceptual
framework from which to organize the investigation. The nature of
the work ranges from retrospective analysis in the first year to modelling
and process oriented field studies in the second and third years.
A well qualified fisheries oceanographer (Ph. D. or possibly doctoral candidate)
is required to conduct the studies. Cost of the study is dependent
primarily on the researcher, but should be in the range US$100,000 - US$180,000.