In 2000, PICES Governing Council approved the establishment of a new award, the Wooster Award. The award is named in honour of Professor Warren S. Wooster, a principal founder and the first Chairman of PICES, and a world-renowned researcher and statesman in the area of climate variability and fisheries production. The award is given annually to an individual who has made significant scientific contributions to North Pacific marine science, such as understanding and predicting the role of human and climate interactions on marine ecosystem production.

The award consists of a plaque with the recipient's name engraved on it. A large plaque is maintained at the PICES Secretariat with the names of all the award winners over the years. The recipient will also receive financial support to attend the next PICES Annual Meeting at which the award is given.

The main criteria for selection are sustained excellence in research, teaching, administration or a combination of the three in the area of North Pacific marine science. Special consideration is given to individuals who have worked in integrating the disciplines of marine science. Individuals who were or are currently actively involved in PICES activities are preferred but the award may be given to any suitable candidate, including those from outside PICES member countries.

Nominations are solicited annually from the PICES community although the award may not be given every year if a suitable candidate is not found. The Selection Committee consists of the PICES Science Board and the PICES Chairman, and the Award is given by the PICES Chairman at an Opening Session during the PICES Annual Meeting. Nominations of individuals not selected are rolled over to the next year in order to keep a large pool of potential candidates.

We are now soliciting nominations for the 2009 Wooster Award. The closing date for nominations - March 15, 2009. The award will be presented during the Opening Session of PICES XVIII in Busan, Korea.

Nominations should include the following information: nominee's name, institutional affiliation and title, address and biographical resume, and statement of justification for the nomination.