Working Groups

Working Groups will .be formed on a time-limited basis
to provide advice and recommendations on specific issues and/or products being considered in the development of the integrated management plan(s). Working Groups may be specific to a topic or to a geographic portion of the PNCIMA area.

Examples of Working Group topics could include specific user group conflicts in an area, marine spill risk hazards along major shipping lanes,
protected area criteria, or ecosystem-based management definition.

Working Groups will be convened based on work plans developed by the Planning Office and reviewed by the IOAC. The Planning Office will seek advice from the IOAC regarding Working Groups’ proposed scope of work, Terms of Reference, and membership. The Planning Office will then be responsible for establishing the Working Group and confirming its Terms of Reference, including scope of work, duties, timelines, resources, and membership.

Working Groups will be informed by other engagement mechanisms in order to reflect broader input. For example, results or input from relevant workshops or Sub-regional Advisory Forums () could be provided to Working Groups to inform their work.

Who can participate:

The composition of participants on Working Groups will depend upon the nature of the task the Working Group addresses (e.g. independent expert panel or committee of participants from governments, communities, academia, and stakeholder organizations with expertise related to the specific issue(s) being addressed). Working Groups’ composition and size will enable them to work effectively. 

Role:

Working Groups will provide advice and recommendations on specific issues and/or products being considered in the development of the integrated management plan(s).

Responsibilities:

• Reviewing and developing information products related to specified planning issues;
• Identifying options for addressing issues;
• Developing advice/recommendations for the IOAC and Planning Office.

Chairs will be nominated for Working Groups. Their primary role will be to coordinate the activities of the Working Group. In addition, they will serve as a two way communication link between the IOAC and their Working Group. This will entail attending certain IOAC meetings to communicate Working Group results to the IOAC and bringing IOAC feedback on results back to the Working Group.

Meeting Frequency:

Working Groups will meet monthly or more often as needed to complete work on a defined issue within specific time frames.