NCCOS Reviews
A researcher collecting sediment and shellfish from the bottom of a kelp sample in Cook Inlet,
Alaska. We analyze these samples for chemical contaminants as part of Mussel Watch, the
longest running national marine chemical contaminant program in the U.S.
Peer review is a long–established mechanism for ensuring quality scientific research.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) and other federal agencies that support extramural scientific work routinely
use standardized peer review processes to evaluate external research proposals and
ensure high quality standards.
It is appropriate that the National Centers for Coastal
Ocean Science (NCCOS), as a significant
NOAA/National Ocean Service science arm
supporting both extra– and intramural research, establish similar quality control
procedures for the research, monitoring, assessment and related activities it conducts
internally. In addition, according to the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB, 2004), "A wide variety of authorities have argued that
peer review practices at federal agencies need to be strengthened."
The purpose of this plan is to ensure that
NCCOS scientists are conducting high quality
investigations of significant value to
NOAA and the nation, and to demonstrate that
quality to interested parties through independent, objective review.
Program Reviews
Center Reviews
Management Reviews