Independent Science Panel
The Role of Science
In 1998, the Washington State Legislature created an Independent Science Panel to provide scientific review and oversight of the state's salmon recovery efforts, to review recovery plans at the request of the Governor's Salmon Recovery Office, and to work on scientific issues pertaining to monitoring salmon recovery and watershed health. The panel completed many reviews from 2000 to 2006. In 2005, the Legislature formed the Washington State Academy of Sciences to provide expert scientific and engineering analysis to inform public policy-making, and to increase the role and visibility of science in the Washington.
Other Review Groups
Other independent scientific review groups operate in Washington. The Northwest Power Planning Council and the National Marine Fisheries Service established an Independent Scientific Advisory Board to provide recommendations related to regional fish and wildlife recovery programs. Similarly, an Independent Scientific Review Panel reviews projects being considered for funding under the Northwest Power Planning Council's Fish and Wildlife Program. The Puget Sound Partnership’s Science Panel provides expertise and advice critical to the partnership’s efforts to develop a comprehensive plan to restore Puget Sound.
