Guiding National Ocean Research Investment: Public Workshop on the Ocean Research Priorities Plan The National Science and Technology Council Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology is holding a public workshop on April 18-20, 2006 in Denver, CO, to solicit input and guidance from the ocean science communities on the Ocean Research Priorities Plan (ORPP). Called for in the Ocean Action Plan, the ORPP, in conjunction with a follow-on Implementation Strategy, will describe a vision for U.S. ocean science and technology, describe the challenges to be addressed, identify key themes, specify goals for each theme and a time frame for their achievement, and address implications for the use or prioritization of resources. Members from the research community, government representatives (federal, state, tribal, and local), industry groups, international representatives, non-governmental organizations, and any individuals interested in helping guide national ocean research are invited to attend. For more information on the ORPP and the workshop, go to: http://ocean.ceq.gov/about/jsost_workshop/welcome.html In addition to the workshop, interested parties will have the opportunity to provide comments on the ORRP during a 45-day public comment period, scheduled to open March 2006. Check back to the web page often for more information. Contact: Shelby E. Walker, USGCRP/CCSP Office, 1717 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 250, Washington, DC 20006 (tel: 202-419-3464; fax: 202-223-3064; e-mail: swalker@usgcrp.gov). --