West Coast & Polar Regions Undersea Research Center

a regional center in
NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research – National Undersea Research Program (NURP)

located at the
University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences

Mission

The Center’s mission is to engage the U.S. marine science community in support of NOAA’s priorities in ecosystem-based science and management.  The Center focuses on ecosystem research that includes innovation in field technologies and techniques.  New types and scales of observations have potential to open up new understanding of these ecosystems.

Region

The area of operation covers the waters off the coast of California, Oregon, Washington and Alaska, plus the Arctic and Antarctic. 

This region includes 69% of the U.S. continental shelf, 62% of the coastline, and most of the nation’s coastal earthquake and tsunami zones.  Mineral resources include major offshore oil and gas reserves.  Fisheries resources are of tremendous importance along the West Coast and especially in the Alaska region, and fishery-related ecosystem studies are a priority area for Center supported research.   

Funding opportunities

• Research projects:  Projects are selected for funding through an annual peer-reviewed proposal process.  Funding priorities vary from year to year.  Eligible applicants are U.S. scientists and engineers from federal, state, local, or tribal government agencies, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations.   
  
• Developmental projects:  Proposals may be submitted for limited funding to develop new research capabilities or conduct proof-of-concept studies, enabling investigators to secure further funding.  Developmental proposals are reviewed throughout the year.

Click here for a list of our funded projects.

• Workshops:  The Center also supports, and sometimes convenes, professional meetings and workshops to promote development and effective use of marine technologies.