Our acronym: BECI

Basin-scale Events and Coastal Impacts

Uniting the North Pacific to better understand the ocean we share 

Endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development

About Us

BECI was co-developed by the North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES) and North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission (NPAFC), bringing together decades of experience in transboundary marine science and conservation. The project is endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, recognizing its contribution to global ocean knowledge and sustainability goals. 

Meet Our Team

Our Purpose

BECI is developing a comprehensive North Pacific Ocean Knowledge Network (NPOKN) to integrate diverse knowledge types and connect diverse organizations across the basin—from research institutions to management bodies to coastal communities—to enhance our ocean intelligence as the ocean environment experiences rapid change. By breaking down knowledge silos and fostering collaboration that transcends traditional boundaries, we work to create a holistic understanding of both climate change impacts and current research efforts. Our network aims to support informed decision-making, enhance ecosystem resilience, and promote sustainable management while helping organizations address shared challenges in our changing ocean.

Mission

To connect organizations across the North Pacific with diverse knowledge and information for informed decision-making that enhances ecosystem resilience and supports sustainable marine resource management. Through knowledge synthesis and exchange that spans political boundaries, we support decision-makers, scientists, and coastal communities at local to international scales in preparing for and responding to environmental challenges across the Pacific Rim.

Knowledge Network Components

Past, Present, and Future  

The North Pacific Ocean Climate Knowledge Network takes a comprehensive temporal approach to understanding and responding to climate change impacts. By connecting insights from historical events, current observations, and future projections, we will create a more complete picture of ocean change that supports informed decision-making.

Learning from the Past

Archival and Retrospective Analysis  

To build resilience for future change, we must first understand how marine ecosystems and communities have responded to previous climate events. By synthesizing historical data, observations, and management responses, we can identify patterns, thresholds, and successful adaptation strategies.

Understanding the Present

Monitoring, Research, and Knowledge Integration

Through strategic coordination across the North Pacific, we will develop comprehensive understanding of how climate change is transforming our ocean and how organizations are responding. By connecting monitoring networks, research programs, and management initiatives, we will identify knowledge gaps and enable more effective climate-informed decision-making across the region.

Preparing for the Future

Scenario Planning and Coordination  

Climate-informed decision making requires understanding potential future conditions and having strategies ready for different scenarios. By integrating climate predictions and projections with management needs, we can help organizations prepare for and adapt to coming changes. 

Outputs

The North Pacific Ocean Climate Knowledge Network will synthesize and share knowledge about climate change impacts and responses across the region. By connecting diverse knowledge sources and research efforts, we will build a more comprehensive understanding of how climate change affects North Pacific marine ecosystems. Our outputs will support climate-informed decisions while fostering new collaborations, improving information flow, and strengthening existing networks.

Our Knowledge Network will produce:

  • Knowledge Integration Platforms
  • Knowledge Products
  • Planning Resources
  • Knowledge Exchange & Collaboration Networks
  • Response Toolkits

Together, these efforts create a more coordinated and effective response to climate change in the North Pacific Ocean.

Knowledge Integration Platforms
  • Dynamic mapping tools
  • Visualization interfaces
  • Data exploration systems
Knowledge Products
  • Status reports
  • Synthesis documents
  • Case studies
Planning Resources
  • Risk assessments
  • Decision support frameworks
  • Scenario planning tools
Knowledge Exchange & Collaboration Networks
  • Discussion forums
  • Working groups
  • Webinars and workshops
  • Partnership platforms
Response Toolkits
  • Species shift management strategies
  • Emergency response frameworks for extreme events
  • Rapid assessment tools for emerging threats
  • Marine heatwave response protocols

Why This Matters

The North Pacific Ocean is experiencing unprecedented transformation due to climate variability and long-term climate change, affecting marine species, ecosystems, and fisheries worth billions of dollars. Despite substantial research across the region, fragmented knowledge systems are failing us when we need them most. By creating the North Pacific Ocean Knowledge Network, we can connect the region’s decision-makers, coastal communities, and researchers to the best available knowledge, enabling informed, climate-responsive decisions. This network will foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders and Indigenous communities, break down knowledge silos, and provide tools for managing the ocean’s resources sustainably in the face of change.

GET INVOLVED

BECI is in the development and strategic planning phase. While our initial focus will be on Pacific salmon as an exemplar species, we will build a flexible and expandable network that can address climate impacts on other priority species and ecosystems across the North Pacific. Through this phased approach, we will demonstrate the value of enhanced knowledge sharing while building capacity for broader application.

How to Engage:

  • Connect with us – Contact BECI@pices.int to discuss partnership opportunities
  • Share your knowledge – Contribute data, observations, and expertise
  • Implement solutions – Apply integrated insights to your management approaches
  • Support the network – Help expand our capabilities through funding or in-kind resources

BECI is committed to working with organizations and partners across the North Pacific rim, including research institutions, government agencies, the private sector, and Indigenous communities. Together, we can build climate resilience for generations to come.

BECI is funded by the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF)