15 April 2021 — The Steering Committee met virtually to review the status of action points identified at its previous meetings and make preparations for the implementation of the Fifth Strategic Plan.

The meeting was chaired by Dr Luis M Tupas, national Focal Point and Scientific Planning Group (SPG) member for the United States of America, and attended by members and invited experts from Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka and Viet Nam.

Following a reconfirmation of its mandate, the Committee reviewed the financial status of Fiscal Year 2020 and revisited completed and ongoing actions identified at the 44th and 45th Steering Committee meetings.

The Committee also provided guidance to the Secretariat on project management, particularly in light of the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on planned activities. In addition, the Committee approved funding for a minimum of three additional project proposals based on a previous decision to reallocate unspent funds from the current fiscal year.

As a measure to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of publications, the Committee approved a proposal to streamline the publication process of the APN Science Bulletin, an open-access publication highlighting results from APN-funded activities.

The Committee discussed modalities for monitoring and evaluating the Fifth Strategic Phase by tasking small groups comprising SC members and additional experts to focus on individual goals under the Fifth Strategic Plan.

The meeting also considered potential collaboration opportunities with the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO) and the North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES) on issues of common interest.