Understand
Attain four-dimensional* interdisciplinary understanding of PWS to enable detection and prediction of spill-related impacts and subsequent recovery

• Design Nowcast/Forecast observation and modeling system, demonstrate its utility, and seek long-term operational funding
• Conduct environmental research
• Profile potential impacts on economy, life-style and well-being of communities and resource users in the PWS

*Time and 3 dimensional space (x,y,z coordinates)

Respond
Enhance the ability of oil spill responders to mitigate impacts of spills in Arctic and sub-Arctic marine environments

• Fill knowledge gaps on behavior of spilled oil
• Fill knowledge gaps on use and effectiveness of specific mitigation techniques
• Identify and evaluate new prevention and response technologies

Inform
Disseminate information and educate the public on the issues of oil spill prevention, response and impacts

• Publish scientific and technical results in open literature
• Brief oil spill responders on OSRI products and assist to include them in operational activities
• Facilitate the exchange of information and ideas
• Provide graduate and undergraduate fellowships and internships

Partner
Partner with other organizations to take advantage of pooled funding, facilities, knowledge and experience

• Collaborate with other partners in achieving a long-term coastal and ocean observing system for Alaska
• Coordinate with the efforts of other related programs, such as the Gulf Ecosystem Monitoring (GEM) program (Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council), and the North Pacific Research Board (NPRB)