Current knowledge of the marine ecosystems in the central Arctic Ocean is very limited. Uncertainty remains with respect to fish species distribution and abundance, northern colonization by fish species and its effects on ecosystems, and the ecosystem effects of fishing in this region. The effects of climate change and ocean acidification on the oceanography and primary productivity of the Arctic Ocean are also unknown. Four meetings have been held since 2011 of the Scientific Experts on Fish Stocks in the Central Arctic Ocean to work towards improving the state of knowledge of the marine ecosystems and the fish species of the central Arctic ocean, an area of high seas for which an agreement to prevent unregulated fishing is currently being negotiated. As part of the draft agreement, negotiating States plan to cooperate on research and science to gain better knowledge of fish stocks and their ecosystems in the Central Arctic Ocean.

Canada will be hosting the 5th meeting of scientific experts on Fish Stocks in the Central Arctic Ocean in Ottawa, Canada in October 2017 with the aim of finalizing a draft framework for implementation of a Joint Program of Scientific Research and Monitoring for the Central Arctic Ocean. Implementation of the proposed Joint Program of Scientific Research and Monitoring for the Central Arctic Ocean will improve the state of knowledge and provide the baseline data needed to support informed decision making regarding any future fisheries management measures for the area.