(1) The panel shall:

(a) Assist the council, board, and executive director in carrying out the obligations of the partnership, including preparing and updating the action agenda;

(b) As provided in RCW 90.71.290, assist the partnership in developing an ecosystem level strategic science program that:

(i) Addresses monitoring, modeling, data management, and research; and

(ii) Identifies science gaps and recommends research priorities;

(c) Develop and provide oversight of a competitive peer-reviewed process for soliciting, strategically prioritizing, and funding research and modeling projects;

(d) Develop and implement an appropriate process for peer review of monitoring, research, and modeling conducted as part of the strategic science program;

(e) Provide input to the executive director in developing quadrennial implementation strategies; and

(f) Offer an ecosystem-wide perspective on the science work being conducted in Puget Sound and by the partnership.

(2) The panel should collaborate with other scientific groups and consult other scientists in conducting its work. To the maximum extent possible, the panel should seek to integrate the state-sponsored Puget Sound science program with the Puget Sound science activities of federal agencies, including working toward an integrated research agenda and Puget Sound science work plan.

(3) By July 31, 2008, the panel shall identify environmental indicators measuring the health of Puget Sound, and recommend environmental benchmarks that need to be achieved to meet the goals of the action agenda. The council shall confer with the panel on incorporating the indicators and benchmarks into the action agenda.