This is an important distinction as it reflects the reality of variable capacities across countries and regions, and also recognises that there are strong needs at all phases from research data collection through to the assimilation and mainstreaming of the knowledge gained into decision-making. They were initially few in number and mainly fisheries biologists by specialisation. During the 1980s and 2000s, more marine scientists from a spectrum of disciplines (both in natural and social science) were trained.