Foreword 



As activity and funding at the Mid-Pacific Research Laboratory began to diminish in the early 1980s, 

 it seemed fitting that a synthesis be prepared of the three decades of research that had been conducted at 

 this Laboratory on Enewetak Atoll. For 30 years the Atoll served as a convenient, accessible location for 

 studies of Mid-Pacific island ecosystems, and several hundred scientists utilized the facility. Primary fund- 

 ing was provided by the Office of Health and Environmental Research, Ecological Research Division, 

 U. S. Department of Energy (formerly the Atomic Energy Commission and the Energy Research and 

 Development Administration). 



This is an attempt to synthesize in two volumes the results of the Mid-Pacific Research Laboratory 

 studies that have been published in hundreds of widely disp>erscd publications. It is hoF>ed that present and 

 future scientists involved in studies of Mid-Pacific islands will find this synthesis a convenient resource for 

 their research. 



Considerable time and effort were expended by many contributors to make this synthesis possible. 

 Thanks are extended to all these authors for their manuscripts. Special appreciation is expressed for 

 Dr. Dennis Devaney's dedication in filling gaps in the taxonomic descriptions of several invertebrate 

 groups. This publication would not have been possible, however, without the determination and persis- 

 tence of Dr. Ernst Reese in organizing and collecting the material. Deepest gratitude is acknowledged for 

 his conscientious efforts. 



Helen M. McCammon, Director 

 Ecological Research Division 

 Office of Health and Environmental Research 

 United States Department of Energy 



