Foreword As activity and funding at the Mid-Pacific Research Laboratory began to diminish in the early 1980s, - seemed fitting that a synthesis be prepared of the three decades of research that had been conducted at --s Laboratory on’ Enewetak Atoll. For 30 years the Atoll served as a convenient, accessible location for dies of Mid-Pacific island ecosystems. and several hundred scientists utilized the facility. Primary fund. 73 was provided by the Office of Health and Environmental Research, Ecological Research Division, 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 dispersed publications. It is hoped 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 were2 expended by many contributors to make this synthesis possible. Thanks are extended to all these authors for their manuscripts. Special appreciation is expressed for —7. 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 persiscence 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 5002408