Case studies of Regional Ecosystem Research

Eight case studies from a Regional Ecosystem Research workshop hosted by NOAA's Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research highlight lessons learned in conducting regional-scale research and incorporating this information into management. The case studies represent a wide variety of physical and ecological contexts, including the Great Lakes (Lake Erie), a river-dominated coast (northern Gulf of Mexico), tropical lagoon systems (Micronesia and South Florida), and coastal ocean systems (California coast, Bering Sea, Gulf of Maine, and the Northwest Atlantic). Case studies were chosen to display the variety of issues, funding, and participation involved in regional ecosystem research. Each case study provides perspectives on planning and implementation of regional ecosystem research from the point of view of scientists and managers.