This report summarizes the existing knowledge on three ecosystems: Hudson Bay, Canada, Kaloko-
Honokōhau, Hawai‘i, and the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica. Through the construction of ecosystem
models representing these three regions, research from numerous aspects of each ecosystem are pieced
together to present a holistic story. While we live in a rapidly changing world, it is important to remember
there are many regions where we are still gaining an understanding of basic knowledge.
Research on these ecosystems, from the Arctic to the tropics to the Antarctic, presents different levels of
our knowledge. For the Arctic (Hudson Bay) the focus is identifying changes known to be occurring for
certain species, and addressing the reasons for those changes in addition to the greater implications to the
rest of the ecosystem. In the tropics (Hawai‘i) the construction of a model allows insight into structure and
function of the ecosystem focusing on the role of an endangered species, the green sea turtle, and provides
a baseline to assess potential future impacts on the ecosystem from coastal development. In the Antarctic
(AntarAntarctic Peninsula) ecosystem, environmental changes are explored as they impact a key link in the food
web.
While the models presented address localized issues relating to very different regions of the world, the
ultimate goal is the same; to increase our understanding of ecosystems as a whole and the different
stressors related to each region. With this knowledge, we can formulate better questions for future
research, assist in informing managers, and hopefully gain greater insights and understanding of the likely
impact of future stressors.Science, Faculty ofOceans and Fisheries, Institute for theUnreviewedPostdoctoralGraduat
