To understand processes of tropical biocomplexity. To use the Polynesian model system to study basic physical, biological, and cultural processes and to investigate how their interaction shapes tropical ecosystems.

The Gump Station provides full service, multidisciplinary research facilities to any qualified group on a recharge basis. A range of faculty and student accommodations are available plus several 4WD vehicles and motor boats. There are currently two biological laboratories. One is an open-air "wet lab" that has water tables with running seawater and freshwater, as well as three large, seawater tanks that can be used to hold organisms in full sunlight. The other is a "dry lab" with microscopes, drying oven, and pre-PCR molecular equipment(-80 freezer, centrifuge, fume hood etc.). In 2003, a large new laboratory is under construction that will include molecular facilities, teaching labs, IT center, visualization lab, reference collection, office and library space.

Researchers and classes find the Gump Station an excellent base for field studies. Marine scientists can work in a variety of habitats - mud and sand flats, sea grass beds, inner and outer coral reefs, algal ridges and deep oceanic waters - all easily accessible from the Station. Terrestrial and freshwater scientists study island biogeography, geomorphology, the biology of invasive species, and the ecology of insular plant and animal communities. Human scientists (ethnobiology, public health, sustainable development, sociology, environmental design, policy, anthropology and archeology) find a fascinating balance between traditional Polynesian society and the culture of more recent immigrants (particularly from Europe and China) as well as a wealth of archeological sites.

The Gump Station welcomes undergraduate field courses throughout the year (though due to space constraints, marine undergrad courses are not currently taught during the summer research season). Through the PEARL initiative, the Gump Station sponsors graduate student and faculty research through Student Fellowship Programs (with paid travel and living expenses for students doing thesis research at the Station) and a Faculty Grant Program (offering seed funding for new long-term research programs at the Gump Station).

The Gump Station is managed by faculty Director Dr. George Roderick and resident Executive Director Dr. Neil Davies through Berkeley’s College of Natural Resources, in association with the Pacific Education and Research Laboratories (PEARL), a new center for the study of tropical biocomplexity in the Berkeley Natural History Museums (BNHM).

Located on Moorea (17o 30' S 149o 50' W), one of the Society Islands, 15 km northwest of the main island of Tahiti, French Polynesia, the Gump Station occupies 14 hectares (35 acres) of land from the shore to 149m (489ft). The Station stands at the entrance to Cook’s Bay, providing excellent access to the ocean, lagoon, and island interior. From Cook’s Bay, the main island of Tahiti and its capital Papeete is just 45 minutes by ferry. As the commercial heart of French Polynesia, Papeete provides for most logistical needs and is the hub for international air travel.

Dr. Neil Davies UCB Gump Station, BP 244 - 98728 Moorea, Polynésie française Internet voicemail/fax: +1 (510) 217 2421 Local tel/fax: +689 56 13 74