The R

1. The R/V Alpha Helix Symbios Expedition: A retrospective analysis of a milestone in coral reef research Chris D�Elia Abbie Rae Harris

2. The Symbios Expedition: In the spring of 1971, a team of more than 20 marine scientists gathered at Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands to conduct the most comprehensive study of coral reef undertaken until that time. This project aims to paint a picture of the Symbios Expedition from its conception and execution through how its scientific results influence our present understanding of coral reefs.

3. The Expedition Two month long study of the productivity and flux of chemical elements in some coral reef communities �Flow respirometry� � same location as famous Odum & Odum 1955 study R/V Alpha Helix served as a floating laboratory and sleeping quarters 23-member science party lead by Dr. Robert Johannes and Dr. Larry Pomeroy Resulted in more than 25 primary publications, including several whose findings were groundbreaking

4. The Enewetak Study Site

5. Project Significance Looks at historical impact of a major marine science expedition Conducts a retrospective analysis of a publicly funded project Documentation of science history Explores the sociology of scientific expedition Study in leadership in science The scientific results of the expedition have had considerable impact on how we look at coral reef productivity and function. More than 25 publications resulted from the expedition, including several whose findings were groundbreaking. Retrospective analyses of publicly funded projects are rarely conducted Because so much of science is building upon the knowledge collected by those who came before us, it is imperative that we do a better job of documenting the history of science. -The scientific results of the expedition have had considerable impact on how we look at coral reef productivity and function. More than 25 publications resulted from the expedition, including several whose findings were groundbreaking. Retrospective analyses of publicly funded projects are rarely conducted Because so much of science is building upon the knowledge collected by those who came before us, it is imperative that we do a better job of documenting the history of science. -

6. Research Activities Create archive of reference materials Including historical documentation (photos, letters, etc) Conduct audio and video interviews Conduct citation analysis of Symbios publications Focuses on refereed publications

7. Citation Analysis Citation counts tell us how many citations a publication has received, and when. Citation networks tell us who is citing whom, and how often. We have used citation counts and network visualization tools such as Citespace II to assess quantitatively the impact that this expedition has had on science.

10. Citespace II network created using topic search terms coral* and nitrogen. Nodes represent publications and links represent citations. Rings within nodes represent citations received within time intervals; the larger the node, the more citations it has received from other publications in the network. Colors correspond to time intervals, with cooler colors representing earlier intervals, and warmer colors representing later intervals. Magenta rings around nodes indicate pivotal points. Pivotal points that are Symbios publications or authored by Symbios members are noted. Citespace II network created using topic search terms coral* and nitrogen. Nodes represent publications and links represent citations. Rings within nodes represent citations received within time intervals; the larger the node, the more citations it has received from other publications in the network. Colors correspond to time intervals, with cooler colors representing earlier intervals, and warmer colors representing later intervals. Magenta rings around nodes indicate pivotal points. Pivotal points that are Symbios publications or authored by Symbios members are noted.

11. Historical Documentation Approximately 1625 photographs Reference materials such as ship logs, maps, research notes, and publications 11 audio and video interviews with Symbios participants Because so much of science is building upon the knowledge collected by those who came before us, it is imperative that we do a better job of documenting the history of science. Hence, collecting, organizing, and analyzing materials for the historical record is an important part of this project. Additionally, the materials collected (including interviews with Symbios Participants) are used to assess the expedition�s productivity, and determine the reasons for its success. Because so much of science is building upon the knowledge collected by those who came before us, it is imperative that we do a better job of documenting the history of science. Hence, collecting, organizing, and analyzing materials for the historical record is an important part of this project. Additionally, the materials collected (including interviews with Symbios Participants) are used to assess the expedition�s productivity, and determine the reasons for its success.

16. Major Accomplishments Helfrich: �[Understanding] the nutrient dynamics of the exchange across the windward reef, which became the primary focus of the expedition.� Pomeroy: �� the supposedly barren rock of the coral reef was actually coated [with] algae [that had an] extremely important effect even though you couldn�t see them.� Pilson: ��the startling discovery of the increase of N downstream across the reef [and the realization this came from N fixation].�

17. High citation rates: 738 total citation counts for 8 refereed publications Persistence: Mean of 16 citations per refereed publications since 2000 Impact: Citespace II networks created using relevant search terms (i.e., coral* and nitrogen) indicate Symbios publications as turning points in the literature Significant role of serendipity: Coral Chronometers, Knutson, Buddemeier, and Smith�s 1972 paper was the most highly cited � not a �core� project

18. Summary: Participant Interviews Indicated N cycle and reef system function were among the most important scientific foci. The interdisciplinary, team approach to research was a major reason for the expedition�s success. The length of the expedition allowed researchers to modify/repeat field experiments, a major reason for success. The excellent logistical support provided by several agencies and individuals such as Phil Helfrich were key to expedition�s success. Symbios was a turning point in the careers of those interviewed, all of whom went on to successful careers. The leadership of the late Dr. Robert E. Johannes to foster the expedition�s productivity, inspire junior scientists and graduate students, and involve women.

19. Reasons for Symbios� Success Strong conceptual basis and excellent science Excellent leadership and follow-up after expedition ended Wonderful site selected, with existing facilities Remarkable logistical support, e.g. R/V Alpha Helix Well financed by NSF/SIO, AEC and others Flexible science plan, yet good fidelity to original major goals Collaborative, �hang loose� scientific party

21. Acknowledgments National Science Foundation Dr. Mike Reeve Dr. C. Chen at Drexler University Symbios participants and others who have contributed thoughts, letters, and photographs: Dr. Lawrence R. Pomeroy, Dr. William J. Wiebe, Dr. Michael E.Q. Pilson, Dr. Susan B. Betzer, Dr. Philip Helfrich, Dr. Stephen V. Smith, Dr. Judy L. Meyer, Dr. Kenneth L. Webb, Dr. Ariel A. Roth, Dr. James A. Marsh Jr., and Dr. John C. Ogden.