9731144 Sulkin Western Washington University's Shannon Point Marine Center (SPMC) in Anacortes, Washington will serve as the site of an REU program during the summers of 1998-2000. Each summer eight students recruited from around the nation will spend nine weeks at SPMC engaging in independent research under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will plan, execute, and develop oral and written reports for individual projects relating to the marine environment and living resources of the Puget Sound region, including nutrient dynamics, water quality determinations, predator-prey interactions, and the developmental characteristics, physiology, and behavior of marine animals and plants. Students will receive a $275 per week stipend, travel allowance, and housing at SPMC. Students will be encouraged and supported in developing their projects for presentation in regional and national scientific meetings.