eee & é at the minimum, the coconut-based economy which existed during the pretesting period. The coconut is virtually the only commercial crop which can be grown on a coral atoll and it is essential to life on such an atoll. The resettlement plans, however, do not preclude building upon this base for a more diversified economy for the returned Bikinians, Tne islands and the remarkable lagoon provide a potential for tourism Which might be developed to the benefit of the Bikinians. Access is readily available because of the airstrip; the islands are potentially attractive if properly developed; they have an historic aura; some of the physical remains of the testing program are impressive and awe-inspiring; and there are cxisting recreational resources in the lagoon--shelling, sport fishing, mnorkeling. A third economic potential is researth activity. Bikini has been the basis for considerable study in nuclear-related fields and the return of the people need not terminate such research. people might well facilitate such work. In fact, the return of the The establishment of a research center on Bikini by the Federal Government or by universities and private organizations would provide employment and income possibilities for the local people. The Weather Bureau is already planning a weather station on the atoll. These opportunities will be given further exploration as the -. c= es resettlement program progresses.