The major socioeconomic effect of the alternatives involving excavation of soils will be the ability of the islanders to resettle Bikini, but only after a delay of one to ten years (depending on the type of crop) before the subsistence crops of value to the islanders are fully reestablished. After soil excavation, fertilizing and conditioning of soil and pianting programs will be required. Although some crops (melons, sweet corn) can be established quickly, the replanting of coconuts and breadfruit will require more time for the trees to reach maturity and bear fruit.. However, the islanders could still be allowed to return to Bikini earlier if some crops are established quickly and if fresh foods are shipped or flown in from off-atoil during the replanting and regrowth of the longer maturing subsistence crops. The excavation alternatives will also result in a loss of much of the historic vegetation, some cultural sites, and some of the natural features as remembered by the isjianders prior to their evacuation from the atoll in 1946 and after extensive cleanup operations in the early 1970's. 6. RECOMMENDATIONS. Additional environmental studies, as noted earlier, a more comprehensive review of the available literature, and direct communication and extensive dialogue with the Bikini islanders should also be accomplished prior to preparation of an EIS for the rehabilitation and resettlement of Bikini. The Studies should include limited field studies on archaeology, botany, circulation, marine blology, and vegetation; and analysis of air quality, water quality, and nealth physics requirements. Funds have been requested by the Committee to support the preparation of a draft ELS and environmenta! supporting studies. 7. REFERENCES CITED. Bikini Atoll Rehabilitation Committee. 1984. Report No. 7: Resettlement of Bikini Atoll, Feasibility and Estimated Cost of Meeting the Federal Radiation Protection Standards, and Appendices, in preparation. Colin, P. L., T. H. Suchanek, and G. McMurtry, in press. Water pumping and particulate resuspension by callianassids (Crustacea: Thalassinidea) at Enewetak and Bikini Atolls, Marshall Islands. Wells, J. W. 1954. Recent Corals of the Marshall Islands, Bikini, and nearby atolls. U.S. Geological Survey prof. paper 260-1:385-486. S000144 E-16