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RESEARCH EMPHASIS
of their experunents on the marine environment. Later, fh
There were two major periods of research at Enewetak
conducted by the University of Hawaii under contract with
DOEand its predecessors. During the first 20 years (1954
to 1974), the AEC supported independent research that
was broadly aimed at increasing our knowledge of this rich
and diverse coral atoll ecosystem. The rationale for sup
porting this broadly based research was that it was impossible to predict what aspects of the system might be most
people of Enewetak, the dynamic experiments were
resulting
from
this
early
institutions.
.
Much outstanding research was accomplished at EMBL
‘Fig. 8). The record of accomplishment is set forth in the
volumes of collected reprints of scientific publications
which were issued in 1976 and 1979 (U. S. ERDA, 1976;
U S. DOE, 1979). As knowledge of coral reef ecosystems
advanced, it was deemed advisable to mount a major
effort to understand the metabolism of an entire atoll
(Fig. 8). Discussions and planning conferences culminated
in the initiation of a major program in the summer of
1971 under the name SYMBIOS. This program lasted for
12 weeks and involved the research vessel Alpha Helix, 25
participating scientists, and numerous support personnel
under the leadership of Robert Johannes. SYMBIOS was
jointly sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the
AEC, and the Janss Foundation. Its initial objective—to
study the metabolism of an entire atoll—proved to be too
ambitious, but a thorough study of the windward reef was
accomplished and some major advancements were realized
‘in our knowledge of reef metabolism. As with other
research, this effort posed many new questions and challenges, and resulted in repeat visits to Enewetak by SYMBIOS scientists to further pursue work initiated in this
Jandmark study. The results of SYMBIOS are summarized
in Chapters 9 and 10 of this volume.
In 1972, the DNA began a series of studies to better
understand cratering effects of nuclear explosions Craters
formed by the nuclear explosions of earlier years were
analyzed by direct observation, seismic response measure-
ments, and dynamic experiments utilizing chemical explo
sives. Scientists from EMBL were called upon to advise the
defense department, especially upon the expected impact
5002426
relevant to AEC interests.
The advisory group met a
far On
information
pS
The second period of research began with the reorganam
zation of the laboratory in 1974. Following discussioAt
_with the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission!
Dixie Lee Ray, a visit was made to the laboratory by q ie
ad hoc advisory group. including officials and scientist
from the University of Hawaii, the AEC, and seve “|
independent consultants. Chairman Ray had expressed a
interest in reorganizing and upgrading the laboratory to 2
full-time operation, with research objectives more dlre ye
Enewetak in February 1974 arid later made briefvisits ty
Bikini and to Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands§
Participants were William O. Forster, Nathaniel Barr, 2
Charles Osterberg of AEC Headquarters; Roger Ray oft
Nevada Operations Office of the AEC; Philip Helfrich «
the University of Hawaii (Director of EMBL); William F
Coops of the Research Corporation of the University o
Hawaii; Robert Hiatt of the University of Alaska {ft
eet eee
upon
research. Scientists from EMBL, with their acquired data
base, were frequently called upon for advice and assistance, especially during the period of preparation of the
atoll for the return of the Enewetak people. The modest
cost of maintaining and operating the laboratory over these
years provided the AEC with a bargain in science because
the support systems were in place for AEC and defense
department programs. The incrernental cost of supporting
the laboratory was, therefore, relatively small. The scientific research was accomplished at low cost because most
of the participating scientists were salaried by their home
project.
wen Lode rade LaLaalte
ban
depended
celed and only shallow coring of the atoll rim and se’ ae
studies of the reef structure were pursued to complete u ar
Director of EMBL); and Glen Fredholm, an independenty:
consultant. The advisory group: (1) articulated in some
detail its recommended objectives for a laboratory agenda?
which would be responsive to AEC direction, (2) suggested*
that the field station at Enewetak be upgraded to fulltime* §
activity with a resident staff, and (3) recommended that:
the name of the laboratory be changed to the Mid-Pacific*
. Marine Laboratory (MPML)to reflect its interest in a wider :
geographical area, including such areas as Bikini, where;ie
‘ the AEC continued to have an active interest.
#
In March 1974, following the advisory group meetings,eh
Roger Ray and Philip Helfrich returned to Majuro to meet:
with officials of the government of the Marshall Islands and
vie ae
perturbed by the test activities or what the lasting effects
of these perturbations might be. Thus, a broad spectrum
of investigations was considered appropriate. In retrospect
this was a wise choice because later events and decisions
lowing a strong protest and legal action by lawyers for the.
with members of the Enewetak Municipal Council. The*
latter meetings were hosted by Micronesian Legal Services.
Corporation, counselors for the people of Enewetak. The}
Enewetak Council expressed its desire that the laborato!
continue to function in the Enewetak community after the™
return and resettlement of the atoll residents. It approved”
the site of the Coast Guard LORAN Station as the ult
mate home of MPML.
With the approval of reorganization and redirection of:
goals, the laboratory entered a new and productive phase. ‘
Support and encouragement of basic studies continued :
under AEC sponsorship, while mission-oriented research was being planned and implemented. The major AEC-
oriented projects of the 1975 to 1980 period were (1) a
study of the circulation of the Enewetak Lagoon, (2)
research on the dynamics of groundwater resources of
Enewetak Atoll, and (3) studies of ciquatera fish poisoning
at Enewetak
On Jan. 1, 1975, Philip Helfrich left the University of
Hawan and was replaced as director of MPML by Stephen
Vo Smith, who served in that capacity until 1977. During