ha 14 Hoi es ee Smith's tenure the three research projects mentioned above dominated the activities of the laboratory. A study of the oceanography of Enewetak Lagoon was prompted because—despite intensive studies of various facets of Enewetak's geology, physiography, biota, ecosystem dy- namics, radiation contamination, etc.—only cursory infor mation existed on the circulation: patterns of the lagoon (Chapter 5 of this volume). This comprehensive study directed by Smith resulted in information on the physical and chemical dynamics of the entire lagoon. The topic of the second investigation was the dynamics of groundwater resources of Enewetak, a study that developed information vital to the returning Enewetak people who required uncontaminated water for drinking and agriculture. This investigation was directed by Robert W. Buddemeier (Chapter 4 of this volume). Ciquatera fish poisoning, the topic of the third study, had plagued the people of the Marshall Islands for many years, waxing and waning in an inexplicable manner. The return of the people and their dependency on fish for sustenance placed a_ special urgency on the results of this study that was directed by John E. Randall (Chapter 7 of this volume). During 1975, the AEC was reorganized, and the functions pertinent to MPML were assigned to the newly formed Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA). In turn, ERDA gave way to the U. S. DOEin 1977. Resident managers were established at MPML on a year-round basis in 1975, and these individuals became integrated into the Enewetak community. This was an important aspect of MPML’s operations because these scientists represented a benign, if not benevolent, element among the numerous government-sponsored activities related to the radiclogical survey, cleanup operations, and various medical and agricultural programs. The individuals who served as the resident laboratory managers were all exemplary in their dedication, and there were numerous examples of extraordinary service. From 1975 to 1977 the resident laboratory managers were Philip and Janet Lamberson. In June 1977, Ernst S. Reese assumed directorship of ‘IPML, replacing Smith. During Keese’s tenure (1977 to _ 1979), the research on lagoon oceanography, groundwater dynamics, ciguatera, and other aspects of atoll research continued. Planning and implementation of ‘the move to the former Coast Guard LORAN Station took place. In addi. tion to continuing to fully support the research mission of MPML, the laboratoy personnel cooperated in many ways with the DNA. A highlight of this cooperation was the pro duction of an audio-slide presentation to acquaint the military personnel of the DNA with the natural history of a_ coral atoll and to describe the recreational opportunities offered by the atoll environment. There was also a caution: ary note about the dangers of the atoll environment ranging from severe sunburn to the presence of sharks. The audio-slide presentation contained an important message about conservation of the atoll environment as well observe and enjoy but do not destroy. 5002428 BAL? PHAY Foliowing the cleanup, support services were drawn, and the laboratory was placed on a “stand alog status, having to provide forall of its own life support . laboratory operations needs, with resupply from infreque jl supply ships and light aircraft. During this challengi Ul period, Reese was ably assisted by Victor R. Johnson a Maridell Foster and by several capable resident laboratgn managers: Paul M. Allen, Michael V. DeGruy, and Long (1977 to 1979). In 1979, Patrick L. Colin and T. Harrison (1979 to 1983) took over the operation of qi laboratory. Throughout this period the laboratory conff ued to accommodate a few visiting scientists as transporaam ticn and legistics sould be arranged. 7 In 1979, with the cleanup of Enewetak nearing «compas tion and the return of the atoll’s residents imminent,SRgm . workshop was held at the Asilomar Conference Monterey, Calif., to consider the future role of the labor tory and its relationship to the other DOE scientific papa grams in the Marshall Islands. The DOE headquartegm sponsor at that time was the Division of Biomedical ang Environmental Research under the direction of Helen Mg McCammon. The DOE policy enunciated at this time si naled the ultimate phase down of the laboratory over fh following 2 to 3 years and the determination that signif cant effort should be devoted to synthesizing the researg product of the laboratory’s entire history into a publishabam work. The present volumes are the.result. It was decide also that, to the extent that the laboratory continued activa research programs during the phase down years, thesem should not be confined to the marine environment. latter decision was reflected in yet another name changeml MPML became MPRL, the Mid-Pacific Research Laboraly tory. In 1980, soon after the Asilomar meeting, Helfricnls again assumed the directorship of MPRL. z For most of the time between 1977 and 1980, a larges joint military force was at Enewetak—with a peak popul tion of about 1000 drawn from the Army, the Navy, i Air Force, civilian government agencies, predominateygig DOEand civilian contractors. Research at MPRL continued through this period and in some ways the laboratory 2 thrived upon theready availability of logistic. support, espagye ciallyfrequentand dependable airlifts, and a generally ha monious relationship with the joint cleanup command. lag fact, through the cleanup years, the resident manager otm) the MPRL facility met daily with the Joint Task Groupyl Commander and his staff to discuss mutual interferences and mutual support. Mariy interesting aspects of the cleanup effort required an intimate knowledge of the atoll * system, and the laboratory was often called upon for comi sultation and advice. Selection of a suitable site for lagoong disposal of debris. protection and exploitation of food # resources, and the preservation of scientifically valuable §. artifacts were but a few examples. On one occasion a% major earth-moving effort was planned for an island which& had unexpectedly become a nesting ground for a very large flock of migratory birds. The laboratory's data base > facilitated an immediate assessment of the length of time = these birds would require protection. and it was possible to