OFFICIAL USE ONLY be made using results of analysis of frond from young trees, years before these trees produce coconuts. An indication of the significance cf radioactivity in coconut meat can be seen by reviewing the production and use of copra. The natives harvest the coconuts which have taken about a year to mature and extract the coconut meat from the shell and husk. The shells are some- times used ty the natives for eating utensils and such shells may find their way into commerce in the form of charcoal. Husks are used in cooking fires and as a mulch in planting crops including coconut trees, Cord and rope are also made from husk fiber. Sleeping mats sre made from coconut paln frond along with other items of handicraft such as hats and handbags. The "Kili Bag," which is a handbag manufactured by the Bikinians, is made from palm frond and Pandanus leaf and is widely known in the Pacific. Pieces of coconut meat are sun dried, vagged, and stored under cover (warehouse) until picked up by a copra boat which may visit an Atoll two or three times a year. Collection of 25 to 504 of a years copra production in a warehouse would accimnulate a sizable quantity of 1315 at the 1969 levels. Fresh coconut meat is about 507, water, 30-40% oil, and 10-20% copra meal by weisht. OFFICIAL USE ONLY SOE PROT me ge