water normal comfitions are know. ‘Thes, the initial work {neluded experimental asdpying methods in order to measure the asal metabolion® and GBs overell trophic er "feed-chain® structure of a ceral reef cowmmnity ae a whole not affected by muclear exrlesions. Tis was similar to essaying the netabolian of animale or hwasne wader normal conditions. Por example, it was found that a healthy Eniwetok reef had a vroduction rate of about 74,000 vounds of glucose (a eugar) ver acre ver year, This exceeds man's best agricultural efforts in aost parts of the world. ‘The critieal asray methods devised can be completed in a few weeks. The significant changes im this measurable “basal community oroduetion rete® can readily be ebserved 1f important effects are produced. These assays revealed that corals andthe algae growing in the ekelston of the coral colony live together te thelr autus) advantage {apmbicsis), Although cbservations of skeletal algae were made previously, this is the first study to deternine emantitatively the amount of algze present in different species of corals. A very definite rutio between algal (plant) and corel (animal) tisewe was found. The amount of plant tissue was greater than the amount of animal tissue per unit of surface area. Thies marked development of syutiogis between plant and animal components achieves exeellent "conservation® and cyelie use end reuse of orities] mutrients. This enables the corel reef te aehieve a high rate of vreductivity in waters ich in themeelves have a very low fertility. These results are signifieant in physiological applications to other vlants and animals whieh man requires for foed. They orevide a frrtile field fer selentifie study of nuclear radistion effects on the "metabolion" of highly integrated systens. The Wiclegieal assaye will be extended fer related research investigations carried on by the ABC. Gellege or university Biologists, and the Oemulssien eontrasters interested in radiclegical data of this type are invited to partibipate, using the facilities of the Marine BMologieal Laberatery. te —~ geri.