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at the minimum, the coconut-based economy which existed during the pretesting period.
The coconut is virtually the only commercial crop which
can be grown on a coral atoll and it is essential to life on such an atoll.
The resettlement plans, however, do not preclude building upon this base
for a more diversified economy for the returned Bikinians,
Tne islands and the remarkable lagoon provide a potential for tourism
Which might be developed to the benefit of the Bikinians.
Access is readily
available because of the airstrip; the islands are potentially attractive
if properly developed; they have an historic aura; some of the physical
remains of the testing program are impressive and awe-inspiring; and there
are cxisting recreational resources in the lagoon--shelling, sport fishing,
mnorkeling.
A third economic potential is researth activity.
Bikini has been the
basis for considerable study in nuclear-related fields and the return of
the people need not terminate such research.
people might well facilitate such work.
In fact, the return of the
The establishment of a research
center on Bikini by the Federal Government or by universities and private
organizations would provide employment and income possibilities for the local
people.
The Weather Bureau is already planning a weather station on the
atoll.
These opportunities will be given further exploration as the -.
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resettlement program progresses.