D. JALUIT ATOLL (Population 777 - 19'i6) 

 (August 23-2A) 



These are flat, sandy islands (Fig. 3), usually narrow and with no barrier reef on 

 the outside, the fringing reef is about 200 feet offshore at high water mark. The seaward 

 beach on Jaluit Island is fairly flat, slightly sloping, and has many small shells such as 

 monkey face and gold ringers. The only sea cucumbers werfe small black ones (Actinopyga sp.), 

 found ranging in length from two to six Inches. On account of the strong surf it was 

 ioQjossible to examine the outer reef. On the lagoon side there was rough coral lava-like 

 reef, extending from shore out approximately 75 feet wher« the shelf dropped abruptly to 

 five or more fathoms. On the lagoon side mullet and goat fish were abundant, and a number 

 were taken with the throw net. The mullet were approximately eight inches long and the goat- 

 fish from six to nine inches. Other very abundant species were surgeon fish ( Hepatus sp.), 

 trigger fish ( Balistes and Balistapus ) of several species, and a variety of parrot fish 

 ( Callyodon sp.), damsel fish (Abudefduf sp.), several species of wrasse (Thalassoma, Coris 

 sp.) and a number of butterfly fish ( Chaetodon sp.). Of shell fish, giant clams ( Tridacna 

 sp.) up to 12 inches were observed — none larger; the natives stated that large ones were 

 not taken there ^ Small trochus shells ( Trochus niloticus ) under three inches were very 

 common, but no large ones were seen. Ihere were also many clusters of small mussels 

 ( Brachidontes cerebristrlatus) not over one inch in length, on the rocks which were exposed 

 at low tide. 



At Imrodj Island the species of fish and shell fish were the same as at Jaluit. An 

 hour was spent trolling from an outboard boat in the northeast pass near Imrodj Island, 

 using a brass spoon and a red and white feather. No strikes were obtained, but mary ilying 

 fish frcm A to 10 inches in length were seen, and it was apparent that larger fish were 

 feeding on them. 



On the lagoon side of Imrodj Island to the northwest is a reef just barely under 

 water at low tide, which has a large population of the giant clam ( Tridacna croeea ). This 

 species is very abundant and is used by the natives for food. They are collected by hand, 

 by means of a screw driver or a bar of steel to pry the animals out of the coral rock. 

 One fish ab\mdant here, a brown spotted grouper ( Serranus sp.), is considered poisonous 

 by the natives, although not deadly soj it is sometimes eaten. 



The natives lack almost all kinds of fishing supplies and are especially desirous of 

 obtaining hooks, hand lines, steel rods for making spears, spoons and feather jigs. They 

 formerly had throw nets, but these have been worn out, and they have no twine or lead to 

 knit more. Due to the poor soil, food is not abundant. The main protein is fish, in 

 addition to wliich the natives have only a few chickens. Fortunately, sea food is very 

 abundant and easily obtained, sind with a little assistance in securing fishing supplies 

 the natives should not require much outside help. 



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