RATAK CHAIN 



A. UKIEP (Population 6U - 1%6) 



(August 29) 



Because of infections resulting from coral cuts, no collections were made here. 

 According to infomation obtained from native sources, large giant clams ( Tridacna gigas ) 

 of three feet and more in diameter are to be found in this lagoon and the Japanese shipped 

 some to Japan, possibly for decorative purposes, but also possibly to be used in button 

 manufacture. The Japanese came to Likiep only to pick up copra and discharge trade goods. 

 There was no Japanese garrison on the island during the war, and the native econony was 

 comparatively unaffected — much less so than in any other place, except for Kayangel Island 

 in the Palaus. No plantings of trochus shell, sponge, or pearl oysters were made here by 

 the Japanese, There are a few trochus shells, but not enough for commercial operation. 

 There are also a few black lip pearl oysters, but not even enough for incorporation into 

 the native handicraft, where it is used as inlay in wood plates and other similar items. 

 There are also a few hawksbill turtles, which are used both for food and in the manufacture 

 of tortoise shell handicraft, particularly fans. However, there are not enough turtles of 

 this type taken to supply the native needs for handicraft, and some hawksbill shells are 

 imported from Ponape . The turtle shells which are taken here are always of small size, 

 rarely over 18 inches in maximum length. There were some large and small smooth black 

 sea cucumbers, but not enough for commercial making of trepang. Some sponges, not planted 

 by the Japanese but natural growing, wash up on the beaches. They are of the type known 

 as homy sponges, stiff and not very flexible or water absorbent. It is not believed that 

 they would have any commercial value, although a sample was brought back. The Japanese 

 did not engage in off-shore fishing. There is an ample supply of all kinds of reef fish 

 to take care of native requirements. The natives also have enough canoes for transpor- 

 tation to and from the fishing grounds. They should have an additional supply of hooks 

 and sinkers for hand line fishing and seine twine for the constiruction of nets and throw 

 nets. 



The Uarshallese are excellent seamen and frequently undertake voyages up to 60 miles 

 from their homes, across open water, with loads of provisions, supplies, or handicraft, 

 without navigation instj-uments of any kind, although a few uncorrected Navy compasses have 

 been obtained recently, 



B. MAJURO ATOLL (Population 1236 - 1^6) 



(August 27-28) 



This group of islands if fortunate in nothavlng been bombed or strafed and no native 

 supplies or equipment were destroyed by an invasion. 



There is no barrier reef on the outside. The fringing reef is from 100 to 150 yards 

 wide, fairly flat, with about a foot of water over it at low tide. On the lagoon side, 

 the beach is sandy with a rough coral ledge of gradual slope running out for 100-200 yards, 

 rish were abundant on the lagoon side in shallow water and we caught many small mackerel 

 ( Scomber .japonicus ) approximately six inches long and goat-fish ( Pseudupeneu s ) from six to 

 eight inches. It was reported that there are many spiny lobsters (Panulirus) on the 

 fringing reef, which are taken by torching at night when the spiny lobsters come up on 

 the peef at low tide. 



As of August 19^6 the natives on Majuro Island (Laura) had about 220 sailing canoes 

 and A2 paddling canoes. There is some new construction and the supply of canoes appears 

 to be ample. 



Fishing is done by hand line, spears, some trolling, a few seines, and some throw nets. 

 In addition, there is torching at night on the reefs and use of some small woven traps. 



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