According to Japanese reports, overfishing had reduced the numbers in many places, 

 as no conservation regulations applied to these animals. Our ovm observations tended to 

 confirm the Japanese statements, as the larger and more desirable commercial species 

 were not very abundant compai^d with the unutilized species. No information is avail- 

 able on the n\imbers spawned, or rates of survival or growth. The limited amount of tre- 

 pamg fishing now (summer, 194.6) done by the natives gives no indication of the probable 

 need for protection. However, trepang is a cash crop to the natives, and sufficient in- 

 formation should be obtained to protect their interests. 



Japanese figures on export of dried sea cucumbers where between 20 to 30 tons per 

 year. Their ig/Vl figures of production, presumably net weight, were as follows (weight 

 in pounds ) : 



Saipan 

 119,673 



Yap 

 68,952 



Jalau 



3a,2^i 



Truk 



1,U2,779 



Ponape 

 201,78ii 



Total 



l,87/i,A32 



At truk, Ponape, and Palais fishing for sea cucumbers was done by men, as the 

 valuable and large specimens liad to be taken mostly by diving, in which the vromen did 

 not engage. (See also VIIB Trepang Fishing of Truk.) 



Figure Us (Above) 

 Truk. 



Native produced Trepang 

 (dried sea-cucumber). 



Figure Kl (I'-J-ght) 



Truk. 



Trochus Shells. 



:.:a.y 19/f6. 



IL, 



