Thefe was no visible damage to the fishes on the reefs, 
nor in the lagoon from the Able Day test, except a few fishes were 
reported as dead on the bottom under the target area by divers* 
No fish were seen floating on the surface waters of the lagoon a 
few hours after ABle Day test nor on -July 3, when I cruised from 
Bikini to Romtik, on to Namu end Boby islnds, thence to Aran, Cherry 
and Bu|i, following the oil slick from the target ships back to 
the target area, across the lagoon, without finding a single dead 
fish. Birds were seen all a round the lagoon fishing in the usual 
numbers on July 3* numerous living fishes in a healthy condition^ 
have occurred in the usual numbers around the ships at night 
since Abl Day. 
Previous experieneeindicates that from earh ouches, 
volcanic errupti ns, and from explosions, where many fish have 
been killed, some float for a while at the surface, whereas, others 
that sink to the bottom soon gas up and rise to the surface after 
one or two days in the tr&ples. Hone were seen on July 3 or since 
that time in the lagccn. 
It may be concluded that little or no damage was done 
to the reef or lagoon fishes from the Able Day explosion. 
In taking leave, non to return to the United States 
National Museum to begin work on the final report cm the Crossroads 
fishes, I believe I am turning the field work over to a capable 
young man, Cspt* Sari S. Herald, who will fit in well with the 
other "fish mongers". 
You have my highest esteem and respect for successfully 
coordinating one of the most difficult and varied oceanographic 
projects undertaken, with inadecute facilities at yoi r disposal. 
Believe me, your endeavors have been, a complete success. I 
congratulate you and wish you the best of fortune. 
Sincerely yours, 
Leonard P. Schultz 
Curator of Fishes 
