Teams of scientists from around the world, working in the framework of a radiological study requested from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) by the Government of France, have just completed the collection of marine and terrestrial samples at the atolls of Mururoa and Fangataufa in the South Pacific, where French nuclear testing took place until earlier this year.

The samples -- including soil, vegetation, coconuts, coral, seawater, fish, lagoon sediment and plankton -- will now be shared among a network of laboratories for analysis. The laboratories include scientific establishments in the Pacific region. Results will subsequently be collated by the IAEA in Vienna, and comparisons will be made with data provided by France based on its own earlier national studies. A total of 11 scientists from 5 countries, as well as staff members of the IAEA's own laboratories in Seibersdorf (Austria) and Monaco, participated during a five week period in the collection of samples on-site, with full logistic support and cooperation from the French authorities.

Results of this part of the study -- which will provide an overview of the current radiological situation at the atolls -- are expected by the end of the year. The second part of the study, in which geologists will examine possible future scenarios including the medium and longer terms, using modelling techniques, will be performed by the end of next year. A full report will be published in early 1998.

Guidance and direction for the study are being given by an International Advisory Committee of distinguished scientists from ten countries, chaired by Dr. E. Gail de Planque of the United States, with ex officio representatives of the South Pacific Forum, the UN Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, the World Health Organization and the European Commission. The Advisory Committee itself plans to meet in French Polynesia in the coming months.

Note: A short spot for TV stations and still photography oi the sample-taking can be obtained from the IAEA Division of Public lniormation in Vienna upon request.