OBJECTIVES The objectives of this test and evaluation program were to develop basic data necessary to design an efficient absorbent harvesting device for use in sheltered waters. A program was developed to gather and correlate information on various types of belts that might prove to be suitable for recovering a variety of oil-soaked materials@ and the relationship of forward velocity and belt surface speed to recovery efficiency. Other goals in the test program were to identify and solve problems unique to harvesting operations when mechanical devices contact oil-soaked materials in cleanup operations.