Dr. Muthiga,

Many of the organisations both in the US and around the world to whom  I have written regarding an affiliation and interest in my work and services as an independant researcher have all noted that you there at the WCS have a renowned presence in the East African Ecological Region.  All of you should be pround to have built such a good reputation.  Keep up the good work.

There seems to be a general aversion to persons who want to work independantly.  I do not know why this is, as I have not, and do not wish, to ask for funding, but rather work minimally with good results and reports.  I do not understand why persons who want to enter into a lifelong career as a scientist should be shunned away, rather than being helped to bring all persons a better understanding of the Earth and Seas.  My proposal is coming along, but the largest hurdle at this point is the burocracy of american marine institutes.  The public institutions have proved to be closed societies.

I was given a catamaran, which would be a great piece of equipment to research the coastline, but how can I have it sent to Mombasa?  My diving gear is coming along nicely as well.  There is a pair of instruments which I still require for measurements, but these will be available soon.  

As I was searching for marine institutes, I came upon the Hawaii Institute of Marine Bology.  I was impressed by the location of the institute, and the reasearchers themselves.  Perhaps they will write a response to my letter.

Have you ever worked on a research vessel?  Or do you know that any research vessels have ever ventured into the EAER?  I was wondering if any deep sea work around Kenya has been done.  

Thanks for your time, and have a nice day.

Sincerely,

Michael Harbuck