Editor,

I am the Chief Scientist onboard the Research Vessel (R/V) Kilo Moana. I am writing to correct a misrepresentation in your piece "First phase of Tonga mineral exploration begins" which appeared in the 26 March 2008 issue of Matangi Tonga.

Our work in the Lau Basin is not mineral exploration for Nautilus Minerals. We are conducting basic research on the geologic evolution of the basin and its volcanic, tectonic and hydrothermal systems.

Our work is funded by the US National Science Foundation (NSF) and the University of Hawaii. The research that we have been conducting in the Pacific for many years may, however, have use in mineral exploration and it has gained interest from companies like Nautilus Minerals who seek to ultimately mine deep sea mineral resources.

Representatives from Nautilus Minerals have approached me and other researchers for data and information on these hydrothermal systems as well as for information on techniques to study them. Since our research is open and funded by the US taxpayer for the general public benefit we have cooperated where possible in providing geologic data and information to Nautilus and anyone else who requests it. When Nautilus Minerals learned of our research plans in Tonga, where they hold exploration licenses, they were eager to extend our NSF-funded 35 day cruise and their joint venture partner, the Canadian mining company Teck Cominco, provided a donation to the University of Hawaii allowing us to extend the cruise for 12 additional days. All of these data, however, are basic research funded through public institutions and will be open and available to the public. Thus, although Nautilus Minerals may benefit from this research it is a misrepresentation to state that we are "being contracted by Nautilus to conduct these surveys" as declared by Paula Taumoepeau in your piece.

The Government and People of Tonga have been quite generous in allowing our research for many years in their waters and we certainly hope that this research will lead to a better understanding of a new resource potential for the benefit of the people of Tonga and the world; however, it is inappropriate and misleading for Nautilus Minerals to take credit for this particular effort.

Fernando Martinez

Onboard R/V Kilo Moana in the Lau Basin, Tonga

fernando [at] hawaii [dot] edu