Greenpeace Files Complaint Against UW Fishery Scientist

SEATTLE (AP) — Greenpeace has filed a complaint against a University of Washington fishery scientist, claiming that at times he fails to disclose in articles the industry funding he receives.

A letter sent Wednesday from Greenpeace to university President Ana Mari Cauce details a complaint against Ray Hilborn and asks for an investigation.

The Seattle Times reports Hilborn has been critical of Greenpeace and other environmental groups, accusing them of overstating the impacts of fishing on marine resources.

Greenpeace says Hilborn's failure to fully disclose ties to industry put at risk scientific knowledge and the university's reputation.

In response, Hilborn said he hasn't felt obligated to disclose industry funding unless it was specifically for research that is the focus of an academic journal article.

Some of the biggest industry funding came from groups in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska for salmon research. Money also came from Washington-based seafood companies.

A university spokesman said officials will look into issues raised by Greenpeace.