Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
14
TO CHILE, EASTER ISLAND, AND RAROTONGA
O NE DAY IN 1979 Dr. Alfredo Cea Egaño, from the University of North
Chile, visited John McCosker at the Steinhart to discuss a project in
the coastal city of Coquimbo. Quite persuasively, he talked about the
university's plans to build a marine biology station and public aquar-
ium. John was so impressed with Dr. Cea's proposal that he o¤ered the
cooperation of the Academy and volunteered my services to go to Chile
and help Dr. Cea design the aquarium. I would receive my salary from
the Academy, while the University of Chile would pick up my travel
expenses.
It was a wonderful opportunity, and fortunately I wasn't in the mid-
dle of any projects that couldn't wait until I got back. Still, although I
looked forward to it, I was a little apprehensive. Just a few years earlier,
a military coup had overthrown elected president Salvador Allende—
a coup in which the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency was implicated.
Now right-wing dictator General Augusto Pinochet was in command,
and there were disturbing reports of assassinations, disappearances, and
other human rights violations. Chile, I concluded, was the kind of place
where it would definitely be prudent to keep your mouth shut and your
thoughts to yourself.
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