Scientists from Uruguay’s University of the Republic are protesting a decree that gives government officials powers of approval over water-resource studies, new clout that some charge will be used to suppress evidence of pollution by the powerful farm sector. In a complaint to the national government, the 15-member university group contends the decree is unconstitutional and threatens the university’s right to “research and disseminate matters of national interest.” The decree, issued by the government in April, puts research and resulting findings having to do with hydrobiology, water quality, marine biology and aquatic resources under the purview of the Uruguayan Ministry of Ranching, Agriculture and Fishing (MGAP). Spotlighted by journalist and activist Víctor Bacchetta in an article for the online Uruguayan investigative journalism site... [Log in to read more]