You are obviously serious about this. I apologize. I first thought here is another Ken Barbie and the cat blog trying to play
marine mammal scientist.
Well any research which spreads the word and gets young people involved, that real science. Congratulations. Keep up the good work.
It’s nice to have a large budget and a big
boat so might I suggest the following.
The research community is always
buying new boats and larger boats. I’d write to every major oceanographic group and tell them what you do, why you do it, and what success you have had in getting young scientists educated at sea.
Write every corporation that has the word
marine in it.
Stress the benefits of publicity for supporting you. Even
oil companies want to be seen as good guys.
Write letters not emails. Send pictures. Find someone who wants to film what you are doing. It’s nice to publish papers and work within academia but corporations have the real money.
You have a great location for film. Great place for baseline data.
Cousteau’s first boat was small, old and cramped but he had first class cameras.
He had a film crew. He knew how to sell it...look at all the great results from all the people who watched his adventures.. Inspire people. Amaze them.
The money will follow.
Nuff said. Happy trails to you.
Captain Mark and a spoiled crew of manatees.