Sir

Despite the claim in your News story “Bermuda gets tough over resource collecting” (Nature 429, 600; 2004), Bermuda's Ministry of the Environment has not shut down any research projects relating to biodiversity access, even on a temporary basis. New laws and regulations are under development to enhance bioprospecting, not to prevent or hinder such research activities.

Contrary to your News story, the Ministry of the Environment is not displeased with Diversa's research activities in Bermuda. The ministry greatly values the ongoing collaborations with the Bermuda Biological Station for Research (BBSR), and appreciates the station's responsibility in ensuring a proactive and consultative approach to issues of environmental access. Furthermore, Diversa, BBSR and the ministry look forward to exploring ways of expanding the bioprospecting benefits realized to date by the people and the government of Bermuda.