If the scientists were making it all up they wouldnt be hurting anyone and if in fact they were just on a wild hunt for Santa Claus or the Easter bunny then why would the government spend so much time, effort & money to follow them and watch them. Also, why would the government always intervene in the scientist different test and observations if they know with such certainty that mermaids arent real they also should have known their studies wouldnt produce anything disturbing. If there is nothing out there then what is the U.S.