NOPP Research on Gulf of Mexico Chemosynthetic Communities Highlighted in Deep-Sea Research II

The current issue of Deep-Sea Research II is dedicated to articles on research funded through the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) on Investigations of Chemosynthetic Communities on the Lower Continental Slope of the Gulf of Mexico.

The project, nicknamed Chemo III, was sponsored by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the US Geological Survey (USGS) from 2005 to 2009. The focus of the project was to explore, survey and conduct experimental work on chemosynthetic communities and other hard bottom habitats, with an emphasis on deepwater corals (300 to 3000 m). The agencies recognize the value of these unique deepwater communities and the articles in Volume 57, Issues 21-23 of Deep-Sea Research II demonstrate how quality science can inform management decisions. To review the articles in Deep-Sea Research II, please click here.