Tube worms are fast-growing deep-water invertebrates that anchor themselves to underwater surfaces near hydrothermal vents and cold seeps. Lacking a mouth, stomach, intestines, and eyes, tube worms rely on a nutrient byproduct produced by the chemosynthetic bacteria that live in their bodies to survive.

Researchers recently concluded a large multi-agency, five-year study – titled Deep SEARCH – that was designed to shed light on little-known deep sea ecosystems located off the Eastern Seaboard. The study findings provide valuable baseline information for the Mid- and South-Atlantic, that can promote development of more accurate scientific models and inform BOEM’s future offshore energy development decisions, especially those that could affect sensitive habitats such as deep sea corals.