This report was produced in close collaboration with scientists and experts under HERMES (Hotspot Ecosystem Research on the Margins of European Seas), a large, interdisciplinary deep-sea research project supported by the European Commissio's Framework Six Programme. The aim of HERMES is to understand better the biodiversity, structure, function and dynamics of ecosystems along Europe's deep-ocean margin, in order that appropriate and sustainable management strategies can be developed based on scientific knowledge. UNEP joined HERMES as a partner in October 2006 with a view to disseminating relevant scientific deep-sea discoveries and results obtained under the project within and outside the UN system.