I hope you have enjoyed learning about our upcoming deep-sea expedition and will follow along on our Web site as our scientists explore the ocean's depths in "Extreme 2001: A Deep-Sea Odyssey."

Deep-sea research reminds me of both how far we have come in ocean science and how far we have to go. Gaining the capability to conduct research miles below the ocean's surface under crushing pressure, extremes in temperature, and total darkness has been no small feat. Marine scientists and engineers of the recent past made this remarkable achievement, opening the door to a strange new world that yields new discoveries every time today's explorers visit it.

While important advances have been made, ocean science is still in its infancy. The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth, yet our knowledge of the ocean pales dramatically in relation to its size and importance.

No matter where you live, the ocean touches your life. This vast resource makes our weather, it provides us with food, and it supports industries that employ many of us. It transports most of the goods we buy, from clothes to fuel, and it offers relaxing activities that we treasure -- swimming, fishing, boating, and more.

The ocean harbors the greatest diversity of life on the planet, vast mineral supplies, and the promise of new medicines and other products. Yet in spite of the ocean's importance to all of us, only about 5% of this vast resource has been explored.

Here at the University of Delaware Graduate College of Marine Studies, we are working to advance the knowledge, wise use, and conservation of the Earth's final frontier. Through the highest-quality teaching, research, and public service, our goal is to produce well-rounded scientists, teachers, and policy specialists capable of addressing the complex environmental challenges that face us, from declining fisheries to climate change.

We also are committed to sharing what we learn with the public to increase understanding and stewardship of the marine resources we all depend on.

Some prognosticators have proclaimed the next 100 years as the century of the ocean. We look forward to welcoming you aboard as we continue on the course to discovery and build one of the preeminent marine institutions in the nation.

For more information about our academic and research programs, activities, and educational resources, please visit our Web site at www.ocean.udel.edu, or contact our Marine Public Education Office at (302) 831-8083.

Dr. Carolyn A. Thoroughgood

Dean, Graduate College of Marine Studies

Director, Delaware Sea Grant College Progra m