The impact of seeps on the ocean is an emerging area of research, in part driven by their newly quantified abundance in the oceans. In this image from Oregon’s deep sea, one can see a surprising amount of sea cucumbers filter feeding in addition to sponges and corals that are making use of the hard rocks created by seepage.
Sea Cucumbers in Seep Environment
Image courtesy of D. Fornari, WHOI MISO Facility and Ocean Exploration Trust: Cruise NA-095. Download larger version (jpg, 4.2 MB).

The impact of seeps on the ocean is an emerging area of research, in part driven by their newly quantified abundance in the oceans. In this image from Oregon’s deep sea, one can see a surprising amount of sea cucumbers filter feeding in addition to sponges and corals that are making use of the hard rocks created by seepage.

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