And what remains to be explored could hold clues to the origins of life on Earth, to links to our maritime history, to cures for diseases. The voyages will be led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric along with marine research institutions and universities. Researchers will explore the Hudson Canyon off the New York-New Jersey coast, deep reefs and sea floor vents off the Gulf coast of Florida, and the Davidson Seamount off central California. Clinton also directed the Commerce Department to convene a panel of leading ocean explorers, educators and scientists to develop recommendations for a national oceans exploration strategy.
Commerce is to report back in four months.
Its rock surfaces are home to an array of unusual deep sea animals, including large, dense patches of sponges and old coral forests. The Hudson River Canyon lies about 100 miles southeast of New York, the most predominant underwater feature on the eastern seaboard, comparable to Arizona's Grand Canyon, only larger. It is said to be home to many economically and ecologically valuable species. Deep beneath the Gulf of Mexico are deep reefs and vents off Florida's Gulf coast. Far below the reach of sunlight are dense thickets of giant worms and mussel beds.