Deep-sea hot springs (hydrothermal vents) and the dense animal communities surrounding them were discovered in 1977. I began working on them in 1979 and since that time my research has been focused on elucidating the functioning of the symbioses between chemoautotrophic bacteria and large marine invertebrates (tubeworms, clams, and mussels) which are the base of the food chain in these communities. The symbiotic bacteria within the animal's bodies produce organic carbon not with energy from sunlight but from reduced chemicals found in the venting waters. The research of my lab is concerned with the symbioses rates of primary production, chemical exchanges with the environment, tolerance of the harsh environmental conditions, and methods by which the animals meet the needs of the bacterial symbionts.