Acknowledgments: Alasdair McIntyre

Many individuals and organizations have contributed to the production of this book, more than could be fully named. First and foremost must be Jesse Ausubel and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, whose vision and support made the Census of Marine Life possible. The Census Steering Committee was chaired initially by Fred Grassle and later by Ian Poiner, and within the organization the International Secretariat at the Consortium for Ocean Leadership played a major coordinating role. The Synthesis Group, managed by Michele DuRand, was central to ensuring success of the book. The contribution of the Education and Outreach Team was much appreciated, while thanks are due to Jesse Cleary from the Mapping and Visualization Team for guaranteeing the quality of the illustrations, and to Catherine McIntyre for, among other things, copy-editing. The input of reviewers drawn from the Steering and Synthesis Groups was invaluable. Last but not least, the dedication of the authors and their colleagues involved in the Census projects is gratefully acknowledged.

The Publishers would like to record our sincere thanks to Michele DuRand, who most kindly stepped in to finalize and carry through editorial aspects of the book in Alasdair McIntyre's stead.