1. PRIMO PROGRAM A contribution from the COPAS CENTER (CHILE) A multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary and international PRIMO program including the following scientific and capacity building goals:

2. JOINT PROPOSED JOINT SCIENTIFIC GOALS elucidate  To elucidate the mechanisms responsible (physical, biological and biogeochemical) for the formation and maintenance of the OMZ and its variability (both temporal and spatial). refine  To refine biogeochemical proxies preserved in the sediments intersected by the OMZ, for reconstruction of past changes in circulation and ventilation, and for early diagenesis of organic matter. develop  To develop a biogeochemical model coupled to a physical model, capable of the simulation and prediction of high and low frequency variability in the OMZ and in the spatial distribution of gases, nutrients, and the living components of the OMZ ecosystem. integrate  To integrate the biogeochemical role of the OMZ into regional climate models.

3. joint Proposed joint CAPACITY BUILDING GOALS intellectual capabilities  To strengthen the intellectual capabilities in the form of young scientists, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students from the member countries. outreaching  To establish means of outreaching (education, science diffusion) to the local communities on the ecological significance of the OMZ and its role on the distribution of resources.  To seek funding for the development of appropriate infrastructure and facilities within the region, to ensure continuation of observations and related research.

4. joint In order to achieve these joint goals, the following ACTIONS are necessary: oContinuous dialog and cooperation between data producers (physical, biological, chemical, and sedimentological) and modelers. oCoordination of multidisciplinary cruises in the OMZ oriented to the understanding of biogeochemical processes. oInter-calibrations of proxy data (expedition and laboratory work). oImplementation of a data base and management system for the biogeochemical and oceanographic data pertinent to the Program. oCoordination of several workshops or training courses for graduate students and scientists. oCo-advisory of graduate student theses related to the studies on biological/physical, biogeochemical and sedimentological aspects of OMZ in the region. oHiring of postdoctoral fellows from the participating countries, working with different members of the Program.

5. COPAS Researchers

6. Thanks o We hope that our proposed ideas will be met positively by all partners involved. o We look forward to participate in this important collaborative effort. o We look forward to be involved in the writing of a new version of the PRIMO program.