Larry Mayer, professor of Earth science and ocean engineering, director of UNH's Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping, and co-director of the UNH-NOAA Joint Hydrographic Center, will lead a National Research Council's committee to study the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on ecosystem services in the Gulf of Mexico in a 30-month inquiry that will produce a final report for elected officials, public policy leaders and the public in fall of 2012.