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This report provides guidance to the Gulf Ecosystem Monitoring (GEM) program to help ensure that it is based on a a science plan that is robust, far-reaching, and scientifically sound. The report commends the Trustee Council for its foresight in setting aside funds to create a trust fund to provide long-term research support; it notes that the GEM program offers an unparalleled opportunity to increase understanding of how large marine ecosystems function and change over time. The report outlines elements of a sound long-term science plan, including conceptual foundation, scope and geographic focus, organizational structure, community involvement, data and information management, and synthesis, modeling, and evaluation.Table of Contents Front Matter Executive Summary 1. Planning Long-Term Ecosystem Science 2. The Importance of Conceptual Foundation 3. Geographic Scope and Geographic Focus 4. Organizational Structure 5. Community Involvement and Traditional Knowledge 6. Data and Information Management 7. Synthesis, Modeling, and Evaluation 8. Conclusions and Recommendations References Appendix A: Biosketches of the Committee's Members Appendix B: Acronyms