Zunongwangia profunda SM-A87 isolated from deep-sea sediment can secrete large quantity of exopolysaccharide (EPS). Response surface methodology was applied to optimize the culture conditions for EPS production. Single-factor experiment showed that lactose was the best carbon source. Based on the Plackett-Burman design, lactose, peptone and temperature were selected as significant variables, which were further optimized by the steepest ascent (descent) method and central composite design. The optimal culture conditions for EPS production and broth viscosity were determined as 32.21 g/L lactose, 8.87 g/L peptone and an incubation temperature of 9.8°C. Under these conditions, the maximum EPS yield and broth viscosity were 8.90 g/L and 6551 mPa•s, respectively, which is the first report of such high yield of EPS from a marine bacterium. The aqueous solution of the EPS displayed high viscosity, interesting shearing thinning property and great tolerance to high temperature, a wide range of pH, and high salinity.