Bacterial and Archaeal Taxa Drive Microbiome Differences Between Healthy and Unhealthy Oyster Reefs
Authors: Sanjiev Nand, Gabriela Franco, Michael Hajkowski, LuzMaria Soto, Danica Marvi Lee
Faculty Supervisor: Archana Anand
Department: Biology
Oyster reefs are invaluable ecosystems that provide a wide array of critical ecosystem services, including water filtration, coastal protection, and habitat provision for various marine species. However, these essential habitats face escalating threats from climate change and anthropogenic stressors. To combat these challenges, numerous oyster restoration initiatives have been undertaken, representing a global effort to preserve and restore these vital ecosystems. A significant, yet poorly understood, component of oyster reefs is the microbial communities. These communities account for a substantial proportion of marine reefs and are pivotal in driving key biogeochemical processes. Particularly, the environmental microbiome plays a crucial role in supporting the health and resilience of oyster populations. In our study, we sought to shed light on the microbiome within oyster reef ecosystems by characterizing the abundance, and diversity of microorganisms in the soil, biofilm, and oysters collected from reefs with varying oyster population densities. Our investigation revealed distinct microbial taxa in reefs with lower population densities. By unraveling the intricate relationships between population density, microbial composition, and oyster reef health, our study contributes to advancing the knowledge needed to support effective oyster reef conservation and restoration efforts.