Extreme Temperatures Reduce Copepod Performance and Change the Relative Abundance of Internal Microbiota.

Copepods are one of the most abundant invertebrate groups in the seas and oceans and are a significant food source for marine animals. Copepods are also particularly sensitive to elevated temperatures. However, it is relatively unknown how the internal microbiome influences copepod susceptibility to warming. We addressed this fundamental knowledge gap by assessing key life history traits (survival, development, and reproduction) and changes in the internal microbiome in the tropical calanoid copepod Acartia sp. in response to warming (26°C, 30°C, and 34°C). Copepod microbiomes were analyzed using high throughput DNA sequencing of V1-V9 of 16S rRNA hypervariable regions. Copepod performance was better at 30°C than at 26°C, as indicated by faster development, a higher growth rate, and fecundity. However, these parameters strongly decreased at 34°C. We recorded 1,262,987 amplicon sequence reads, corresponding to 392 total operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at 97% similarity. Warming did not affect OTU numbers and the biodiversity indices, but it substantially changed the relative abundance of three major phyla: Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidota. The thermophilic and opportunistic Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota increased under extreme temperatures (34°C) while Actinobacteria abundance was strongly reduced. Changes in the relative abundance of these bacteria might be related to reduced copepod growth, survival, and reproduction under extreme temperatures. Profiling the functional role of all internal bacterial groups in response to the temperature change will fundamentally advance our mechanistic understanding of the performance of tropical copepods and, more generally, marine invertebrates to a warming climate.

Influence of body size and environmental conditions on parasite assemblages of the black-spotted croaker (Protonibea diacanthus) (Teleostei: Sciaenidae) in northern Australia.

The functioning and richness of marine systems (and biological interactions such as parasitism) are continuously influenced by a changing environment. Using hierarchical modelling of species communities (HMSC), the presence and abundance of multiple parasite species of the black-spotted croaker, Protonibea diacanthus (Sciaenidae), was modelled against environmental measures reflecting seasonal change. Protonibea diacanthus were collected in three seasons across 2019­2021 from four locations within the waters of the Northern Territory, Australia. The length of P. diacanthus proved to have a strong positive effect on the abundance of parasite taxa and overall parasitic assemblage of the sciaenid host. This finding introduces potential implications for parasitism in the future as fish body size responds to fishing pressure and climate changes. Of the various environmental factors measured during the tropical seasons of northern Australia, water temperature and salinity changes were shown as potential causal factors for the variance in parasite presence and abundance, with changes most influential on external parasitic organisms. As environmental factors like ocean temperature and salinity directly affect parasite­host relationships, this study suggests that parasite assemblages and the ecological functions that they perform are likely to change considerably over the coming decades in response to climate change and its proceeding effects.

Characterizing fluvial impact on the biochemical composition of particulate organic matter in the Laptev Sea and Western East Siberian Sea during the late summer of 2018.

The Laptev Sea (LS) and Western East Siberian Sea (W-ESS) are paradigmatic examples of seas dominated by terrestrial organic matter, attributed to substantial Siberian River discharges and coastal erosion. The influx of terrestrial organic matter significantly alters the biochemical composition of particulate organic matter (POM) in these Arctic coastal regions, potentially reducing the nutritional quality available to higher trophic levels. This study investigated the origin and qualitative characteristics of POM in the LS and W-ESS during the late summer of 2018 by analyzing elemental ratios (C/N ratio), stable carbon isotopes (δ13C), and biochemical compositions (biomolecular and amino acid (AA) compositions). The conspicuously depleted δ13C values (mean ± standard deviation (SD) = -30.2 ± 0.5 ‰) and alongside elevated molar C/N ratios (mean ± SD = 18.1 ± 6.2) suggest that terrestrial organic matter is the predominant source of POM in the study area. Although carbohydrates (CHO) were the dominant biomolecules, their prevalence was higher in the river-influenced W-ESS region (67.7 ± 6.6 %) than in the LS region (58.6 ± 13.9 %; p < 0.05). Furthermore, the CHO composition was closely associated with freshwater content and river fraction, suggesting that the heightened contribution of CHO may stem from terrestrial organic matter delivered by river inputs. Lower concentrations of particulate hydrolyzable AA (PAA) and carbon and nitrogen normalized yields of AAs (AA-POC% and AA-PON%) along with reduced contribution of glycine suggested a substantial contribution of terrestrial POM to both LS and W-ESS POM. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the terrestrial influence on POM composition in Arctic marine ecosystems, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring of the consequences of terrestrial carbon inputs in the changing Arctic environment.

Assessment of potentially toxic element contamination in commercially harvested invertebrates from the Beibu Gulf, China.

Marine pollutants, especially potentially toxic elements (PTEs), increasingly threaten the ecological environment and fishery resources of the Beibu Gulf due to their bioaccumulative nature, toxicity, and persistence. However, the occurrences of multiple PTEs in marine invertebrates within this region remains unclear. Hence, a total of 18 species of commercially harvested invertebrates (shrimp, crab, cephalopod, shellfish, and sea cucumber) were collected from the Beibu Gulf, and the concentrations of nine important PTEs (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were examined. Subsequent stable isotope analysis for δ13C and δ15N facilitated investigations into biomagnification and human health risk assessment. The results showed that, except for As, the concentrations of the PTEs in the invertebrates were below the national safety limits. Furthermore, significant positive correlations were found between trophic levels (TLs) and log-transformed concentrations of As (P < 0.001, R2 = 0.20) and Cr (P < 0.001, R2 = 0.13), indicating biomagnification of these two metals across trophic positions among species. Finally, the human health risk assessment revealed that the consumption of cephalopod, shellfish, and sea cucumber poses a higher risk of adverse effects compared to shrimp and crab.

The genus Eutreptiella (Euglenophyceae/Euglenozoa) across its global distribution range.

The genus Eutreptiella (Euglenophyceae/Euglenozoa) comprises unicellular organisms known for their photosynthetic capacity and significant role in marine ecosystems. This review highlights the taxonomic, ecological, and biotechnological characteristics of Eutreptiella species, emphasizing their morphological and genomic adaptations. Eutreptiella species exhibit high phenotypic plasticity, enabling adaptation to various environmental conditions, from nutrient-rich waters to high-salinity conditions. They play a crucial role in primary production and nutrient cycling in marine ecosystems. Genetic and transcriptomic studies have revealed their complex regulatory mechanisms and potential for biofuel and nutraceutical production. Eutreptiella blooms significantly impact local ecosystems, influencing nutrient availability and community dynamics. Additionally, interactions with associated bacteria enhance their growth and metabolic capabilities. The genus shows substantial genetic variability, suggesting potential misidentifications or a polyphyletic nature. Further comprehensive studies are needed to clarify their taxonomy and evolutionary relationships. Understanding and managing Eutreptiella populations is essential to leverage their biotechnological potential and ensure the health of marine ecosystems.

Antarctic pelagic ecosystems on a warming planet.

High-latitude pelagic marine ecosystems are vulnerable to climate change because of the intertwining of sea/continental ice dynamics, physics, biogeochemistry, and food-web structure. Data from the West Antarctic Peninsula allow us to assess how ice influences marine food webs by modulating solar inputs to the ocean, inhibiting wind mixing, altering the freshwater balance and ocean stability, and providing a physical substrate for organisms. State changes are linked to an increase in storm forcing and changing distribution of ocean heat. Changes ripple through the plankton, shifting the magnitude of primary production and its community composition, altering the abundance of krill and other prey essential for marine mammals and seabirds. These climate-driven changes in the food web are being exacerbated by human activity.

Exploring Fungal Diversity in Seagrass Ecosystems for Pharmaceutical and Ecological Insights.

Marine ecosystems are important in discovering novel fungi with interesting metabolites that have shown great potential in pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. Seagrasses, the sole submerged marine angiosperm, host diverse fungal taxa with mostly unknown metabolic capabilities. They are considered to be one of the least studied marine fungal habitats in the world. This review gathers and analyzes data from studies related to seagrasses-associated fungi, including taxonomy and biogeography, and highlights existing research gaps. The significance of the seagrass-fungal associations remains largely unknown, and current understanding of fungal diversity is limited to specific geographical regions such as the Tropical Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Indo-Pacific. Our survey yielded 29 culture-dependent studies on seagrass-associated endophytic and epiphytic fungi, and 13 miscellaneous studies, as well as 11 meta-studies, with no pathogenic true fungi described. There is a significant opportunity to expand existing studies and conduct multidisciplinary research into novel species and their potential applications, especially from understudied geographical locations. Future research should prioritize high-throughput sequencing and mycobiome studies, utilizing both culture-dependent and -independent approaches to effectively identify novel seagrass-associated fungal taxa.

The collateral effects of COVID-19 on coastal and marine environments.

The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a global health and economic crisis, significantly impacting coastal and marine environments. Lockdowns and restrictions, while necessary for public health, led to both positive and negative environmental consequences. Reduced human activity resulted in decreased pollution and habitat disruption, allowing for ecosystem recovery and improved water quality. However, the surge in single-use plastics and personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic exacerbated plastic pollution. Additionally, the economic downturn severely affected coastal communities reliant on tourism and fisheries, highlighting the need for sustainable recovery strategies. This Special Issue explores these collateral effects, emphasizing the importance of adaptive management and resilient governance in safeguarding coastal and marine ecosystems against future crises.

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in the surface sediments, seawater and organisms of the Pearl River Estuary, South China Sea.

Coastal heavy-metal contamination poses significant risks to marine ecosystems and human health, necessitating comprehensive research for effective mitigation strategies. This study assessed heavy-metal pollution in sediments, seawater, and organisms in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), with a focus on Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Hg, and Cr. A notable reduction in heavy metal concentrations in surface sediments was observed in 2020 compared to 2017 and 2018, likely due to improved pollution management and COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Spatial analysis revealed a positive correlation between elevated heavy-metal concentrations (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, and As) and areas with significant human activity. Source analysis indicated that anthropogenic activities accounted for 63 % of the heavy metals in sediments, originating from industrial effluents, metal processing, vehicular activities, and fossil fuel combustion. Cd presented a high ecological risk due to its significant enrichment in surface sediments. Organisms in the PRE were found to be relatively enriched with Hg and Cu, with average As concentrations slightly exceeding the Chinese food-health criterion. This study identified high-risk ecological zones and highlighted Cd as the primary pollutant in the PRE. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of recent pollution control measures and emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring and mitigation to safeguard marine ecosystems and human health.

Human pharmaceuticals in the arctic - A review.

Pharmaceuticals have been deemed as 'contaminants of emerging concern' within the Arctic and are a potentially perennial form of pollution. With recent innovations in detection technology for organic compounds, researchers have been able to find substantial evidence of the presence and accumulation of pharmaceutical pollution within the Arctic marine ecosystem. The pharmaceuticals, which are biologically active substances used in diagnosis, treatment or prevention of diseases, may persist in the Arctic environment and may have an impact on the resident marine biota. Thus, to understand the standing of current research on the origin, transport, bioaccumulation and impacts of pharmaceutical pollution on the Arctic marine ecosystem, this study collates research from the early 2000s to the end of 2023 to act as a baseline for future research. The study highlights the fact that there is an evident threat to the Arctic marine ecosystem due to pharmaceutical pollution. It also shows that the impacts of pharmaceuticals within the Arctic ocean are not well studied.

Responses of the mesozooplankton community to marine heatwaves: Challenges and solutions based on a long-term time series.

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are extreme weather events that have major impacts on the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems worldwide. Due to anthropogenic climate change, the occurrence of MHWs is predicted to increase in future. There is already evidence linking MHWs with reductions in biodiversity and incidence of mass mortality events in coastal ecosystems. However, because MHWs are unpredictable, the quantification of their effects on communities is challenging. Here, we use the Helgoland Roads long-term time series (German Bight, North Sea), one of the richest marine time series in the world, and implement a modified before-after control-impact (BACI) design to evaluate MHW effect on mesozooplankton communities. Mesozooplankton play an essential role in connecting primary producers to higher trophic levels, and any changes in their community structure could have far-reaching impacts on the entire ecosystem. The responses of mesozooplankton community to MHWs in terms of community structure and densities occurred mainly in spring and autumn. Abundances of seven taxa, including some of the most abundant groups (e.g. copepods), were affected either positively or negatively in response to MHWs. In contrast, we observed no clear evidence of an impact of summer and winter MHWs; instead, the density of the most common taxa remained unchanged. Our results highlight the seasonally dependent impacts of MHWs on mesozooplankton communities and the challenges in evaluating those impacts. Long-term monitoring is an important contributor to the quantification of effects of MHWs on natural populations.

Convergence zones of coastal waters as hotspots for floating microplastic accumulation.

This study examines microplastic (MP, 1-5 mm) densities in convergence zones in a coastal sea, the Seto Inland Sea, comparing them to those of non-convergence zones and other areas. Notably, Seto convergence zones exhibit MP densities 40 to 300 times higher than non-convergence zones, with an extraordinary density of 3.7 ± 6.3 pieces m-3, similar to densities found in Tokyo Bay as known a MP hotspot. The predominant polymer found was expanded polystyrene, varying seasonally and peaking in summer. Juvenile fish associated with driftweed in these convergence zones face a risk of long-term MP exposure, potentially up to four months. This large number of MPs found in coastal convergence zones is similar to accumulation zones formed in the gyres of open oceans, with strong implications for detrimental effects on coastal marine life. However, these MPs are autochthonous, and may be manageable through local marine plastic waste management.

Understanding heavy metal toxicity: Implications on human health, marine ecosystems and bioremediation strategies.

Heavy metals are constituents of the natural environment and are of great importance to both natural and artificial processes. But in recent times the indiscriminate use of heavy metals especially for human purposes has caused an imbalance in natural geochemical cycles. This imbalance has caused contamination of heavy metals into natural resources and such as soil and a marine ecosystem. Long exposure and higher accumulation of given heavy metals are known to impose detrimental and even lethal effects on humans. Conventional remediation techniques of heavy metals provide good results but have negative side effects on surrounding environment. The role played by microbes in bioremediation of heavy metals is well reported in the literature and understanding the role of molecules in the process of metal accumulation its reduction and transformation into less hazardous state, has myriads of biotechnological implications for bioremediation of metal-contaminated sites. The current review presents the implications of heavy metals on human health and marine ecosystems, conventional methods of heavy metal removal and their side effects on the environment. Bioremediation approaches have been discussed as well in this review, proving to be a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach towards remediation of heavy metals.

Microbial communities on microplastics from seawater and mussels: Insights from the northern Adriatic Sea.

Microplastics, synthetic solid particles of different sizes (< 5 mm), pose a major challenge to marine ecosystems. Introducing microplastics into the marine environment leads to the formation of complex microbial communities, a topic of growing interest in environmental research. For this study, we selected an area in the northern Adriatic Sea, less affected by human activities, to understand how pristine environmental conditions influence microbial colonization of microplastics. Samples of coastal seawater and Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) were collected in a mussel farm near Debeli rtic of the Slovenian coast. Microplastics were isolated, visually and chemically analyzed and DNA was extracted for metagenomics. In the marine water column, 12.7 microplastics per m3 water column and 0.58 microplastics per individual mussel were found. Sufficient DNA was available to analyze six particles, five originating from seawater, and one from a mussel. This was the first-ever sequenced microplastic particle from a mussel. Genera of Pseudomonas and Serratia were identified in all samples. In one of the samples, the most abundant was a marine genus Pseudoalteromonas, while in another sample Campylobacter was present with >30 % abundance. The microbiomes of the mussel- and seawater-isolated particles were similar, suggesting a common microbial colonization pattern, which may have implications for the transfer of microplastic-associated microbes, including potential pathogens, through the food web to the consumers. Microplastic pollution is a complex issue requiring further research, especially regarding microbial biofilms, pathogen colonization and the potential of pathogen transmission via microplastic particles. Our findings enhance the understanding of microplastic pollution in the Adriatic Sea and stress the necessity for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the impact on marine ecosystems.

Variability in zoobenthic blue carbon storage across a southern polar gradient.

The seabed of the Antarctic continental shelf hosts most of Antarctica's known species, including taxa considered indicative of vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs). Nonetheless, the potential impact of climatic and environmental change, including marine icescape transition, on Antarctic shelf zoobenthos, and their blue carbon-associated function, is still poorly characterised. To help narrow knowledge gaps, four continental shelf study areas, spanning a southern polar gradient, were investigated for zoobenthic (principally epi-faunal) carbon storage (a component of blue carbon), and potential environmental influences, employing a functional group approach. Zoobenthic carbon storage was highest at the two southernmost study areas (with a mean estimate of 41.6 versus 7.2 g C m-2) and, at each study area, increased with morphotaxa richness, overall faunal density, and VME indicator density. Functional group mean carbon content varied with study area, as did each group's percentage contribution to carbon storage and faunal density. Of the environmental variables explored, sea-ice cover and primary production, both likely to be strongly impacted by climate change, featured in variable subsets most highly correlating with assemblage and carbon storage (by functional groups) structures. The study findings can underpin biodiversity- and climate-considerate marine spatial planning and conservation measures in the Southern Ocean.

Linking extinction risk to the economic and nutritional value of sharks in small-scale fisheries.

To achieve sustainable shark fisheries, it is key to understand not only the biological drivers and environmental consequences of overfishing, but also the social and economic drivers of fisher behavior. The extinction risk of sharks is highest in coastal tropical waters, where small-scale fisheries are most prevalent. Small-scale fisheries provide a critical source of economic and nutritional security to coastal communities, and these fishers are among the most vulnerable social and economic groups. We used Kenya's and Zanzibar's small-scale shark fisheries, which are illustrative of the many data-poor, small-scale shark fisheries worldwide, as case studies to explore the relationship between extinction risk and the economic and nutritional value of sharks. To achieve this, we combined existing data on shark landings, extinction risk, and nutritional value with sales data at 16 key landing sites and information from interviews with 476 fishers. Shark fisheries were an important source of economic and nutritional security, valued at >US$4 million annually and providing enough nutrition for tens of thousands of people. Economically and nutritionally, catches were dominated by threatened species (72.7% and 64.6-89.7%, respectively). The most economically valuable species were large and slow to reproduce (e.g. mobulid rays, wedgefish, and bull, silky, and mako sharks) and therefore more likely to be threatened with extinction. Given the financial incentive and intensive fishing pressure, small-scale fisheries are undoubtedly major contributors to the decline of threatened coastal shark species. In the absence of effective fisheries management and enforcement, we argue that within small-scale fisheries the conditions exist for an economically incentivized feedback loop in which vulnerable fishers are driven to persistently overfish vulnerable and declining shark species. To protect these species from extinction, this feedback loop must be broken.

Conexión entre el riesgo de extinción y el valor nutricional de los tiburones en las pesquerías a pequeña escala Resumen Para lograr la sustentabilidad de las pesquerías de tiburones se deben entender los factores ecológicos y las consecuencias ambientales de la sobrepesca, así como los factores sociales y económicos del comportamiento del pescador. El riesgo de extinción de los tiburones es mucho mayor en las aguas tropicales costeras, en donde son más frecuentes las pesquerías a pequeña escala. Las pesquerías a pequeña escala, que además se encuentran entre los grupos con mayor vulnerabilidad social y económica, proporcionan una fuente importante de seguridad económica y nutricional para las comunidades costeras. Usamos las pesquerías de Kenia y Zanzíbar, las cuales representan muy bien a muchas de las pequeñas pesquerías de tiburones con deficiencia de datos, como estudios de caso para explorar la relación entre el riesgo de extinción y el valor económico y nutricional de los tiburones. Para lograr esto, combinamos los datos ya existentes de desembarques de tiburones, riesgo de extinción y valor nutricional con la información de ventas en 16 sitios clave de desembarque e información de las entrevistas a 476 pescadores. Las pesquerías de tiburones son una fuente importante de seguridad alimentaria y económica, valorada en más de US$4 millones anuales y que proporciona suficiente alimentación para miles de personas. En cuanto a la economía y la alimentación, las capturas estuvieron dominadas por especies amenazadas (72.7% y 64.6­89.7%, respectivamente). Las especies con mayor valor económico eran aquellas de gran tamaño y lenta reproducción, y, por lo tanto, con mayor probabilidad de estar en peligro de extinción. A causa del incentivo económico y la presión intensa de pesca, las pesquerías pequeñas sin duda son uno de los principales contribuyentes a la declinación de especies amenazadas de tiburones en las costas. Ya que no hay una aplicación ni un manejo efectivos de las pesquerías, argumentamos que en las pequeñas pesquerías existen las condiciones para un bucle de retroalimentación con incentivación económica en el que los pescadores vulnerables con frecuencia necesitan sobre pescar las especies de tiburones vulnerables y en declinación. Para proteger a estas especies de la extinción, este bucle de retroalimentación debe romperse.

Beneath the blades: Marine wind farms support parts of local biodiversity - a systematic review.

Offshore wind energy developments in European waters are rapidly expanding to meet the increasing global demand for renewable energy. These developments provide new substrates for species colonisation, but also introduce changes in electromagnetic fields, noise levels, and hydrological conditions. Understanding how these man-made structures affect marine biodiversity across various species groups is crucial, yet our knowledge in this field remains incomplete. In this synthesis paper, based on 14 case studies conducted in northeastern Atlantic (North, Irish and Baltic seas), we aggregated species-level data on abundance, biomass, and other quantity proxies spanning the entire food chain from invertebrates to mammals, and compared these variables between wind farms and nearby control sites. Overall, our analysis revealed that in wind farm areas, species tend to occur at higher quantities than in control areas. Additionally, we noticed a slight trend where the positive effect of wind farms was more pronounced in newly established ones, gradually diminishing as wind farms aged. None of the tested covariates (depth, distance from coastline, years in commission) nor species' characteristics (habitat and spawning types, trophic level) showed statistical significance. When examining species groups individually, there was a tendency for wind farm areas to harbour higher quantities of polychaetes, echinoderms and demersal fishes. These findings suggest that wind farms contribute to the so-called reef-effect, providing shelter and food supplies to their inhabitants and acting as no-take-zones. Our results support the idea that wind farms could serve as zones of increased local biodiversity, potentially facilitating spillover effects to nearby areas for certain species groups. Further studies are necessary to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the adverse effects of wind farms on associated biodiversity, while also exploring avenues to amplify their positive impacts.

Solving the fouling mechanisms in composite membranes for water purification: An advance approach.

With the increasing population worldwide more wastewater is created by human activities and discharged into the waterbodies. This is causing the contamination of aquatic bodies, thus disturbing the marine ecosystems. The rising population is also posing a challenge to meet the demands of fresh drinking water in the water-scarce regions of the world, where drinking water is made available to people by desalination process. The fouling of composite membranes remains a major challenge in water desalination. In this innovative study, we present a novel probabilistic approach to analyse and anticipate the predominant fouling mechanisms in the filtration process. Our establishment of a robust theoretical framework hinges upon the utilization of both the geometric law and the Hermia model, elucidating the concept of resistance in series (RIS). By manipulating the transmembrane pressure, we demonstrate effective management of permeate flux rate and overall product quality. Our investigations reveal a decrease in permeate flux in three distinct phases over time, with the final stage marked by a significant reduction due to the accumulation of a denser cake layer. Additionally, an increase in transmembrane pressure leads to a correlative rise in permeate flux, while also exerting negative effects such as membrane ruptures. Our study highlights the minimal immediate impact of the intermediate blocking mechanism (n = 1) on permeate flux, necessitating continuous monitoring for potential long-term effects. Additionally, we note a reduced membrane selectivity across all three fouling types (n = 0, n = 1.5, n = 2). Ultimately, our findings indicate that the membrane undergoes complete fouling with a probability of P = 0.9 in the presence of all three fouling mechanisms. This situation renders the membrane unable to produce water at its previous flow rate, resulting in a significant reduction in the desalination plant's productivity. I have demonstrated that higher pressure values notably correlate with increased permeate flux across all four membrane types. This correlation highlights the significant role of TMP in enhancing the production rate of purified water or desired substances through membrane filtration systems. Our innovative approach opens new perspectives for water desalination management and optimization, providing crucial insights into fouling mechanisms and proposing potential strategies to address associated challenges.

Complete genome sequence of a species of the genus Agarivorans from the Sea of Japan.

A strain of Agarivorans sp., named OAG1, predicted to be capable of degrading agar, was isolated from the Sea of Japan. Its 4.7 Mbp genome with 4,224 predicted protein-coding genes offers insight into the varied genes responsible for agar degradation, as observed in the comparative genomic study of Agarivorans species.