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Nearshore microbial communities of the Pacific Northwest coasts of Canada and the U.S.

  • Author(s): Linda D. Rhodes, Nicolaus G. Adams, Ramon Gallego Simon, Maria T. Kavanaugh, Simone R. Ali, Richard A. Feely
  • Frontiers in Marine Science
  • September 4, 2024
Citation: Rhodes Linda D. , Adams Nicolaus G. , Gallego Simon Ramon , Kavanaugh Maria T. , Alin Simone R. , Feely Richard A., Nearshore microbial communities of the Pacific Northwest coasts of Canada and the U.S., Frontiers in Marine Science, Volume 11, 2024, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2024.1430930

A survey of marine pelagic coastal microbial communities was conducted over a large geographic latitude range, from Cape Mendocino in northern California USA to Queen Charlotte Sound in British Columbia Canada, during the spring to summer transition. DNA metabarcoding and flow cytometry were used to characterize microbial communities. Physical and chemical oceanography indicated moderate conditions during the survey with no widespread upwelling, marine heat wave, or other extreme conditions. However, four locations displayed features approaching acidified conditions: Heceta Head, Newport, Copalis Beach, and Cape Flattery. Although bacterial and archaeal communities at the Juan de Fuca canyon and northward had high similarity, those south of the Juan de Fuca canyon were well differentiated from each other. In contrast, eukaryotic microbial communities exhibited stronger geographic differentiation than bacterial and archaeal communities across the extent of the survey. Seawater parameters that were best predictors of bacterial and archaeal community structure were temperature, pH, and dissolved inorganic nutrients (nitrate, phosphate, silicate), while those that were best predictors of eukaryotic microbial community structure were salinity, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, and dissolved inorganic nutrients (nitrite, silicate). Although five bacterial and archaeal indicators for potentially corrosive waters were identified (Colwellia, Nitrosopumilus, Nitrosopelagicus, Sup05 cluster, Sva0996 marine group), no eukaryotic microbial indicators were found. Potentially pathogenic taxa detected in the survey included four disease-causing bacteria for mammals, finfish, and/or shellfish (Coxiella, Flavobacterium, Francisella, Tenacibaculum), sixteen genera of microalgae capable of producing biotoxins, and fifteen parasitic species. This study demonstrates the value of coordinating microbial sampling and analysis with broad-scale oceanographic surveys to generate insights into community structures of these important pelagic trophic levels.

Partially funded by NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program (NOAA; project 21405, ROR # 02bfn4816)

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ADAPTING TO OCEAN ACIDIFICATION

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) works to prepare society to adapt to the consequences of ocean acidification and conserve marine ecosystems as acidification occurs. Learn more about the human connections and adaptation strategies from these efforts.

Adaptation approaches fostered by the OAP include:

FORECASTING

Using models and research to understand the sensitivity of organisms and ecosystems to ocean acidification to make predictions about the future, allowing communities and industries to prepare

MANAGEMENT

Using these models and predictions as tools to facilitate management strategies that will protect marine resources and communities from future changes

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Developing innovative tools to help monitor ocean acidification and mitigate changing ocean chemistry locally

REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

50 more ways to reduce your carbon footprint >

On the Road

Drive fuel-efficient vehicles or choose public transportation. Choose your bike or walk! Don't sit idle for more than 30 seconds. Keep your tires properly inflated.

With your Food Choices

Eat local- this helps cut down on production and transport! Reduce your meat and dairy. Compost to avoid food waste ending up in the landfill

With your Food Choices

Make energy-efficient choices for your appliances and lighting. Heat and cool efficiently! Change your air filters and program your thermostat, seal and insulate your home, and support clean energy sources

By Reducing Coastal Acidification

Reduce your use of fertilizers, Improve sewage treatment and run off, and Protect and restore coastal habitats

TAKE ACTION WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

You've taken the first step to learn more about ocean acidification - why not spread this knowledge to your community?

Every community has their unique culture, economy and ecology and what’s at stake from ocean acidification may be different depending on where you live.  As a community member, you can take a larger role in educating the public about ocean acidification. Creating awareness is the first step to taking action.  As communities gain traction, neighboring regions that share marine resources can build larger coalitions to address ocean acidification.  Here are some ideas to get started:

  1. Work with informal educators, such as aquarium outreach programs and local non-profits, to teach the public about ocean acidification. Visit our Education & Outreach page to find the newest tools!
  2. Participate in habitat restoration efforts to restore habitats that help mitigate the effects of coastal acidification
  3. Facilitate conversations with local businesses that might be affected by ocean acidification, building a plan for the future.
  4. Partner with local community efforts to mitigate the driver behind ocean acidification  – excess CO2 – such as community supported agriculture, bike & car shares and other public transportation options.
  5. Contact your regional Coastal Acidification Network (CAN) to learn how OA is affecting your region and more ideas about how you can get involved in your community
       More for Taking Community Action