Microbiomes respond predictably to built habitats on the seafloor

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Microbial Ecology
• Oceanography

Background:

• Seafloor ecosystems exhibit biodiversity influenced by habitat heterogeneity.
• Natural features like vents, seeps, and reefs create distinct micro- and macrofauna populations.
• Built habitats, such as shipwrecks, are increasingly altering seafloor environments and may impact benthic microbiomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of shipwrecks as built habitats on surrounding deep-sea sediment microbiomes.
• To determine the extent of shipwrecks' influence on microbial community structure and diversity.
• To analyze the distinct microbial responses of archaea and bacteria to shipwreck habitats.

Main Methods:

• Collection of 762 deep-sea sediment samples from around nine shipwrecks in the Gulf of Mexico.
• Analysis of microbial diversity and community composition in relation to proximity to shipwrecks.
• Application of supervised learning algorithms to predict sample location based on microbial taxa frequencies.

Main Results:

• Shipwrecks were found to elevate microbial diversity and establish a predictable core microbiome in surrounding sediments.
• The sphere of influence of shipwrecks extended up to 300 meters onto the seafloor.
• Archaeal responses to shipwrecks were consistent, while bacterial responses showed greater variability; specific archaeal taxa were enriched around shipwrecks.

Conclusions:

• Shipwrecks act as significant artificial habitats that shape deep-sea microbiomes.
• Built habitats demonstrably impact microbiome biodiversity, offering insights into anthropogenic effects on benthic communities.
• Understanding these impacts is crucial for managing ocean sprawl and its ecological consequences in the Anthropocene.