Whole metagenomic assessment of the sediment microbial community within Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

Understanding the marine sediment microbial community structure is of increasing importance to microbiologists, since little is known of the diverse taxonomy that exist within this vital habitat. Quantifying species abundance and distribution patterns within marine sanctuaries is a requirement to address conservation requirements. Related to the need for a comprehensive assessment is the increase threat of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, coupled with multi-resistant bacterial strains. The objectives of this project are to characterize the relative abundance and biodiversity of metagenome samples of the sediment microbial community in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS). An additional aim was to initiate quantification of secondary metabolite gene clusters with potential for natural products and drug discovery relevant to human health. On a global level, this work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which emphasize the importance of enhancing our understanding of the ocean's health and the stressors on its ecosystems, as well as the need for increased research to support decision-making.