Marine microbial community responses to ocean acidification and warming

Oligotrophic subtropical gyres cover over 40% of Earth's ocean area, and play a key role in global primary production and biogeochemical cycling. Bacteria communities modulate biogeochemical cycling in oligotrophic regions, yet little is know about how these communities are likely to respond to rising carbon dioxide concentrations and temperatures. In this study, we assess the impact of elevated carbon dioxide and temperature on bacterial communities at both the fringe and ultra-oligotrophic centre of the South Pacific Gyre. Trace-metal clean protocols were used throughout to prevent incidental iron contamination, which can alter microbial communities in these regions.