Methanotroph activity and connectivity between two seep systems north off Svalbard

This study investigates methane dynamics and microbial communities at two Arctic cold seep areas, Norskebanken and Hinlopen Trough, north of Svalbard. These seeps are connected by a branch of the West Spitsbergen Current (WSC). The sediment MOB communities varied, with Hinlopen showing greater diversity and abundance. The presence of similar MOBs in both sediments and the water column suggests recruitment of water column MOBs from sediments, likely via a bubble shuttle. Additionally, the composition of the MOB community in bottom waters indicated that the WSC may facilitate the translocation of MOBs from Norskebanken to Hinlopen Trough.