deep-sea coral metagenomes

As part of a study to investigate the effect of natural seepage on deep-sea corals in the Gulf of Mexico, we sequenced the metagenomes of the octocoral, Callogorgia delta, and the surrounding sediment. At sites within Bureau of Ocean Energy Management designated lease blocks, MC751 and MC885, Callogorgia delta colonies can be found growing near cold seeps. Colonies were collected in 2015 and 2016 growing near or far from signs of seepage including bacterial mats and chemosymbiotic fauna. Sediment samples were collected near corals with push cores. The metagenomes were sequenced to investigate the effects of natural seepage on the composition of the microbial communities associated with corals and sediment and to determine any changes in metabolic capabilities in these microbial communities.