Next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA genes in marine sediments around remnant oyster reefs

Oysters may stimulate the removal of excess nutrients in estuaries. Material ingested, but not digested is deposited on the sediment surface as faeces and pseudofaeces. These biodeposits have a significantly higher organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous concentration than the surrounding sediments, thus promoting favourable conditions for denitrifying sediment bacteria. This project aims to describe the sediment bacterial communities around remnant oyster reefs in three estuaries from NSW, Australia.