Next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA genes in Torres Strait marine sediments

Sampling of marine sediment communities with targeted gene analysis was used here to investigate ecological change in relation to environmental differences in the Torres Strait and to explore potential relationships to metals and sediments in particular. While macrofauna of the Torres Strait sediments have been surveyed previously, the microbial biodiversity in the Torres Strait or adjacent regions has, to our knowledge, not yet been investigated. Hence, this work provides the first description of bacterial sediment communities in the Torres Strait, and provides background information for future studies in this and adjacent regions.