
Beginning in 2010, the development and application of genomics and bioinformatics tools enabled researchers—for the first time—to identify and examine individual microorganisms within their complex communities in unprecedented detail. Today, technical advances and new discoveries reveal a natural capacity of microbes in the Gulf of Mexico to catalyze bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons. This knowledge is critical to guide mitigation and restoration strategies that build on microbes’ natural bioremediation capabilities without further disturbing sensitive ecosystems.
This report is based on the deliberations of experts who participated in the joint colloquium of the American Academy of Microbiology, ASM’s honorific leadership group, the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI) in April 2019. The report highlights new research tools, methodology, data resources, collaborations and models that will advance basic and applied research to provide data-driven solutions to environmental challenges.
Citation
Joye S, Kostka J. 2020. Microbial genomics of the global ocean system.Contact Information
Academy Staff, Academy@asmusa.org