Balticsea 2020

Microbial populations in the Baltic Sea

Original Title: Analyses of microbial populations in the Baltic Sea through environmental metagenomic sequencing

Researchers in recent years have demonstrated microorganisms fundamental role in the marine global ecosystem. Knowledge of the smallest elements is a prerequisite for understanding how it all fits together, from microorganisms to fish and finally to humans. BalticSea2020, together with the Foundation Olle Engkvist Byggmästare now funds a unique project that will examine the microorganisms in the Baltic Sea and how they are affected by external changes and how they in turn affect life in and around the sea.

Background
Microorganisms are essential to all life in the Baltic Sea. The cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), that form the annual recurrent "blooms" in the Baltic Sea surface water, are important primary producers for most of the carbon and nitrogen for the animal and plant populations in the Baltic Sea. But the cyanobacteria also produce a neurotoxin (BMAA) that has been found in zooplankton and fish. The toxin can be transmitted to humans through food and can probably cause serious diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Objectives
Through the use of modern technology, so-called metagenome analysis, researchers may identify the Baltic microorganisms at the genetic level, in this project focus will be on cyanobacteria. The aim is to first obtain an overall picture of the microorganisms in the Baltic Sea, who they are, what they do and how they do it. The project will - both in a quantitative and a qualitative way, study the microbial composition and activities, and from that highlight the diversity and interaction in the Baltic Sea ecosystem.