1. Why is 454 important? Concept of the Rare Biosphere: Minor population members may serve as key-stone species Rare Biosphere may be source of genomic innovation being observed in new microbial genome sequences. Under-represented microbial populations may become dominant in response to environmental shifts. Rare biosphere may serve as sentinel for global change. Benefits: Can detect and measure minor population members. Provides initial window on total diversity of microbes in the environment. Allows relative quantitative measures of species abundance. Efficiency and high throughput allows intensive sampling of all sites of interest. Offers a tool to finger-print microbial populations for correlations with biogeochemical activity. Permits microbial population biology studies in natural environments. Makes possible biogeographical studies of microbial populations. Important complement to metagenomic investigations: i.e. Sorcerer II Expedition

2. Societal Impacts of 454-Based studies Microbial Population Structure of the World’s Oceans Human health Persistence and Distribution of human pathogens Monitoring and tracing of HABs (Harmful Algal Blooms) Improved prediction of global change and climate change Detecting and monitoring human disturbance of marine ecosystems Prediction and monitoring of consequences of ocean acidification and ocean warming in a high-CO 2 world Prediction and monitoring of ecosystem change by pollution with nutrients, man-made chemicals, etc. Recognition of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment

3. What’s next for ICoMM? -Continuation of on-going activities: a) Further explore 454 technology for environmental microbial (and other) diversity b) Build up MICROBIS sequence and lipid databases (the latter in collaboration with LIPID MAPS) c) Organize general ICoMM meeting to establish protocols for sampling, sample selection, sample preparation, extraction, sequencing, database management, etc. d) Explore the possibility to act as a resource for 454 sequencing for the marine microbial scientific community e) Submit proposals to US, European and Dutch funding agencies to extend ICoMM activities f) Establish links with other programs and organizations

4. -Relation to other CoML programs ICoMM could serve the CoML community as a central resource for 454 sequence technology Some examples: -CenSeam (Seamounts) & ChEss (Vents and Seep) The first 454 results of the two Axial Seamount samples clearly describe the microbial communities and microbial diversity of seamounts and vents -CeDaMaR (Abyssal plains) & MAR-ECO (Mid-Ocean Ridges) The microbial diversity of the East Pacific Rise will be revisited through 454 sequencing -NaGISA (Near shore) In collaboration with the Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health (WH-COHH) 454 tag sequencing of near shore samples will be performed to help to identify low-abundant pathogenic bacteria, harmful algae, etc.

5. -Relation to other programs and organizations POGO (Partnership for the Observation of the Global Oceans) - At the recent POGO meeting in India the directors of the large marine institutes worldwide decided: a) to develop a meta-database of past, present and future cruises of their Research Vessels (RV’s) b) to support requests for sampling, monitoring and berths during expeditions of their RV’s (A successful example is the sampling performed for ICoMM during an Atlantic meridional trip of an English RV crossing at least 7 biogeochemical provinces) These decisions will enable ICoMM and many other CoML programmes to obtain samples, make measurements and perform observations in (remote) areas (e.g. polar regions) at low cost

6. -Relations to other programs and organiza t ions -SAHFOS (Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science) For 75 years subsurface water samples have been filtered with the so-called Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) by Ships of Opportunity during frequent and repeated trajectories, mostly in the Atlantic. Although these samples are stored in formalin at Plymouth (UK), recent research indicates that DNA is partly preserved. This may open possibilities to study past diversity through 454 sequencing, which may be of interest for ICoMM, CMarZ (Zooplankton) and HMAP (Past Oceans). ICoMM is presently exploring this approach.

7. -Relations to other programmes and organisations GEO (Global Earth Observations) The recently established international GEO serves as an catalyst and umbrella for extant and future long term, comprehensive and sustainable remote and in-situ observations of the Earth (including the oceans!) and is driven by the social benefits of such data. Biodiversity is one of these 9 social benefits and a firmer relation between CoML and GEO would be highly beneficial for both. POGO has undertaken actions to implement a senior marine scientist in the GEO secretariat at Geneva.

8. -Relations to other programs and organizations IODP (International Ocean Drilling Program) The analysis of IODP or other sediment cores for DNA and lipids opens the possibility to survey sub-seafloor microbial diversity and community structure. In collaboration with WHOI samples from different sites will be subjected to 454 sequencing

9. Courtesy Jed Fuhrman