Observing and Promoting Atlantic Microbiomes

Marine microbiomes are at the heart of the living ocean, driving its biogeochemical cycles, forming the basis of its food webs and performing essential and some yet unknown functions in climate regulation.

The oceans are a largely untapped resource for biodiscovery and the bioeconomy, with a high potential for the development of new products and processes. The Atlantic Ocean Marine Microbiome Working Group (MMWG) is a cooperative effort between Canada, the European Union and the United States of America, which strives to bring together science, industry and policy makers to advance the “Next Great Exploration of the Oceans”.

This Decade Project will provide a vehicle for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), as a member of the MMWG, to contribute to the UN Ocean Decade through participation in the biomolecular observing network, focusing on microbiomes. Knowledge generating activities tie directly into the dissemination of knowledge around microbiome ecology and ecosystem services in collaboration with the MMWG.

This Project is hosted by the Ocean Decade Programme Ocean Biomolecular Observing Network (OBON)

Start Date: 01/01/2022
End Date: 31/12/2030

Lead Contact: Alice Ortmann (Alice.Ortmann@dfo-mpo.gc.ca)