Comparative characteristics of communities of microorganisms in the surface waters of bays in the coastal waters of the Sea of Japan exposed to anthropogenic impact

The study of microbial communities is of primary importance in assessing the ecological state of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere as a whole. Of greatest interest are communities located near places of human activity: cities, factories and seaports. The study of microbial communities in the bays of Primorsky Territory are currently insufficiently studied, as the objects of the study were mainly focused on the bays and gulfs located nearest to Vladivostok, while the water areas located to the north along the seacoast were studied insufficiently or not at all. This study presents new data on the microbiota composition of ten bays and creeks of Primorsky Territory. The main dominants, environmental factors affecting microbial populations, as well as their functional features which not only impact the processes of formation of bacterial communities, but also participate in providing the functioning of ecosystems as a whole were identified. Expeditionary research on the Pilgrim cruise ship is the first implemented activity of the ‘Road Map’ (2024—2028) initiated by NRC “Kurchatov Institute” and TOI FEB RAS. The results obtained are promising for studies in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 818 dated 02.11.2023 “On the development of nature-like technologies in the Russian Federation”.