Change of the benthic microbial diversity with distance from the fish cages

In the present study we examined the effect of aquaculture on the microbial benthic community. In two different aquaculture sites we collected sediment samples from different distances from the fish cages. Total DNA was extracted from sediments of the upper layer (0-5cm) and PCR was performed using universal bacterial primers. A nested PCR followed using universal internal bacterial primers and the products were separated according to their nucleotide sequence by Detergent Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGEE). Primary results show that, in contrast to current view, microbial diversity is affected by aquaculture. The pattern of microbial diversity change obtained is similar to that of the model of Pearson-Rosenberg (1978) for macrofauna.