A review of studies on bacteria in the Banda Sea over the past seven decades (1950-2017)

Abstract

Studies on marine bacteriology in the Banda Sea were started from the 1950s. This paper is an attempt to review all works carried out in the last seven decades. Literature reviews indicated that there was not much research done on marine bacteria in the Banda Sea and adjacent waters such as Ambon Bay. Studies on bacterial biomass, indicator bacteria on water quality monitoring as well as bacteria potential as a producer of secondary metabolites were carried out. However, considering Banda Sea ecosystem that is mostly consisted of deep environments, it would be interesting to prioritize research activities on piezophiles or at least piezotolerant marine bacteria. There is thus an urgent need to determine the priorities in studying marine bacteria in this ecosystem, which should be focused on deep-sea ones.