Spatio-temporal distribution and biotechnological potential of culturable yeasts in the intertidal sediments and seawater of Aoshan Bay, China

Marine yeasts play a crucial role in marine microbial ecology, facilitating the biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nitrogen in marine ecosystems, while also serving as important reservoirs of bioactive compounds with extensive applications in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and various industries. Intertidal flats, characterized by their complex ecological dynamics, are postulated to harbor a wealth of yeast resources. This study employed a culture-dependent approach to assess the diversity, spatio-temporal distribution, and biotechnological potential of yeast communities residing within the intertidal sediments and seawater of Aoshan Bay. A total of 392 yeast strains were identified from 20 distinct genera, encompassing 43 recognized species and four candidate novel species. Notably, 17 of these species were identified as novel occurrences in marine environments, underscoring the rich yeast biodiversity of the Aoshan Bay ecosystem, with