310 New and Unrecorded Bacteria Species Discovered on South Korean Islands and Coastlines

South Korea has identified 310 new and previously unrecorded species of bacteria along its islands and coastlines. The discovery, made by the National Institute of Honam Region Biological Resources, spans five years of research from 2021 to the present, covering approximately 100 coastal and island locations.

Among the newly found species are those with reported antimicrobial, anti-cancer, and immune-modulating functions. Additionally, "beneficial bacteria" capable of promoting plant growth, potentially for use in eco-friendly agriculture, were identified. The research team collected samples from seawater, marine sediment, salt-tolerant plants, and soil to identify and catalog these bacteria.

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This research is a case that shows systematic biodiversity surveys targeting island and coastal areas are very effective in discovering undiscovered microbial resources.

To access more remote islands, the research utilized the eco-friendly research vessel 'Seomnurimho' starting in 2023. This expanded the survey's reach to distant locations such as Gogeumdo Island in Shinan County, Chujado Island in Jeju, and Eocheongdo Island in Gunsan City.

One notable discovery is "Zooshikella harenae," found on Yuldo Island in 2025. This bacterium produces prodigiosin, a vibrant red pigment with reported biological activities including antimicrobial, anti-cancer, and immune-boosting effects, making it a candidate for pharmaceutical and bio-material research. Another identified species, "Roseibium salinum," isolated from the roots of salt-tolerant plants on Goha Island in Mokpo, converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants, suggesting its utility in sustainable agriculture.

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The newly discovered bacterial resources, including new and unrecorded species, will be used as basic data for research on island and coastal biodiversity and will contribute to expanding the national species list.