This project intends to investigate the diversity of microbiomes associated to marine species inhabiting coastal hydrothermal vents. Environmental communities will also be sought out, and transplants will be performed to understand host–microbial interactions in a changing ocean. This study also aims at identifying putative bacteria as a source of novel marine bioactive natural products that may be use in a wide range of applications, providing advice towards the establishment of innovative/ profitable investments with economic and societal benefits to the Azorean population.