To evaluate the effect of reed population on the distribution and activities of microorganisms, vertical distribution of heterotrophic bacteria, degradation rate of cellulose, extracellular aminopeptidase activity (APA) and metabolic diversity based on GN2 Microlog plate were measured at two salt marsh stations in Hogok-ri, Namyang Bay, west coast of Korea. The number of heterotrophic bacteria at station 1 (reed population inhabited area) showed 2 to 6 times higher than that of station 2 (exposed area) with exception in the surface layer. Cellulose degradation rates in station 1 showed more than 50%. month-I and higher than that of station 2 (10.2 to 38.4%. $month^{-1}$). Yet the APA at two stations did not show difference except surface layer and suggested that APA might not be a significant factor in degrading marsh plant debris. Lipid class compounds, cell wall polymers and L-alanine were widely used by microorganisms. The number and activities of bacterial populations especially concerned in plant debris degradation seemed to be stimulated by the reed communities.