Cocci of phosphate‐sequestering bacteria were found in the water column off Namibia where Recent phosphorites are forming. Furthermore, recent work on bacterial populations in the Benguela upwelling system shows that the population that occurs during non‐upwelling periods is dominated by phosphate‐sequestering bacteria(Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter,). These are the bacteria that effect phosphorus removal from biological activated sludge systems in wastewater treatment plants. Our conclusion is that these bacteria act in a similar manner in natural systems as they are known to do in wastewater treatment plants and that they play an active role in phosphate concentration and phosphorite genesis.