This dataset is composed of the following sources: Christelle Jammar, Ulrike Braeckman (n.d.). Biotic and abiotic data from the baseline study in 2023 for the fisheries exclusion zone (COMOFISH) in the Belgian Part of the North Sea.

The samples were collected at 20 different stations within the Abra alba and Nephtys cirrosa community in the BPNS. Macrobenthos samples were collected using a 0.1 m² Van Veen Grab. From these 20 locations 10 were located within the future exclusion zone, and 10 around the zone for serve as future reference to monitore changes. The grain size distribution was measured using laser diffraction with a Malvern Mastersizer. The TOC content in each sample was measured by combustion using an ELTRA CS2000 with infrared cells after acidifying the samples. On board, the Van Veen grab samples were sieved over a 1 mm mesh-sized sieve, and the macrobenthos was preserved in 4% formaldehyde-seawater solution. The samples were then stained with 1% Rose Bengal. In the laboratory, organisms were sorted, counted and identified to the lowest taxonomic level. Data were quality checked and flagged accordingly.

Geographic information -- Metadata

ISO 19115:2003/19139