This dataset is composed of the following sources: Christelle Jammar, Ulrike Braeckman (n.d.). Biotic and abiotic data from the baseline study in 2021 for the Westdiep Seafarm and the follow up monitoring of 2022 and 2023.

The samples were collected along a gradient in the northeast direction, starting at 75 m from the farm concession zone and extending to 4275 m distance. Macrobenthos samples were collected in triplicate at 20 locations along the gradient using a 0.1 m² Van Veen Grab. From these 20 locations 10 were selected to follow up with the monitoring in 2022 and 2023. 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