This dataset is composed of the following sources: Christelle Jammar, Ulrike Braeckman (n.d.). Biotic and abiotic data from the baseline study in 2024 for the Princess Elisabeth Energy Island.

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The samples were collected along three transects: northeast (NE), southeast (SE), and southwest (SW). The NE transect extended from 100 m to 4200 m from the PEI the SE transect from 100 m to 600 m, and the SW transect from 100 m to 1400 m. Macrobenthos samples were collected in triplicate at 20 locations along the gradients using a 0.1 m² Van Veen Grab. A subsample for quantification of sediment grain size distribution and the total organic carbon content (TOC) was collected from each VV grab using a plexiglass core (Ø 3.6 cm). These samples were dried at 60°C during 48h, and the grain size distribution was measured using laser diffraction with a Malvern Mastersizer. The grain size distribution was then used to determine the median grain size (d50), fine sand fraction (% <250 μm) and mud content (< 63 µm) in each sample. For the 2 mm fraction, dried sediments are sieved using a 2mm sieve. The portion retained on the sieve (>2mm) and the fraction that passes through (<2mm) are weighed separately. The fraction above 2mm is then calculated by dividing the weight of the sediment retained by the 2 mm sieved by the total weight of both the retained and passed-through fractions, multiplied by one hundred. The TOC content in each sample was measured by combustion using an ELTRA CS2000 with infrared cells after acidifying the samples with 10M HCl until no bubbles were observed anymore. On board, the Van Veen grab samples were sieved over a 2 mm and 1mm 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 as well as blotted wet-weighted. Data were quality checked and flagged accordingly.

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ISO 19115:2003/19139