Benthic communities under bird-cliffs: species composition and δ15N and δ13C values, Isfjorden (Svalbard)

These datasets contain species composition of benthic communities and δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C measurements in whole-body tissues of invertebrates (chitons, hermit crabs, and whelks) collected in the shallow sublittoral zone beneath a bird-cliff and in a reference area in Isfjorden (west Spitsbergen, Svalbard). The datasets support analyses of how seabird-derived nutrient subsidies influence Arctic benthic communities below seabird colonies. Date of data collection:July 2018 Location:Isfjorden, Svalbard (approx. 78°13’N 15°20’E) Methods:Data were collected along three 200-meter transects (two below seabird colonies and one in a reference area), with sampling conducted every 20 meters starting 60 meters from the coastline. At each site, kelp forest presence was recorded, three high-resolution photoquadrat images of the seabed were taken, and up to six individuals of chitons, hermit crabs, and whelks were collected. Benthic taxa visible in the images were identified and counted, and invertebrate whole bodies (without shells) were analysed for δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C using standard laboratory procedures. See the manuscript for full methodological details: Zmudczyńska-Skarbek K, Balazy P, Chełchowski M, Kukliński P, Lepoint G, Opalińska Z, Zwolicki A. Bottom-up effects of seabird colonies on Arctic benthic communities mediated by kelp forests. Ecosystems.