D13C and D15N - Irish Sea

Stable isotope δ13C and δ15N signatures for Nephrops from the Irish Sea. White muscle tissue was extracted from the first tail segment with shell, digestive and nerve tract removed. Nephrop samples were stored frozen at -18°C after capture for later analysis in the laboratory. In the laboratory all tissue samples were oven dried for 24 hours at 75°C. Each individual tissue sample was ground to a homogenous powder using an agate pestle and mortar. Subsequently, 1.5-2.0 mg of the resulting powder was weighed into tin capsules for stable isotope analysis. Tissue samples were combusted for C and N isotope compositions using continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry (CF-IRMS) THERMO delta X PLUS mass spectrometer (Scientific Technical Services - University of the Balearic Islands). The isotope mass spectrometer was operating in dual mode measuring δ15N and δ13C in the same sample Additionally C/N ratios are provided.