Nasal and Anal V4 16S rRNA Gene Sequences from Harbour and Ringed Seals

This project aimed to characterize the nasal and anal microbiota of two sympatric phocid species, the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) and the ringed seal (Pusa hispida), in a subarctic environment. Using high-throughput sequencing of the V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene, we investigated microbial community composition across anatomical sites and species to better understand host-specific and site-specific microbial signatures. These data contribute to baseline knowledge of the mucosal microbiome in Arctic marine mammals, providing insight into host health, ecological adaptation, and potential susceptibility to environmental change.