16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of oyster hemolymph to assess contamination bias from sampling method

This project contains raw paired-end 16S rRNA amplicon reads generated to evaluate how hemolymph collection methodology affects observed bacterial community composition in the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). Hemolymph was sampled using two commonly used approaches: a shell notch method in which a needle passes through soft tissues and mucus membranes, and an alternative drilled-hole method that allows direct access to the adductor sinuses.