ACCES_Quantitative and qualitative data on meiofauna in sublittoral sediment samples

Data on meiofauna abundance (number of individuals per 10cm2) recorded in top 5 cm of sediment samples collected in Isfjorden between 23 and 24 of July 2019. Samples were taken with use of a plastic tube (sampling area 10 cm2) inserted into the sediment collected with a box-corer. Two sampling areas were choosen: Gipsvika, an open shallow bay located at the mouth of the Gipsdalselva river (8 stations) and a glacial bay Yoldiabukta (7 stations). At each station 3 replicates were taken for meiofauna. Samples were preserved in 4% % formaldehyde solution. In laboratory samples were centrifuged three times in a solution of colloidal silica (Ludox TM-50, density of 1.18 g cm-3) and stained in a 4% buffered formaldehyde solution with Rose Bengal for at least 24 hours. Then samples were sieved and only specimens that passed through 500 µm mesh and retained on 32 µm mesh were analysed. All specimens were identified to the higher taxa level.