Dataset of foraminiferal sedimentary DNA (sedDNA) sequences from Svalbard.

The data presents foraminiferal diversity and spatial variability inferred from SSU rDNA sequences. Surface sediment samples were collected at 15 sampling stations located in the Svalbard archipelago. Sampling stations were located in the glaciated fjords (Isfjorden, Wijdefjorden, and Rijpfjorden) and in the vicinity of large tidewater glaciers (Nordaustlandet, Edgeoya). Foraminiferal sedimentary DNA (sedDNA) was analyzed in four sediment size fractions: > 500 µm, 500-100 µm, 100-63µm and < 63 µm. The total DNA was extracted from sediments, foraminifer-specific DNA fragments were amplified and sequenced using Illumina technology. Sequences are clustered into the Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs), and for each OTU, a number of sequence reads are presented. This data provides the first insight into the genetic diversity of Arctic foraminifer in different sediment size fractions. The data is of interest to researchers in a field of metagenomic studies, including biomonitoring, biodiversity surveys, and environmental impact assessments. Moreover, it may be used as a reference in paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic studies.