18S rRNA gene sequencing of benthic sediments in the Barents Sea

Diminishing sea ice cover in the Arctic is expected to influence community structure. To assess the influence of varying sea ice cover on the eukaryote community structure and diversity, 18S rRNA gene sequence data was obtained from sediment samples collected during a series of ship-board sampling campaigns in the Barents Sea. As part of the Changing Arctic Ocean programme, in July -of 2017, 2018 and 2019, the RSS James Clark Ross followed a North-South on the eastern side of Svalbard. Each year, six stations were sampled to understand the implications of changing sea ice cover on community structure and diversity.