Gulf of Maine bulk and amino acid nitrogen isotope data from 1783-2010 measured from Arctica islandica shells

The data presented here are bulk and amino acid nitrogen isotopes and amino acid concentrations measured in <i>Arctica islandica </i>shells collected from the Gulf of Maine between 2009 and 2014. The samples are dated between 1783 and 2010 C.E. using cross-dating techniques. Three different tissue types were analyzed: periostracum, calcium carbonate shell, and adductor muscle. Carbon isotopes of periostracum are also presented. Isotope data were analyzed using an isotope ratio mass spectrometer coupled with a Gas Chromatograph and an Elemental Analyzer for amino acid and bulk analyses, respectively. Amino acid concentration data were analyzed using a Flame Ionization Detector and concentration curves. Trophic position of <i>Arctica islandica </i>through time was determined using a trophic position equation gleaned from the literature.<br>