eDNA from seawater samples collected within the coastal zone of the Belgian part of the North Sea

This dataset contains environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding data of fish species detected at nine fixed locations within the 12 nautical mile limit of the Belgian part of the North Sea (BPNS). Seawater samples were collected across 20 sampling campaigns conducted monthly from August 2021 to August 2023. Fish species were identified using 12S eDNA metabarcoding.We monitored monthly changes in fish community structure within the 12 NM limit of the BPNS with eDNA metabarcoding. The primary focus of the study was to analyze both monthly and seasonal temporal changes in fish communities and abundant species, with a secondary emphasis on spatial patterns along nearshore-offshore and east-west gradients within the coastal area of the BPNS. The overall goal is to gain a better understanding of the fine-scale spatial and temporal eDNA patterns in fish populations.