British Columbia Fjord eDNA Raw sequence reads

Fjords play a key role in coastal ecosystem processes and provide important habitats for sensitive marine species like rockfish, salmons, sunflower sea stars and glass sponges. Despite unique characteristics, British Columbia fjords remain chronically understudied by western science and continue to receive limited conservation protection. This project aims to use environmental DNA (eDNA) to assess the distribution of fish, zooplankton and phytoplankton species in BC fjords to better understand habitat use in fjords and guide marine conservation strategies. Sampling was conducted simultaneously in 5 BC fjords in February, May, July and November 2023.