This dataset contains eDNA metabarcoding data of fish species detected in 30 locations in the Belgian Part of the North Sea (BPNS). The seawater samples were collected during two different field campaigns in September and November 2021. The fish species were identified using 12S eDNA metabarcoding. The dataset includes amplicon sequence variants and their associated metadata.

Study extend: The construction of offshore wind farms may affect local soft-sediment fauna. Hence, an efficient monitoring technique is needed to monitor the potential effects on the marine ecosystem. Here, we assess whether eDNA metabarcoding is a suitable alternative to monitor fish and epibenthos biodiversity in these difficult to access marine habitats. Water sampling and trawl surveys were conducted in parallel in 12 coastal and 18 offshore sites, the latter located inside and outside two offshore wind farms in the Belgian part of the North Sea.

project ID: Bioproject Accession - PRJNA1032405 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/1032405) [This dataset was processed using the GBIF eDNA converter tool.]