Database of taxonomy and abundance of phytoplankton communities collected year-round (2015/2016) using Remote Access Samplers in Van Mijenfjorden (VMF) and Kongsfjorden (KF) (Arctic, West Spitsbergen, Norway)

Phytoplankton community samples were collected simultaneously in two fjords, Van Mijenfjorden (VMF) and Kongsfjorden (KF), using a single-point Remote Access Sampler (RAS-500, McLane) deployed on moorings at depths of 12 m (VMF) and 30 m (KF).

For protist community samples, the RAS-500 was equipped with 24 sample bags, each with a maximum volume of 500 mL. Prior to deployment, the sample bags were pre-loaded with a preservative solution consisting of Lugol’s iodine solution and glutaraldehyde. After 500 mL of seawater was added to each bag, the final concentration of the fixative was 2%.