Physical oceanography, abundance, biomass and respiration data of fishes (Stomiiformes) from the BATHYPELAGIC cruise (June 2018) to the Northeast Atlantic Ocean

Physical oceanography variables and carbon remineralisation (juveniles/adults of Cyclothone species and Argyropelecus hemigymnus) were analysed during the BATHYPELAGIC cruise (North Atlantic, June 2018). This dataset contains the depth, temperature, and conductivity which were recorded from surface to a maximum depth of 2000 m using a SeaBird SBE 25plus CTD equipped with a Seabird-43 Dissolved Oxygen sensor and a Seapoint Fluorometer. Values of numerical abundance, biomass, specific ETS activity, specific respiraton and respiration flux data analyzed from Northwest Africa (20° N, 20° W) to the South of Iceland are presented. A. hemigymnus specimens were collected using a ''Mesopelagos” net (5 x7 m mouth opening, 58 m total length) equipped with graded-mesh netting (starting with 30 mm and ending with 4 mm) and a multi-sampler for collecting samples from 5 different depth layers. However, Cyclothone specimens were collected using the Multiple Opening/Closing Net and Environmental Sensing System (MOCNESS-1 m²) zooplankton net with a 0.2 mm mesh size and with several nets for collecting samples from 8 different depth layers. The Mesopelagos catches were sorted out and identified on board to the lowest possible taxon, and specimens selected for Electron Transfer System (ETS) analyses were immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen for later analysis in the laboratory. MOCNESS samples were preserved in 5% buffered formalin, and specimens were sorted out later in the laboratory. Stomiiforms respiration in the meso- and bathypelagic zones of the ocean were estimated along the transect. Abundance, biomass, specific ETS activity, specific respiration and respiration are given by layer between e.g. 100 m and 1000 m depth (MOCNESS net, 1900–1600 m, 1600–1300 m, 1300–1000 m, 1000–700 m, 700–400 m, 400–200 m, 200–100 m and 100–0 m; Mesopelagos, 1900–1200 m, 1200–800 m, 800–500 m, 500–200 m and 200–0 m).