Meiofauna counts from multi corer samples from the Reference site within the Belgian License Area during SONNE cruises SO268/1 and SO268/2, Clarion-Clipperton Zone

Overview of higher meiofauna taxa and total counts from samples (0-5 cm) collected within the Reference site in the Belgian License Area (GSR-area) in the Clarion Clipperton Zone on board of the German vessel SONNE during the SO268 expedition in 2019. In order to enhance our baseline knowledge on meiofaunal distributions within this area, sediment samples were obtained through a MULTICORER (MUC) deployment, from which the samples were further processed by the UGhent (meiofauna extraction, sorting and counting at higher taxon level). Nematoda organisms were further identified (Genus level) by the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (IFREMER).