Samples were collected by vertical net hauls (WP2 net, mesh 200 µm; UNESCO 1968) from the sea floor (approximately 50m) to the surface and stored in 5% formalin. Find more information in the further details document of doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.778092.To avoid potential issues with use and interpretation of these data it is essential for users to consult the associated metadata which provide descriptions of sampling and analysis method, issues and data continuity and comparability, and detailed explanations of how each data field has been constructed. The data originators will gladly help in interpretation as and when required. Ask Angus Atkinson (mailto:aat@pml.ac.uk) to obtain an account to download these datasets.