Metagenomic sequencing and 16S rRNA gene sequencing for 381 samples collected over the course of 16 months formed a new comprehensive microbial reference dataset of habitat specific coral reef microbiomes.

Originating from samples derived from three locations:

Geoffrey Bay, Magnetic Island, QLD (monthly samples)

Pioneer Bay, Orpheus Island, QLD (periodic)

Channel, Orpheus Island, QLD (periodic)

The dataset consists of sequenced bacterial 16S rRNA genes of 381 samples including seawater, sediment, sponge tissue (Coscinoderma matthewsi and Amphimedon queenslandica), coral tissue and mucus (Acropora tenuis and Acropora millepora) and macroalgal surfaces (Sargassum sp.).

Water quality parameters and sea surface temperatures were used to compare environmental sensitivity variation in assembly patterns. Results indicated that seawater microbial community data provide diagnostic value to infer shifts in the surrounding reef environment.

Sample handling, tissue preparation, DNA extraction procedures and methods of analysis, have been described in associated publications listed below.

Accessing the 16S rRNA and metagenome sequences, metadata and protocols are available at the Bioplatforms Australia data portal under the Australian Microbiome project ( https://www.bioplatforms.com/australian-microbiome/ ). Full usage requires free registration. To search for the 16S rRNA sequencing data, navigate to ‘Processed data’, select ‘Amplicon is 27f519r_bacteria’ and ‘Environment is Marine’. Add an additional contextual filter, such as select ‘Sampling Site Location Description’ from the dropdown menu and search for ‘Geoffrey Bay’, 'Pioneer Bay' and 'Channel' or by ‘Sample Type’ i.e. is ‘Seaweed’.