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The FunAqua dataset of global fungal biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems
The FunAqua project was established as a global, collaborative, voluntary initiative to advance the understanding of fungal biodiversity across diverse freshwater and marine ecosystems in countries around the world (Fig. 1). To ensure the robustness and comparability of data across a range of different aquatic environments, protocols were developed for all key steps, including sample collection, filtration, preservation and transportation of water and sediment samples. Two protocol versions were provided to participants: (1) basic protocols for general sample collection, suitable for a wide range of interested users; and (2) advanced protocols for researchers with access to specific equipment to collect additional environmental data (e.g., depth, water temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen). Sampling and sample processing protocols are published and described in detail in Panksep et al. (202317, 202518). While some variation was inevitable due to local and environmental constraints (e.g., the type of filters and the preservatives used), all participating teams adhered to the core guidelines to ensure data consistency. Any deviations were transparently documented in the metadata report sheet (Supplementary Item 1) to support accurate interpretation and data standardisation. After sampling, collaborators sent their samples to a central laboratory at the Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMU), where all...
