Periodic Reporting for period 2 - DOORS (Developing Optimal and Open Research Support for the Black Sea (DOORS))
Période du rapport: 2022-12-01 au 2024-05-31
DOORS aims to put in practice the Black Sea Research and Innovation Agenda. It is implementing 3 interdependent Work Programmes: a System of Systems (SoS), giving open access to information on the Black Sea state of the environment and processes with harmonized information from different types of data sources (in situ, EO, modelling); a Blue Growth Accelerator (BGA) to support enterprise in the Blue Economy and Knowledge Transfer and Training (KTT) to share best practice and build capacity.
From its outset, DOORS has been developing a harmonised set of methodologies for data acquisition, analysis and storage, supporting the practical implementation of the FAIR principles. The identification of current knowledge gaps and needs, regarding data and methods for facilitating the implementation of environmental policies and strategies has been delivered, together with the final revised catalogue of methods and practices for assessing the marine environment.
The System of Systems (SoS), it is now operational (https://www.doorsblacksea.eu/sos(s’ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)) with work in progress to ingest, visualize and make available data that enable a comprehensive understanding of the Black Sea environment, opportunities for the Blue Economy and knowledge transfer. An series of engagement events and workshops with stakeholders feeding into the development of a series of use-cases, showcasing the value of the SoS and bespoke data dashboards. For the first time in the Black Sea area, the Optical Water Type methodology satellite based water quality products was used and compared outputs with CMEMS, using the most comprehensive in situ validation data set collated for the Black Sea. A series of recommendations have been developed from this research, shaping the next generation of CMEMS products. New satellite-based data products are also being developed on coastal dynamics and marine litter.
Two multipurpose DOORS cruises were executed during this reporting period, the first on microplastics, sediments and microbiology and the second on unique seafloor habitats. Both cruises supported the validation of satellite water quality products. The second cruise focused on the assessment of the ecosystem conditions, state of biodiversity and ecosystem service capacity, and a detailed study of the gas hydrates in the deeper part of the Black Sea. Additional connected activities, included the deployment of sensors on the EMSO EUXINUS Moorings; two Spotter wave buoys were deployed in Varna and Burgas Bays (still in operation); and first time in the history of Black Sea, a research a glider was deployed, travelling 447 nautical miles, across 10 transects from the shelf to the open Sea, completing 1349 profiles. Two biogeochemical Argo floats were also deployed, contributing to Euro-Argo ERIC. Deployments also included a deep-sea observatory increasing the number of autonomous measurements; improvements of a lander to include novel sensors for alkalinity and pH. Data from these activities are being processed to populate novel data cube and GeoDB data stores of the SoS.
Model development are also connected to the SoS Use Cases, addressing the stakeholder needs and support Blue Growth. The following actions were addressed: a) development and delivery of different model chains to identify the main threats in the Black Sea; b) construction of the SoS climate component with modelled scenarios; c) set up of prototypes of operative model chains, and; d) model contribution to improve e-services providing showcases for training (b, c & d are due for completion in the final project phase).
A jointly facilitated call by DOORS and BRIDGE-BS for the Black Sea Accelerator (BSA) was launched in June 2023, welcoming innovative business ideas in the Blue Economy. The applications were evaluated based on their impact, business models, the team capacity and financial feasibility and covered opportunities in energy, aquaculture, tourism and heritage and circular economy. BSA participants received continuous support like training sessions, 1-1 advisory sessions and a dedicated platform for accessing training materials. The work on the barriers and opportunities for growth in Blue Economy sectors is being followed. At the same time, the Special Interest Group for the Black Sea was constituted and is preparing for a launch.
Regarding the KTT, a new Erasmus Mundus application for an MSc in Maritime Activity has been prepared and tailored to the needs of the Black Sea. A vocational training programme, mentoring initiatives for start-ups with training focused on climate adaptation/resilience, have all been organised. Six workshops were organised across the Black Sea region, reaching 163 participants from diverse backgrounds, fostered knowledge exchange and collaboration among experts and users of marine products. Three specialized workshops were delivered: KTT ambitions and reporting; the path to an ERASMUS Mundus proposal and; advancing early career development and lifelong learning. A DOORS Call for Early-Stage Researcher Exchange proposals was launched, and agreements secured with each applicant.
Partners have promoted stakeholder and policy dialogue at, EU and regional, science-policy events. Two rounds of Multi-Actor Fora (MAFs) were completed. The priority sectors in the region, as well as the challenges and innovation gaps, have been identified. The 1st DOORS Stakeholder Conference, "Black Sea Futures: Science, Prosperity, and People," took place in Bucharest on April 23-24 2024. It featured interactive high-level panels, co-design workshops, and a showcase of Black Sea research and innovation, drawing 145 participants from 15 countries, policy players, EC, NGOs, companies, academia, and the press. Key outcomes were: the need for a Digital Twin Ocean for the Black Sea; the Blue Economy related issues and paths and; engaging stakeholders in co-designing solutions.
The strategy for dissemination and communication activities have been aligned with the technical development of the project and various and important actions were made. A DOORS Newsletter article and a series of brochures were produced, accompanied by a series of activities for improving ocean literacy. The website has achieved 7.7k individual users. A Science Communication Survey was launched in 2023, which was translated in all Black Sea Languages and aimed at general public with an interest in the environment, to inform DOORS on priority topics, platforms and media.
The System of Systems (SoS), it is now operational (https://www.doorsblacksea.eu/sos(s’ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)) with work in progress to ingest, visualize and make available data that enable a comprehensive understanding of the Black Sea environment, opportunities for the Blue Economy and knowledge transfer. An series of engagement events and workshops with stakeholders feeding into the development of a series of use-cases, showcasing the value of the SoS and bespoke data dashboards. For the first time in the Black Sea area, the Optical Water Type methodology satellite based water quality products was used and compared outputs with CMEMS, using the most comprehensive in situ validation data set collated for the Black Sea. A series of recommendations have been developed from this research, shaping the next generation of CMEMS products. New satellite-based data products are also being developed on coastal dynamics and marine litter.
Two multipurpose DOORS cruises were executed during this reporting period, the first on microplastics, sediments and microbiology and the second on unique seafloor habitats. Both cruises supported the validation of satellite water quality products. The second cruise focused on the assessment of the ecosystem conditions, state of biodiversity and ecosystem service capacity, and a detailed study of the gas hydrates in the deeper part of the Black Sea. Additional connected activities, included the deployment of sensors on the EMSO EUXINUS Moorings; two Spotter wave buoys were deployed in Varna and Burgas Bays (still in operation); and first time in the history of Black Sea, a research a glider was deployed, travelling 447 nautical miles, across 10 transects from the shelf to the open Sea, completing 1349 profiles. Two biogeochemical Argo floats were also deployed, contributing to Euro-Argo ERIC. Deployments also included a deep-sea observatory increasing the number of autonomous measurements; improvements of a lander to include novel sensors for alkalinity and pH. Data from these activities are being processed to populate novel data cube and GeoDB data stores of the SoS.
Model development are also connected to the SoS Use Cases, addressing the stakeholder needs and support Blue Growth. The following actions were addressed: a) development and delivery of different model chains to identify the main threats in the Black Sea; b) construction of the SoS climate component with modelled scenarios; c) set up of prototypes of operative model chains, and; d) model contribution to improve e-services providing showcases for training (b, c & d are due for completion in the final project phase).
A jointly facilitated call by DOORS and BRIDGE-BS for the Black Sea Accelerator (BSA) was launched in June 2023, welcoming innovative business ideas in the Blue Economy. The applications were evaluated based on their impact, business models, the team capacity and financial feasibility and covered opportunities in energy, aquaculture, tourism and heritage and circular economy. BSA participants received continuous support like training sessions, 1-1 advisory sessions and a dedicated platform for accessing training materials. The work on the barriers and opportunities for growth in Blue Economy sectors is being followed. At the same time, the Special Interest Group for the Black Sea was constituted and is preparing for a launch.
Regarding the KTT, a new Erasmus Mundus application for an MSc in Maritime Activity has been prepared and tailored to the needs of the Black Sea. A vocational training programme, mentoring initiatives for start-ups with training focused on climate adaptation/resilience, have all been organised. Six workshops were organised across the Black Sea region, reaching 163 participants from diverse backgrounds, fostered knowledge exchange and collaboration among experts and users of marine products. Three specialized workshops were delivered: KTT ambitions and reporting; the path to an ERASMUS Mundus proposal and; advancing early career development and lifelong learning. A DOORS Call for Early-Stage Researcher Exchange proposals was launched, and agreements secured with each applicant.
Partners have promoted stakeholder and policy dialogue at, EU and regional, science-policy events. Two rounds of Multi-Actor Fora (MAFs) were completed. The priority sectors in the region, as well as the challenges and innovation gaps, have been identified. The 1st DOORS Stakeholder Conference, "Black Sea Futures: Science, Prosperity, and People," took place in Bucharest on April 23-24 2024. It featured interactive high-level panels, co-design workshops, and a showcase of Black Sea research and innovation, drawing 145 participants from 15 countries, policy players, EC, NGOs, companies, academia, and the press. Key outcomes were: the need for a Digital Twin Ocean for the Black Sea; the Blue Economy related issues and paths and; engaging stakeholders in co-designing solutions.
The strategy for dissemination and communication activities have been aligned with the technical development of the project and various and important actions were made. A DOORS Newsletter article and a series of brochures were produced, accompanied by a series of activities for improving ocean literacy. The website has achieved 7.7k individual users. A Science Communication Survey was launched in 2023, which was translated in all Black Sea Languages and aimed at general public with an interest in the environment, to inform DOORS on priority topics, platforms and media.
The three interrelated programmes are on track to deliver key benefits and impacts. The SoS, will comprise targeted data that support key Use Case scenarios to support governance for a protected and sustainable Black Sea Ecosystem and Blue Economy initiatives. Harmonised data sources from cruises, sensors, earth observation and modelling chains, will provide the key building blocks for a future Digital Twin for the Black Sea. A programme for promoting Blue Growth start-ups will be available (in partnership with BRIDGE-BS). Initiatives to support this will include the newly launched the Black Sea Special Interest Group. New training programmes and an MSc will support knowledge transfer and capacity building to address skills shortages, grow innovation and new maritime related jobs. Together with a new vocational youth mobility programme, these programmes will enhance the science policy dialogue, drive high-level scientific outputs and support a better understanding of the Black Sea.