Periodic Reporting for period 3 - DOORS (Developing Optimal and Open Research Support for the Black Sea (DOORS))
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2024-06-01 do 2025-05-31
The Black Sea, whilst being the world’s largest internal seas, is also one of the least understood European seas. It has transcended many complex geopolitical and environment pressures, most recent being heavily impacted by the Ukraine war.
DOORS aimed to implement the Black Sea Research and Innovation Agenda. There were 3 integrated Work Programmes: System of Systems (SoS), to give open access to basin wide information on the state of the environment and processes, with harmonized information from many diverse types and sources of data source; Blue Growth Accelerator (BGA) to support enterprise and the Blue Economy; and Knowledge Transfer and Training to share best practice and build capacity. DOORS increased understanding of the natural processes from river and coast to deep sea, identified the means of sustainable exploitation of ecosystem services, and trained people to use the knowledge to make a Healthy and Productive Black Sea.
DOORS aimed to implement the Black Sea Research and Innovation Agenda. There were 3 integrated Work Programmes: System of Systems (SoS), to give open access to basin wide information on the state of the environment and processes, with harmonized information from many diverse types and sources of data source; Blue Growth Accelerator (BGA) to support enterprise and the Blue Economy; and Knowledge Transfer and Training to share best practice and build capacity. DOORS increased understanding of the natural processes from river and coast to deep sea, identified the means of sustainable exploitation of ecosystem services, and trained people to use the knowledge to make a Healthy and Productive Black Sea.
DOORS addressed the harmonisation of data and methods used for all research methods needed to implement environmental policies; It identified knowledge gaps and needs and created a Harmonisation Manual on data collection, storage and handling, crucial for the holistic aspect of marine monitoring in Black Sea.
The SoS gave access to a complexity of data (in situ, EO, models) from multiple sources. Data from DOORS cruises and past campaigns were used for its development, giving access to comprehensive and novel data sets for the Black Sea. SoS supported new products such as algorithms for reliable satellite water quality data, identification of microplastic distribution in surface waters, and coastal sediment dynamics.
DOORS brought together international scientists for fieldwork and laboratory research. Three international research cruises collected thousands of biological, gas, sediment and water samples. Deployment of a glider and lab-on-chip sensors were major technological advances in marine monitoring. Key results were: new understanding of marine methane and greenhouse gas release; first-of-their-kind regional databases of underwater cultural heritage and gas hydrates; evidence linking Earth’s solid tides to gas release from seafloor sediments; insights into microplastic pollution, sediment properties, and changes in water mass due to climate change; and identification of microbial communities critical to carbon cycling and ecosystem health.
DOORS characterised the state of the Black Sea through model implementation. Hydrodynamic models of the major rivers were coupled with the one for the Black Sea to form the first complex numerical model chains for the entire sea and hydrographic basins. This enabled understanding and quantifying algal blooms, understanding dispersion and concentration of microplastics, quantifying the effects of extreme storms and major floods. These model chains on the main Black Sea threats are also prototypes of operative model chains used with climate change scenarios to populate the SoS climate component. Specialised training was also supported.
The BGA supported entrepreneurs through a joint coalition to attract Blue Economy startups. Training improved their ideas, a matchmaking platform connected startups with investors, and a Blue Career Guide was developed. The Special Interest Group brought together investors and the most promising startups, resulting in the launch of an investment portfolio. Biotechnology and wind energy were found to have potential for sustainable growth. Impacts of offshore wind energy production were identified with recommendations to researchers and governmental stakeholders.
DOORS developed an MSc course in Marine Activity Planning as a possible ERASMUS Mundus MSc Program. A Blue Economy focused Blended Intensive Programme engaged 45 international students from 20 counties, a proof-of-concept for high-impact, collaborative training. 19 online Life-Long Training courses translated DOORS research into accessible modules. A Training of Trainers programme equipped 35 educators from 7 countries to integrate DOORS material into their curricula. Mobilisation and Mutual Learning workshops built capacity and collaboration through hands-on SoS training. Regional engagement and community connection through 6 workshops in the Black Sea countries engaged 154 participants from research, industry and governance.
The stakeholder engagement at local, regional, national, and pan-European levels was achieved and included workshops, 2 major international stakeholder conferences and a high-level event in the European Parliament.
Dissemination and communication activities included: newsletters, brochures, videos on DOORS YouTube channel; citizen science exercises; final project movie; “Black Sea during Winter” photo competition; and “one video – one question” exercise for younger generations.
The SoS gave access to a complexity of data (in situ, EO, models) from multiple sources. Data from DOORS cruises and past campaigns were used for its development, giving access to comprehensive and novel data sets for the Black Sea. SoS supported new products such as algorithms for reliable satellite water quality data, identification of microplastic distribution in surface waters, and coastal sediment dynamics.
DOORS brought together international scientists for fieldwork and laboratory research. Three international research cruises collected thousands of biological, gas, sediment and water samples. Deployment of a glider and lab-on-chip sensors were major technological advances in marine monitoring. Key results were: new understanding of marine methane and greenhouse gas release; first-of-their-kind regional databases of underwater cultural heritage and gas hydrates; evidence linking Earth’s solid tides to gas release from seafloor sediments; insights into microplastic pollution, sediment properties, and changes in water mass due to climate change; and identification of microbial communities critical to carbon cycling and ecosystem health.
DOORS characterised the state of the Black Sea through model implementation. Hydrodynamic models of the major rivers were coupled with the one for the Black Sea to form the first complex numerical model chains for the entire sea and hydrographic basins. This enabled understanding and quantifying algal blooms, understanding dispersion and concentration of microplastics, quantifying the effects of extreme storms and major floods. These model chains on the main Black Sea threats are also prototypes of operative model chains used with climate change scenarios to populate the SoS climate component. Specialised training was also supported.
The BGA supported entrepreneurs through a joint coalition to attract Blue Economy startups. Training improved their ideas, a matchmaking platform connected startups with investors, and a Blue Career Guide was developed. The Special Interest Group brought together investors and the most promising startups, resulting in the launch of an investment portfolio. Biotechnology and wind energy were found to have potential for sustainable growth. Impacts of offshore wind energy production were identified with recommendations to researchers and governmental stakeholders.
DOORS developed an MSc course in Marine Activity Planning as a possible ERASMUS Mundus MSc Program. A Blue Economy focused Blended Intensive Programme engaged 45 international students from 20 counties, a proof-of-concept for high-impact, collaborative training. 19 online Life-Long Training courses translated DOORS research into accessible modules. A Training of Trainers programme equipped 35 educators from 7 countries to integrate DOORS material into their curricula. Mobilisation and Mutual Learning workshops built capacity and collaboration through hands-on SoS training. Regional engagement and community connection through 6 workshops in the Black Sea countries engaged 154 participants from research, industry and governance.
The stakeholder engagement at local, regional, national, and pan-European levels was achieved and included workshops, 2 major international stakeholder conferences and a high-level event in the European Parliament.
Dissemination and communication activities included: newsletters, brochures, videos on DOORS YouTube channel; citizen science exercises; final project movie; “Black Sea during Winter” photo competition; and “one video – one question” exercise for younger generations.
The Harmonised Manual benefits researchers and policy makers through a set of working methods, standards and procedures. Innovative methods include in-situ determination of dissolved trace gases and microplastics.
The SoS took the first step to a comprehensive systems understanding of the Black Sea, with outputs from operational models in near real time delivering detailed forecasts on the state of the sea. The SoS provides the building blocks of a Digital Twin for the Black Sea.
DOORS combined deep-sea exploration, advanced biogeochemical modelling, and new sensor technologies into a holistic picture of seafloor and water column. It pioneered methodologies—including glider-based monitoring, radiotracer incubations, and eDNA-based biodiversity studies—to be used in semi-enclosed seas or coastal areas worldwide. Basin-wide assessments of gas hydrates, methane emissions, and ecosystem dynamics directly support EU directives, the Black Sea SRIA, Biodiversity Strategy 2030, and Sustainable Development Goals. Findings inform better policy decisions to protect marine ecosystems, preserve underwater heritage, and reduce environmental risks.
Data from modelling populated the SoS with unique datasets, such as from catchment modelling of 12 major rivers. Creation of model chains, integrating in-situ and remote sensing data, improved process understanding. WP5 provided the research community with tailored model applications and open modelling tools. Five operative chain prototypes can be made fully operational for local authorities with the support of the research community. Model codes and the creation of e-services and training material linked to the SoS are increasing knowledge transfer and modelling capability. Inclusion of change scenarios in the SoS climate component helps drafting of Black Sea adaptation and management plans.
The BGA leaves a well-trained community of Blue Economy entrepreneurs, opportunities for investment in promising startups, and enhanced career pathways for the next generation. The Blue Career Guide offers in-depth analysis of the labour market across multiple countries and sectors and identifies career opportunities for young people. SIG used high profile individuals from academic, political, business and diplomatic backgrounds to bring private investors closer to start-ups and raise visibility of the Black Sea and its problems and opportunities for investment.
The educational programmes achieved by DOORS were beyond state-of-the-art: from the Masters` curriculum to first ever training stages and Blended Intensive Programmes.
The SoS took the first step to a comprehensive systems understanding of the Black Sea, with outputs from operational models in near real time delivering detailed forecasts on the state of the sea. The SoS provides the building blocks of a Digital Twin for the Black Sea.
DOORS combined deep-sea exploration, advanced biogeochemical modelling, and new sensor technologies into a holistic picture of seafloor and water column. It pioneered methodologies—including glider-based monitoring, radiotracer incubations, and eDNA-based biodiversity studies—to be used in semi-enclosed seas or coastal areas worldwide. Basin-wide assessments of gas hydrates, methane emissions, and ecosystem dynamics directly support EU directives, the Black Sea SRIA, Biodiversity Strategy 2030, and Sustainable Development Goals. Findings inform better policy decisions to protect marine ecosystems, preserve underwater heritage, and reduce environmental risks.
Data from modelling populated the SoS with unique datasets, such as from catchment modelling of 12 major rivers. Creation of model chains, integrating in-situ and remote sensing data, improved process understanding. WP5 provided the research community with tailored model applications and open modelling tools. Five operative chain prototypes can be made fully operational for local authorities with the support of the research community. Model codes and the creation of e-services and training material linked to the SoS are increasing knowledge transfer and modelling capability. Inclusion of change scenarios in the SoS climate component helps drafting of Black Sea adaptation and management plans.
The BGA leaves a well-trained community of Blue Economy entrepreneurs, opportunities for investment in promising startups, and enhanced career pathways for the next generation. The Blue Career Guide offers in-depth analysis of the labour market across multiple countries and sectors and identifies career opportunities for young people. SIG used high profile individuals from academic, political, business and diplomatic backgrounds to bring private investors closer to start-ups and raise visibility of the Black Sea and its problems and opportunities for investment.
The educational programmes achieved by DOORS were beyond state-of-the-art: from the Masters` curriculum to first ever training stages and Blended Intensive Programmes.