NAUTILOS successfully fulfilled and exceeded its objectives across all work packages, delivering innovative marine technologies, impactful science, strong stakeholder engagement, and effective exploitation strategies. The project demonstrated significant advances in ocean monitoring, data integration, public participation, and commercial uptake, leaving a lasting legacy for marine observation.
In its final phase, WP1 ensured effective coordination, timely reporting, and successful completion of all activities, including the final meeting and conference. Key outputs included an updated Data Management Plan and a White Paper outlining ethical guidelines for marine observation. Robust communication and quality control facilitated a smooth project closure.
WP7 demonstrated 14 NAUTILOS sensors and samplers across 16 diverse sites, confirming their robustness, functionality, and integration flexibility. Applications ranged from fisheries and aquaculture to marine mammals, FerryBox systems, research vessels, ARGO floats, and animal-borne devices. Two new aquaculture tools and multifunctional sensors were key achievements. Over 40 datasets were produced and shared, highlighting the sensors’ value for ocean monitoring.
WP9 used Observing System Simulation Experiments to show how NAUTILOS sensors enhance ocean forecasts and remote sensing calibration across three regions. The inclusion of diverse, deep observations improved model accuracy, including for biogeochemical and plastic pollution models. Advances in remote sensing algorithms for marine litter detection were achieved, and NAUTILOS data integration into EMODnet surpassed project KPIs, confirming a strong impact.
WP10 enhanced NAUTILOS’ visibility and impact through a coordinated communication strategy, high-level policy engagement, and citizen involvement. The project featured at major events and in international media. A multilingual Ocean Literacy campaign, final video, and diverse outreach tools boosted public engagement. Three policy briefs were shared with decision-makers. Citizen science engaged over 2,000 people across 42 activities, producing 61 open datasets now available on the NAUTILOS portal.
WP11 concluded with all deliverables submitted and 11 Key Exploitable Results (KERs) defined, focusing on sensor technologies with strong commercial potential. Comprehensive technical validation, business models, and market analyses confirmed their competitive advantages, including two novel-to-market products. Early sales, joint ventures, and brokerage events generated over 200 commercial leads. The Open Access Instrumentation Roadmap prototype centralised information on 389 instruments. Environmental impact assessments showed low risks, while socio-economic analyses highlighted significant returns on investment.
WP12 exceeded its targets by establishing 52 collaborations across European initiatives, scientific projects, local authorities, and educational programs. Supported by participation in over 30 events and extensive dissemination, it raised NAUTILOS’ profile widely. Citizen science activities on plastic pollution engaged over 2,000 participants and produced numerous open datasets. The NAUTILOS app was enhanced with AI-based plastic classification and visualisation. Two Ocean Decade-endorsed Learning Labs and 9 e-learning modules supported 27 early career scientists and technicians.
