LandSeaLot links together in-situ and earth observations (EO) with models, and connects related communities, citizens and initiatives such as European research infrastructures, Copernicus services, ESA, EEA, GEOSS, EMODnet, EDITO and local stakeholders. These observations are used in a gap analysis to co-design a common land-sea interface observation strategy and an implementation plan. LandSeaLot participants simultaneously work on improving in-situ and EO capabilities, and models to reduce the model/observations gap, hence improving the integration of models with observations. Observation capacity is increased through tested, improved and guided use of low-cost technology by citizens, facilitated by the network of European marinas. Selected technologies and observation strategies are piloted in Integration Labs (ILs) together with improved and integrated in-situ and satellite observation techniques and model outputs. LandSeaLot ILs covers selected areas in the Black, Aegean, Mediterranean, North and Baltic Seas and the European Atlantic facade, with a range of catchment, tidal and meteorological regimes, and key environmental challenges (see Figure next page).
Experts and citizen science leaders work in the ILs together with Research infrastructures (RIs), such as, DANUBIUS-RI (river-to-sea observations), JERICO-RI (coastal sea observations), and ICOS-ERIC (carbon observations), and with regional policy-makers and managers to tailor integrated observations that will provide them with information to manage societal challenges. These include assessment of the lateral carbon flux and stock, plastics transfer, nutrients impact on primary production and eutrophication, supporting biodiversity conservation, improving modelling capability and supporting climate change adaptation (storm surge, floods, heat waves, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion). Interoperability, and semantic solutions for existing, international data flows are being developed and FAIR data generated in the ILs will be made available via EMODnet. Relevant communities are being engaged through workshops, conferences, training, high-tech summit, following a communication strategy including policy briefs to maximise LandSeaLot’s legacy.
