#knowledgetransfer

DOORS is delivering 3 key programmes for critical Black Sea regeneration:

The System of Systems (SoS) - A one stop shop for standardised data and model outputs to drive evidence-based knowledge development for the Black Sea. A first of its kind for the region, the SoS delivers data from in-situ measurements and sensor arrays, satellite based #EarthObservation, external repositories, and model outputs into a single interactive visualisation platform for the Black Sea with harmonised data models. The SoS is now live online here.

The Black Sea Accelerator (BSA) which also received an 'Honourable Mention' at CMA 2024, is a joint initiative by DOORS Black Sea and BRIDGE Black Sea supporting business creation, marine and maritime innovation, and the development of new marine-based technologies for sustainable growth. This summer, we have delivered a series of high level trainings on business models, pitching and how the SoS can be used to benefit the Blue Economy across the region.

Our Knowledge Transfer and Training (KTT) programme has conducted extensive stakeholder engagement with everyone interested in the future of the Black Sea through workshops, training and ocean literacy events. We have recently funded 6 exchange placements through an international programme of collaborative research activities, investing in the scientists of the future.

Leidy’s research proposal was titled "Analysis of spatial distribution of marine litter pollution in the western Black Sea through numerical model integration and in situ measurements.” The exchange was supervised by Dr. Iulian Pojar Vintilă of GeoEcoMar and began at their facilities in Bucharest to learn about to learn about microplastic sample treatment, digestion, and final counts.

She says, “I had the pleasure of sharing time with Teodora, who guided me through all the laboratory processes. Following this, I joined an oceanographic expedition aboard the R/V Mare Nigrum from Constanța, led by Dr. Dan Vasilu as Chief Scientist. The team of researchers onboard was very welcoming and taught me about all the processes and measurements involved in a scientific oceanographic campaign.”

The research addresses the pressing issue of marine litter pollution in the Black Sea, focusing on both microplastics and macroplastics. In addition to the surface microplastic (plastics smaller than 5mm) sampling, the team conducted observations of microplastics (plastics greater than 5mm) from the bow of the ship during specific transects between predefined stations. This allowed them to gather in situ data on plastic density per square kilometre and identify possible "hotspots" of marine litter accumulation. These findings can be compared with numerical model predictions, specifically using the LOCATE model adapted for the Black Sea. The ultimate goal is to create a baseline of current pollution levels and to validate models that predict the movement and final destination of marine litter. This is crucial for decision-makers to develop strategies that prevent further accumulation and contamination of both open waters and coastal areas.

This is just one example where we have matched early stage research interests with the scientific work ongoing in the project. This summer we have funded and supported 5 other placements through the DOORS Early-Stage Researcher Exchange (ESRE). This is an international programme of collaborative research mobility activities, to foster and deepen connections within and between Black Sea countries, and international partners across Europe.

The placements have covered a range of topics supporting students from universities all over Europe:

Olga Schmitz (Germany)- Collaborative Initiative for Enhanced Water Quality Monitoring in the Black Sea Region.

Leidy Maricela Castro Rosero (Spain) -  Analysis of spatial distribution of marine litter pollution in the western Black Sea through numerical model integration and in situ measurements.

Tatiana Sitchinava (Georgia) - Towards Sustainable Coastal Communities: Understanding and Mitigating Marine Litter in Romania’s Black Sea Beaches.

Alessandro Galdelli (Italy) - Advancing Marine Research through Strategic Collaboration: Integrating Cutting-edge Algorithm for Enhanced Fishing Effort Estimation in the Black Sea,

Florin Miron (Romania) - Analysing Coastal Hydrodynamics and Discharge at River Mouths: The Impact of Winds and Waves on Hydrological Processes Using SWOT Satellite Data,

Sofia Sadogurska (Ukraine) -  Taxonomic studies of the Black Sea brown algae (Phaeophyceae, Heterokontophyta).

Remarking on her placement, Leidy said “This experience has been incredibly meaningful to me, both personally and professionally. It was my first time seeing the Black Sea, which holds special significance as I've spent the past three years studying it from behind a computer screen. Being part of this oceanographic expedition allowed me to witness first-hand the marine environment I've been modelling for so long, making the research more tangible and real. I learned a lot about the logistics and challenges of conducting an oceanographic campaign and was able to build valuable connections with fellow researchers and fellow cruisers like Bianca, Mihaela (both of them), Rok, Sorin, Stefano, and others. The warmth and support from both the scientific team and the ship’s crew made this experience truly memorable.”

His work focused on adapting and integrating an advanced algorithm, initially developed for the Adriatic Sea, into a data processing pipeline tailored for the unique conditions of the Black Sea. The primary objective was to improve the detection and analysis of fishing efforts, with a particular emphasis on identifying Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities—a task of significant importance given the geopolitical and environmental sensitivity of the region.

Alessandro had the privilege of collaborating closely with Professor Taner Yildiz, a leading expert in Faculty of Aquatic Sciences at Istanbul University. Under his mentorship, Alessandro was able to refine the algorithm to handle the unique characteristics of the Black Sea. This involved rigorous data preparation, including the cleaning and standardisation of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, which was crucial for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of subsequent analyses. The collaboration also extended to the application of Geographic Information System (GIS) software, enabling Alessandro to perform detailed spatial and temporal analyses that produced highly informative visualizations and maps of marine activities.

The collaboration resulted in several key outcomes. Most notably, the algorithm’s successful integration into this new context demonstrated its versatility and robustness, confirming its effectiveness beyond its initial application in the Adriatic Sea. This achievement not only validated the algorithm’s adaptability but also established a solid foundation for further research and potential publications. Alessandro’s work provided a clear pathway for understanding and quantifying fishing efforts in the Black Sea, with preliminary results already offering promising insights into the dynamics of marine activities in the area.

This is just one example where we have matched early stage research interests with the scientific work ongoing in the project. This summer we have funded and supported 5 other placements through the DOORS Early-Stage Researcher Exchange (ESRE). This is an international programme of collaborative research mobility activities, to foster and deepen connections within and between Black Sea countries, and international partners across Europe.

The placements have covered a range of topics supporting students from universities all over Europe:

Olga Schmitz (Germany)- Collaborative Initiative for Enhanced Water Quality Monitoring in the Black Sea Region.

Leidy Maricela Castro Rosero (Spain) -  Analysis of spatial distribution of marine litter pollution in the western Black Sea through numerical model integration and in situ measurements.

Tatiana Sitchinava (Georgia) - Towards Sustainable Coastal Communities: Understanding and Mitigating Marine Litter in Romania’s Black Sea Beaches.

Alessandro Galdelli (Italy) - Advancing Marine Research through Strategic Collaboration: Integrating Cutting-edge Algorithm for Enhanced Fishing Effort Estimation in the Black Sea,

Florin Miron (Romania) - Analysing Coastal Hydrodynamics and Discharge at River Mouths: The Impact of Winds and Waves on Hydrological Processes Using SWOT Satellite Data,

Sofia Sadogurska (Ukraine) -  Taxonomic studies of the Black Sea brown algae (Phaeophyceae, Heterokontophyta).

Beyond the technical achievements, this experience was profoundly enriching for Alessandro on a personal and professional level. As a software engineer with a primary focus on coding and algorithm development, he found the interdisciplinary collaboration particularly enlightening. Working alongside marine scientists, he gained a deeper understanding of the importance of data analysis in the context of environmental sciences. This exchange provided him with invaluable lessons on how to interpret and evaluate scientific data, which is critical for ensuring that computational models and algorithms align with real-world ecological scenarios.

Reflecting on his experience, Alessandro remarked, "This research exchange has been an incredible learning journey for me. It not only enhanced my technical skills but also broadened my perspective on interdisciplinary collaboration. Working with Professor Yildiz and his team, I learned the importance of looking beyond the code to understand the ecological implications of our work. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and look forward to future collaborations and the exciting research possibilities that lie ahead."

Alessandro's contributions during this exchange have significant implications for the future of marine monitoring in the Black Sea. Moving forward, he plans to further optimize the algorithm specifically for the Black Sea, acquiring additional AIS data from previous years to improve the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the monitoring efforts. The next steps also include publishing the findings from this study, comparing them with global datasets to validate the approach, and deepening the investigation into the impacts of geopolitical conflicts on marine activities in the region.

This experience has not only solidified Alessandro’s commitment to his research but has also opened new doors for potential collaborations, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence applied to marine science. The connections and knowledge gained during this exchange are expected to play a crucial role in his future career, driving forward innovative approaches to marine monitoring and environmental conservation.