DOORS - 'Developing Optimal and Open Research Support' for the Black Sea, was a €9m EU research project linking science, policy and industry for critical Black Sea regeneration. We brought together expertise and technology from 35 institutions from the Black Sea region and other European countries to address the human and climate change impacts on damaged ecosystems.
Pioneering environmental monitoring platform to transform the future of the Black Sea
A cutting-edge data platform designed to monitor, understand, and address the environmental challenges facing the Black Sea is one of several outcomes from a €9 million, European Commission-funded research and innovation project that will help the region thrive for years to come.
The Black Sea ‘System of Systems’ platform brings together, in one place, a unique combination of information that can help provide a better understanding of the detail around different challenges facing the Sea and its ecosystems – empowering everyone from researchers, industry and communities to respond.
The System was designed and built by researchers leading the Developing Optimal and Open Research Support for the Black Sea (DOORS) project, a four-year collaboration between 35 institutions across 15 countries linking science, policy and industry to support critical Black Sea regeneration.
As a one-stop-shop for data, the ‘System of Systems’ enables users including conservationists and businesses to identify pollution hotspots, develop improved nutrient management strategies, and engage stakeholders in reducing harmful inputs to rivers and the sea, such as pesticides and microplastics.
Professor Adrian Stanica, Coordinator of the H2020 DOORS Black Sea project, said: “The Black Sea was once regarded as the most polluted sea in Europe, due to decades of pollution, overfishing and the arrival of invasive species. Now, climate change and new pollutants risk jeopardising its fragile recovery.
“That’s why the DOORS project has developed tools to support the Black Sea region, and international community, to better understand and protect this vital resource, empowering policymakers and industry to take informed decisions, and stimulating businesses and citizens to embrace more sustainable ways of working”.
Alongside developing the System of Systems, the project worked across the region to support the development of a Blue Economy on and around the Black Sea: where marine and coastal resources are used sustainably to support economic prosperity. Partners in the consortium worked with businesses and entrepreneurs across the region to accelerate promising economic opportunities, while a dedicated working group championed these innovative prospects to a community of international investors.
The DOORS project also prioritised bringing the Black Sea closer to the 16 million people living around its 4,200km-long coastline through a combination of citizen science and ocean literacy initiatives, helping young people and communities to understand the Black Sea’s ecosystems and environment on their doorstep.
The project has also invested in training the next generation of researchers, through postgraduate programmes and hands-on experience on board research vessels, ensuring the groundwork is laid for future scientific exploration and stewardship.
A final message from the DOORS Project Coordinator
Across four years, the DOORS project has taken a significant leap forward in advancing the world’s knowledge and understanding of the Black Sea. Our researchers have developed in-depth insights on specific ecosystems and human pressures, as well as specific oceanographic aspects of the Black Sea. Colleagues have performed measurements and tests never before undertaken in the Black Sea basin, both during cruises and surveys, as well as by deploying underwater automatic stations and collecting specific data from satellites.
The data coming from the skies, from the coasts and from the sea itself has been integrated using powerful numerical models that have brought together information from all the hydrographic basins of rivers flowing into the Black Sea. This has allowed us to better foresee how climate change will affect the entire marine basin, including tributary rivers.
DOORS also pioneered the development of the Blue Economy concept in the region, from the evaluation of services offered by specific marine ecosystems to intensive training and mentorship supporting those who aspire to start sustainable businesses.
The DOORS Black Sea Special Interest Group has dedicated energy and efforts to help bridge the gap between budding entrepreneurs and prospective investors, as well as raising the overall image of the Black Sea as a place of economic opportunity.
Education and training have been other key areas of achievement for the project. DOORS experts dedicated considerable energies to building a Black Sea Masters programme, supporting the creation of a future ERASMUS+ project, and supporting training that brought early career researchers from Europe to the Black Sea region, and from the region to major laboratories elsewhere.
DOORS is also a trailblazer in terms of citizen science and ocean literacy activity. The project has succeeded, through its activities, in bringing coastal communities closer to the specific challenges facing the Black Sea.
In spite of the many difficulties that the project encountered, from Covid-19 to the war in Ukraine, all project partners went about their work with passion and dedication. As a result, the project has delivered beyond what it committed to achieve.
Thanks are due to the entire DOORS team, to the community of stakeholders with whom we have interacted across the past four years, and to all those who love the Black Sea. Our efforts are dedicated to them, and this remarkable part of the world. The DOORS project has now come to an end, but we shall all continue with this important mission!
As the Developing Optimal and Open Research Support for the Black Sea (DOORS) project reaches its conclusion, our End of Project film is now live, sharing the story of this landmark research and innovation project including its critical importance and the challenges the project faces head on.
With versions subtitled in six languages, the film includes interviews with key contributors to the project and outlines how DOORS is empowering everyone from researchers, industry and communities to contribute to a thriving future for the region.
Watch the films here and uncover how the DOORS project will leave an important legacy for the Black Sea.
Fighting Plastic Pollution: Innovations from Recycllux and Tresoil Biofuels SRL
This interview was conducted as part of the DOORS project Work Package 6 (WP6) activities, which focus on promoting entrepreneurship and innovation within the Blue Economy. It features two participants of the Black Sea Accelerator (BSA), a joint initiative of the Horizon2020-funded projects DOORS and BRIDGE-BS. The exchange took place on October 16, 2024, during the High-Tech Summit for the Black Sea (HTS4BS) held in Sofia, Bulgaria, organized by the BRIDGE-BS project.
The interview was carried out by Eleni Manousiadi (EM), DOORS WP6 co-leader, with the full and informed consent of both interviewees — Sorina Uleia, Co-founder and CEO at Recycllux, and Roger Preston, CEO at Tresoil Biofuels SRL. The aim was to highlight how both companies, through their participation in the Black Sea Accelerator, are contributing innovative solutions to tackle marine plastic pollution. The content has been used to showcase exemplary practices under the Blue Growth activities of DOORS and is published in accordance with all applicable data protection and ethical standards.
We sincerely thank Sorina Uleia (SU) and Roger Preston (RP) for sharing their insights and contributions. The following is the complete interview conducted between the three participants.
EM: It is a pleasure to be joined today by two distinguished innovators who are actively developing solutions to combat marine plastic pollution. To begin, could you each kindly introduce your company and elaborate on the key innovations you are implementing to address plastic waste, particularly in coastal and marine environments?
SU: At Recycllux, we build a data driven system that streamlines the marine plastic waste cleanup process, making it more efficient and transparent. We leverage AI, Earth Observation and blockchain. Our proprietary AI algorithms analyse the satellite data to identify plastic waste hotspots, and our blockchain- powered platform connects stakeholders, companies and administrations, fishermen, NGOs and, recyclers for end-to-end interventions. Blockchain enables a full chain of custody of marine plastic waste.
RP: I am the CEO of the Tresoil Biofuels SRL creator of the TRESOILPower2X “Waste to Energy project”, our company is a sustainable waste to energy solution that converts unrecyclable waste plastics and end of life tires into green hydrogen, and sustainable derivatives such as ammonia. The TRESOILPower2X produces stand-alone, continuous energy 24/7/365 non-stop (Hydrogen and Electricity): we also produce carbon black which has excellent conductive properties, it is used as a component for magnetic tapes, semiconductors and many other materials for new industry technologies. The latest technologies involve carbon in reverse osmosis for desalination.
The project uses Digital Twins technologies to create a virtual model to deploy modular, scalable, replicable net zero emission plants prior to physical construction resulting in cost savings of up to 40%. Digital Twin decision making for real time performance monitoring, and risk management. The goal is to deploy modular, scalable, replicated zero emission plants along the Danube River and in European cities to support green hydrogen production to address both waste management and clean energy demands.
Our process can utilize over 200 different types of unrecyclable plastic and end-of-life tires feedstocks, converting waste materials into valuable mobility and industry energy. This not only helps with waste management but also reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and imported products. Our first plant on the Danube River, Romania serves multiple purposes, from ongoing process optimization to producing bespoke net zero fuels for customer applications.
Our production configuration can easily fit into shipping containers, allowing us to set up production facilities or ‘microfactories’ wherever they are needed, allowing us to integrate into existing production supply chains. This enables us to reduce shipping costs and fulfilment timelines and deliver cheaper than existing wholesale prices.
Our modular approach allows for the quick setup of production facilities, capable of scaling to meet large volume demands. This ensures that we can supply high-quality fuels and solid carbon at competitive prices, supporting the growing market needs. By recycling waste plastic and producing hydrogen and electricity, our process contributes to a sustainable future.
EM: Of course, Mr. Preston, we have known Tresoil Biofuels through the Black Sea Accelerator initiative, supported by DOORS and BRIDGE-BS. We also had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Uleia from Recycllux during the first DOORS Stakeholder Conference. I know you two met during that event. How did that meeting influence your thinking about collaboration?
SU: The Black Sea Accelerator highlighted the potential synergy between our technologies. While Recycllux focuses on identifying and collecting the marine plastic waste, Roger’s solution provides a method for processing plastics. The meeting opened the door for us to explore how our systems can complement each other and to address the full life cycle of plastic waste.
RP: Exactly. Mrs. Uleia and I have had several discussions and collaboration for our two projects together. We are having further meetings to explore a mutual collaboration opportunity beneficial to both our projects.
EM: Mrs. Uleia, could you tell us more about how AI technology utilized by Recycllux detects plastic in the sea? What type of information or data would help enhance environmental cleanup efforts?
SU: So, our AI technology analyses the satellite images from the European Space Agency (ESA) Copernicus program (the Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellites), to detect plastic waste spots in the seas. Machine-learning algorithms detect the specific spectral signatures of plastic waste accumulations. We also use ground-truth verifications (marine field data) to enhance detection accuracy. We provide key insights into the location and concentration of plastic waste, helping guide clean-up efforts effectively.
EM: Mr. Preston, could you please explain to us how your company’s process works to convert the non-recyclable plastic into the clean energy and what could make, what is already making the solution standing out in the renewable energy space?
RP: TRESOIPower2X is an innovative, decentralized, small scale, disruptive technology low-cost solution for processing municipal and commercial waste into a hydrogen transport mobility fuel with zero emission. Clients are able to divest themselves of waste they produce on a daily basis, and take advantage of self-produced hydrogen and electricity for its own use. The TRESOIPower2X process can generate its own electricity, and in excess of 6 tonnes of road quality fuel from 50 tonnes per day of plastic waste.
TRESOILPower2X waste-to-energy (WtE) plant utilizes advanced hybrid gasification /pyrolysis technology to convert waste plastic into high-quality synthetic gas and other valuable bi-fuel and green products. Through a controlled thermal oxygen starved decomposition process, we can efficiently extract H2 energy from plastic waste while minimizing harmful emissions. Our technology ensures a circular economy management approach by reducing waste, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, contributing to cleaner air and solving environment pollution; and indiscriminate waste dumping into landfill/illegal dumps or being incinerated.
EM: How do you see your impact so far — and what do you consider your most notable contributions to tackling plastic pollution?
SU: We’ve achieved promising results, particularly through establishing partnerships along the Romanian Black Sea coast. A successful intervention in the Black Sea will highlight how local collaborations combined with advanced technology can create a significant environmental and economic impact, setting a standard for future efforts. According to our EIT CLIMATE-KIC commissioned impact analysis at scale, our interventions could avoid more than 5 million tons of CO2 annually.
RP: At TRESOIL we are eliminating a huge problem, which is unrecyclable plastic and end-of-life tires. We are turning this toxic problem into a zero-emission fuel for mobility, for industry, as well as ammonia for fertilizer production. Waste has many uses, and we can save all this plastic by going to landfills, which will take hundreds of years that keeps emitting greenhouse gases. We immediately eradicate it. We stop it going to incineration or ending up in our oceans.
EM: Both companies contribute to the global fight against plastic pollution. Do you also see your work contributing to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
SU:. Absolutely. Our work directly contributes to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by reducing marine pollution and lowering the carbon footprint. When we remove plastic from the sea, we stop stored carbon from being released and help the sea do its job in absorbing CO2, which is key in the fight against climate change. Additionally, our efforts indirectly support SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by preventing plastic contamination in the food chain and reducing the associated health risks.
RP: For us, it's about enabling 24/7 green energy generation from waste plastic — not just during sunlight hours like solar farms. The TRESOILPower2X competitive advantage; because the input feedstock is at an extremely low cost and in many cases free of charge, we will produce low-cost energy 24/7 where it is required. Turning a toxic waste problem into revenue creating exportable products, and creating new sustainable job opportunities.
EM: What are some of the biggest challenges each of your business faces in scaling your solutions, whether it's AI detection technology or turning waste into energy?
SU: Our main challenge is securing funding to demonstrate the solution and scale up. We have the plan and partners for our Black Sea intervention. Convincing stakeholders to adopt data-driven methods is a challenge, but we aim to build trust through our pilot's success.
RP: For scaling the waste-to-energy solution, the biggest challenges include higher costs of green hydrogen/ammonia compared to fossil alternatives, risk of delayed project implementation, lack of sustainable infrastructure and vested interests like oil and gas lobbying. For scaling AI detection (specifically the Digital Twin), challenges include ensuring accurate data capture, integrating across disparate systems while maintaining data integrity and balancing model complexity with ease-of-use non-technical stakeholders.
EM: Do you see any potential opportunities to collaborate, given that one of you identifies plastic pollution and the other deals with processing unrecyclable plastics?
SU: Yes. We can identify and collect the marine plastic waste, and Roger’s solution can ensure that unrecyclable plastics are processed into energy, closing the loop on plastic waste management.
RP: Yes, there is strong collaboration potential since Tresoil Power2X can directly use the identified and then collect non-recyclable plastic waste to produce green hydrogen, ammonia and carbon black.
EM: How do you envision the future of plastic waste management and the role your respective technologies will play in it over the next 5–10 years?
SU: The success of the Black Sea pilot will be a key milestone, demonstrating the effectiveness of our solution and paving the way for our growth. By 2030, our goal is to collect 5,000 tons of plastic, reducing 1% of the 500,000 tons dumped annually in EU seas. From a technological standpoint, I see AI-driven systems becoming standard in identifying and managing waste hotspots. In the future, we plan to incorporate more real-time data and predictive modelling to make cleanups even more efficient and proactive.
RP: The future will move towards local, modular, stand-alone waste-to-energy facilities that eradicate unrecyclable plastics while producing green fuels and carbon-negative materials. Digital Twins will optimize design and scalability, making clean energy generation from plastic waste faster and cheaper.
EM: Which are your lessons learned when you tried to innovate in sustainability, circular economy, and environmental sectors?
SU: Innovation in this space takes patience and persistence. The key is demonstrating tangible results and building partnerships. Collaboration is crucial - no single solution can solve the plastic waste crisis. Working with innovators like Roger is essential to creating a holistic approach that addresses the problem from all angles.
RP: We learned that proactive risk management, adaptability, and early stakeholder engagement are crucial. Using Digital Twins helped avoid costly mistakes. Collaboration with innovators like Sorina has proven essential to building stronger, scalable solutions.
On May 5th and 6th, the H2020 DOORS Black Sea project has welcomed its family of partners, collaborators, and stakeholders to Bucharest for its Final Stakeholder Conference.
What we delivered, what lies ahead:
🌊 The DOORS System of Systems
A first of its kind digital platform that integrates heterogenous data from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive environmental systems understanding of the Black Sea. Data from in-situ measurements, sensor arrays, satellite-based Earth observation, external repositories, and numerical model outputs are combined in a single interactive platform to support informed decision making.
🌊 Advancing Marine Science
The three DOORS cruises conducted in 2023 and 2024 successfully delivered a wealth of novel insights into the current state of the Black Sea. DOORS researchers studied specific and unique processes from the shores of the Black Sea to the deeper parts, the gas hydrate deposits from the abyssal part of the Black Sea. For the first time in the history of Black Sea research a robotic glider was deployed – and operated for about one month and a half.
🌊 Advanced Modelling for a Changing Sea
Present knowledge and future changes from the DOORS modelling effort: biogeochemical modelling; identification of sources, distribution and evolution of marine litter across the Black Sea; wave and storm surge modelling - at basin and coastal scale; morphodynamic and flooding modelling.
🌊 The Blue Growth Accelerator
Supporting innovation by identifying promising Blue Economy sectors and entrepreneurs, offering professional guidance, facilitating knowledge exploitation, and fostering collaboration among scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. Helping the Black Sea profile grow through the DOORS Black Sea Special Interest Group.
🌊 Citizen and Youth Engagement
DOORS placed a strong emphasis on community engagement, with targeted efforts to connect with Black Sea citizens, inspire and empower youth.
🌊Voices from the Region: DOORS Country Leaders
Hearing from our DOORS ‘Country Leaders’ about the distinct contribution that DOORS has made in their communities. From empowering the next generation, to supporting responses to the environmental impacts of conflict, DOORS has left a deep and meaningful imprint in each of the region’s countries, while supporting a greater scientific understanding of the Black Sea and its ecosystems.
🌊Looking Ahead to 2040
What will the Black Sea look like in 15 years’ time? From a return to peace, to healthy, resilient, and sustainable ecosystems; from enhanced connectivity to even stronger regional scientific cooperation, the future holds a number of possibilities for the Black Sea region. Our network looks forward to continuing its important contribution.
Recently, leaders from the DOORS project met with policymakers and influencers from ministries in Black Sea countries to overview the diverse ways in which DOORS project outcomes can support the successful implementation of the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea.
Core themes included:
Supporting informed decision making through rich data and the novel, intelligent capabilities of the Black Sea System of Systems
Nurturing the businesses, entrepreneurs, and opportunities of the future through the Blue Growth Accelerator
Building an active and engaged community of stakeholders through educational outreach, ocean literacy & citizen science
Find out more by reading our targeted policy briefing paper, and accompanying factsheets here.
Researchers and environmental managers across the Black Sea region now have access to a new series of webinars, designed to enhance expertise in marine data curation. The materials are available now via the DOORS life-long learning platform hosted by LifeWatch ERIC.
The training entitled Advancing Climate Change Response in the Black Sea: Best Practices & Standards for Marine Data Curation offers professionals including scientists and environmental managers the tools to manage data according to the international best practices, and in alliance with key EU marine data services: Copernicus Marine Service and EMODnet.
As climate change accelerates, the demand for accurate, high-quality marine data is more critical than ever. The Black Sea, a region particularly vulnerable to environmental shifts, requires harmonised data collection, curation, and dissemination following international standards.
The DOORS project, in collaboration with leading European Marine Research Infrastructures and the European Global Ocean Observing System (EuroGOOS), is addressing this need by promoting best practices in marine data curation for the Black Sea and providing access to reliable data to develop informed strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate impacts.
Designed for Black Sea scientists and data managers, as well as all those interested in international marine data management, the training introduces participants to international data standards and the DOORS data harmonisation manual. This is followed by hands-on sessions addressing specific Essential Ocean Variables for marine physics, biogeochemistry, and biology.
Participants heard from European Marine Research Infrastructures and international experts about tools and approaches to enhance data quality, accessibility, and interoperability, while aligning with FAIR principles.
The training is available to access here: https://training.lifewatch.eu/resources/?resource=/course/view.php?id=133.
Black Sea Special Interest Group unveils investment opportunities
The DOORS Black Sea Special Interest Group - which aims to drive regeneration of communities on the coast of the Black Sea - has launched a portfolio of investment opportunities, aimed at connecting promising business prospects and budding entrepreneurs with investors.
IMAGE (L-R): Lord Jack McConnell, Special Interest Group Chair; Dr. Rebecca Shah, Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy, Bucharest; Professor Adrian Stanica, DOORS Project Coordinator.
Ukraine, Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania and Türkiye are among the countries that will benefit from sustainable economic development sparked by the portfolio, which was unveiled at an event in Bucharest on 15 April.
The investment portfolio is focused on the blue economy – the sustainable use of ocean, sea, and coastal resources for economic prosperity, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of marine ecosystems.
The investment opportunities unveiled in the portfolio include:
Galera 07 – a Bulgarian shipbuilder developing a unique, solar-powered hydrofoil ferry with the potential to upen up new, fast maritime routes between Black Sea coastal cities.
NDP Mussel Farm – a Romanian company with advanced plans to develop a mussel farm on the Romanian coast south on Constanta, responding to the region’s growing appetite for sustainably-produced seafood.
Plastic 2 Green – an innovative, plasma-based process to transform plastic waste into zero-carbon products which can help to address the Black Sea’s significant marine litter challenge.
Reviving Sulina – an opportunity to unlock the hidden histories of a small Black Sea community that has played an outsized role in European economic history by creating an immersive, educational digital experience, led by digital reconstruction specialists CyArk.
The DOORS Black Sea Special Interest Group brings together carefully selected entrepreneurs, researchers, and global statespeople to champion the distinct opportunities in this unique part of the world.
Chaired by University of Stirling Chancellor and former First Minister of Scotland Lord Jack McConnell, membership includes former Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky, former NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson, and Galina Teleucă, Deputy Mayor of Jurilovca, Romania, a coastal community that has witnessed exemplary investment in blue economy infrastructure.
Special Interest Group Chair Lord McConnell said: “The Black Sea can be a source of enduring prosperity for its coastal communities, reaping the benefits of emerging opportunities. That’s why I am pleased to unveil these prospects for investment across this region, which I hope will catalyse sustainable development opportunities for the 16 million people who inhabit the Black Sea coast.
“Investors can look forward to being part of new ventures and markets at the cutting edge of the blue economy, and to making an important contribution to a distinct part of the world that can benefit hugely from this progress.”
The launch event was hosted at the residence of the British Ambassador to Romania, in Bucharest, with the support of the British Embassy.
Dr Rebecca Shah, Chargée d’Affaires at the British Embassy, Bucharest, said: “Economic growth and environmental protection must go hand in hand. The UK sees a huge potential for this region to prosper through sustainable economic development, which is why we’re pleased to support the DOORS project and the Black Sea Special Interest Group. This exciting portfolio showcases a number of really interesting projects on and around the Black Sea, and we hope that investors will be keen to get involved.”
Professor Adrian Stănică, General Director of Romania’s National Institute for Research and Development on Marine Geology and Geo-ecology (GeoEcoMar) and DOORS Project Coordinator, said: “The Developing Optimal and Open Research Support for the Black Sea (DOORS) project has aimed to transform the Black Sea Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda from concept to reality. This means a gaining better knowledge of the Black Sea and the processes controlling its specific ecosystems but also understanding how we can benefit from its resources in a sustainable way.
“That’s why DOORS has supported moves towards a sustainable blue economy, helping coastal communities to grow in harmony with the sea and bringing together all relevant actors that can support the development of a thriving blue economy throughout the region.”
The DOORS Black Sea Special Interest Group, coordinated by the University of Stirling, was launched on October 31 2024, which was designated International Black Sea Action Day. This year is the 29th anniversary of the signing of the Black Sea Strategic Action Plan, which aims to improve the lives of the 16 million people from six countries who live near the Black Sea’s shores.
Opening DOORS to the Black Sea: Final DOORS Stakeholder Conference
When: 5-6 May 2025
Where: InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest, 1-3 Episcopiei street, Bucharest, Romania
Policy makers & government authorities, international and regional organizations, industry representatives, academic & research institutions, environmental NGOs & civil society organizations, local communities & citizen groups, teachers: all play a critical role in shaping policies, research, and actions that ensure a healthy, productive, and resilient Black Sea for future generations - and were all invited to be part of two impactful days of insights, collaboration, and innovation focused on the Black Sea and its future.
Through the Final Stakeholder Conference, we aimed to highlight the new, unique and extensive knowledge generated by the DOORS H2020 project. Special emphasis was given to its significant contribution to the actual knowledge about the Black Sea and its support to Blue Economy. The event offered a unique forum to exchange views on the challenges and opportunities regarding the state of the Black Sea, the sustainable Blue Economy sectors, the development of the Digital Twin Ocean, Training and Capacity Enhancement in the Black Sea, Ocean Literacy, and Science-Policy interface.
The conference was highly interactive and involved all Black Sea countries participating in DOORS, as well as a range of key regional, European, and international initiatives.
What we delivered, what lies ahead:
🌊 The DOORS System of Systems
A first of its kind digital platform that integrates heterogenous data from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive environmental systems understanding of the Black Sea. Data from in-situ measurements, sensor arrays, satellite-based Earth observation, external repositories, and numerical model outputs are combined in a single interactive platform to support informed decision making.
🌊 Advancing Marine Science
The three DOORS cruises conducted in 2023 and 2024 successfully delivered a wealth of novel insights into the current state of the Black Sea. DOORS researchers studied specific and unique processes from the shores of the Black Sea to the deeper parts, the gas hydrate deposits from the abyssal part of the Black Sea. For the first time in the history of Black Sea research a robotic glider was deployed – and operated for about one month and a half.
🌊 Advanced Modelling for a Changing Sea
Present knowledge and future changes from the DOORS modelling effort: biogeochemical modelling; identification of sources, distribution and evolution of marine litter across the Black Sea; wave and storm surge modelling - at basin and coastal scale; morphodynamic and flooding modelling.
🌊 The Blue Growth Accelerator
Supporting innovation by identifying promising Blue Economy sectors and entrepreneurs, offering professional guidance, facilitating knowledge exploitation, and fostering collaboration among scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. Helping the Black Sea profile grow through the DOORS Black Sea Special Interest Group.
🌊 Citizen and Youth Engagement
DOORS placed a strong emphasis on community engagement, with targeted efforts to connect with Black Sea citizens, inspire and empower youth.
🌊Voices from the Region: DOORS Country Leaders
Hearing from our DOORS ‘Country Leaders’ about the distinct contribution that DOORS has made in their communities. From empowering the next generation, to supporting responses to the environmental impacts of conflict, DOORS has left a deep and meaningful imprint in each of the region’s countries, while supporting a greater scientific understanding of the Black Sea and its ecosystems.
🌊Looking Ahead to 2040
What will the Black Sea look like in 15 years’ time? From a return to peace, to healthy, resilient, and sustainable ecosystems; from enhanced connectivity to even stronger regional scientific cooperation, the future holds a number of possibilities for the Black Sea region. Our network looks forward to continuing its important contribution.
DOORS Blue Economy Investment Portfolio: Coming Soon
Since its launch, the DOORS Black Sea Special Interest Group (SIG) has been working to raise the profile of Blue Economy investment opportunities in the region, to an international audience.
Lord Jack McConnell, chair of the Black Sea Special Interest Group
Recently, the SIG held an investor showcase in London, giving select investors an early opportunity to view some of the exciting prospects that have the potential to transform the region’s economy.
The SIG’s final Investment Portfolio will be published on 15th April. Follow us for some compelling ideas from the region’s innovators and entrepreneurs.
DOORS Showcases Impact to European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation
Representatives from the H2020 DOORS project had the privilege of meeting with European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva. The meeting served as a valuable opportunity to present the project’s wide-ranging achievements - from data harmonisation and the development of a System of Systems as precursory of a Digital Twin for the Black Sea - to the Blue Growth Accelerator - to Knowledge Transfer and Training and dynamic community engagement efforts.
The discussion highlighted how the new, unique and extensive knowledge generated by the H2020 DOORS project is meeting the aspiration of the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for the Black Sea and supporting the region’s Blue Economy.
Opening DOORS to the Black Sea: High-Level Session at the European Parliament
A high-level session dedicated to showcasing the results of the DOORS project took place March 27, 2025, at the European Parliament in Brussels. The event was kindly hosted by MEP Victor Negrescu, Vice-President of the European Parliament, BUDG, SANT, JURI, ENVI Committees, and MEP Ștefan Mușoiu, TRAN, INTA Committees, and Adrian Stanica, Coordinator of the H2020 DOORS Black Sea project, with Director-General Charlina Vitcheva, Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, sharing the opening perspectives.
The event offered a powerful reflection on the importance of continued EU support for science, the economy, and communities across the Black Sea region - and provided a timely moment to take stock of the transformative impacts of the H2020 DOORS project.
The Black Sea Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda and the DOORS Project: Milen Baltov (Burgas Free University, Bulgaria – From Burgas Vision paper to the Black Sea Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda 2030), Adrian Stanica (GeoEcoMar, Romania - DOORS – implementing the Black Sea Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda), Violeta Slabakova (Institute of Oceanology – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IO-BAS), Bulgaria – The System of Systems, precursory of the Black Sea Digital Twin), Eleni Manousiadi (Kantor, Greece - Accelerating Blue Economy in the Black Sea), Rory Scarrott (UCC, Ireland - Building Capacity for the Blue Growth in the Black Sea)
At the heart of the discussion were the three DOORS key programmes: the System of Systems, the Blue Growth Accelerator and Knowledge Transfer and Training - already driving real change:
From the DOORS System of Systems to a Digital Twin for the Black Sea
Accelerating Blue Economy in the Black Sea
Building Capacity for a thriving Blue Economy in the Black Sea region
Our pan-European approaches had to be tailored to Black Sea realities, so we have made them and the lessons learned publicly available, showcasing the depth and complexity of DOORS’ work and achievements.
Lessons learnt from the DOORS project: Kadir Seyhan (Karadeniz University, Türkiye – DOORS engaging with stakeholders in the
Turkish part of the Black Sea), Antonio Amendola (SHELLY AI, Project Manager, Italy), Dina Eparkhina (EUROGOOS, Belgium – Black Sea Youth Dialogues - Promoting Ocean Literacy)
Black Sea Youth Voices: Taisia Zenkovich (Bulgaria), Elena Culighin (Moldova), Iulia Proca (Romania), Şebnem Atasaral (Turkyie), Marina Shainidze (Georgia), Sofia Sadogurska (Ukraine). Moderator: Vangelis Papathanasiou (Greece)
We were happy to hear insights from our speakers Charlina Vitcheva (Director-General, Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries), Elisabetta Balzi (Head of Unit, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Oceans, Seas and Waters), Andreea Strachinescu (Head of Unit, Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maritime innovation, Marine Knowledge and Investment), Elisabeth Lipiatou (Head of Unit, Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, Programme Implementation), Angiolo Boncompagni (Italian Ministry for Universities and Research, Senior Policy Officer of the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership), Ivelina Vasileva (Member of the Mission “Healthy Oceans, Seas, coastal and inland waters”, Danube – Black Sea Lighthouse Leader), Ariana Nastaseanu (Programme Coordination Manager at the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency - CINEA), and Viorel Vulturescu (Director, International Cooperations Direction, Romanian National Authority for Research), each offering valuable perspectives on the future of sustainable development in the Black Sea region.
Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General, Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
Black Sea. Present and Future: Elisabetta Balzi, Head of Unit, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Oceans, Seas and Waters
Black Sea. Present and Future: Elisabeth Lipiatou (Head of Unit, Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, Programme Implementation), Viorel Vulturescu (Director, International Cooperations Direction, Romanian National Authority for Research), Angiolo Boncompagni (Italian Ministry for Universities and Research, Senior Policy Officer of the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership)
Black Sea. Present and Future: Viorel Vulturescu (Director, International Cooperations Direction, Romanian National Authority for Research), Angiolo Boncompagni (Italian Ministry for Universities and Research, Senior Policy Officer of the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership), Ariana Nastaseanu (Programme Coordination Manager at the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency - CINEA), Andreea Strachinescu (Head of Unit, Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maritime innovation, Marine Knowledge and Investment), Ivelina Vasileva (Member of the Mission “Healthy Oceans, Seas, coastal and inland waters”, Danube – Black Sea Lighthouse Leader), Andrew Tyler (University of Stirling, UK)
Black Sea. Present and Future: Ariana Nastaseanu (Programme Coordination Manager at the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency - CINEA), Andreea Strachinescu (Head of Unit, Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maritime innovation, Marine Knowledge and Investment), Ivelina Vasileva (Member of the Mission “Healthy Oceans, Seas, coastal and inland waters”, Danube – Black Sea Lighthouse Leader)
The March 27, 2025, High-Level Event at the European Parliament marked a milestone in our collective effort to make operational the Black Sea Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for the Black Sea, to support the successful Blue Growth implementation, to contribute to a healthy, productive and resilient Black Sea - and to shape the future as we want it.
Black Sea. The future as we want it: MEP Victor Negrescu (Vice-President of the European Parliament, BUDG, SANT, JURI, ENVI Committees), MEP Ștefan Mușoiu (TRAN, INTA Committees), Milen Baltov (H2020 DOORS Black Sea project), Vangelis Papathanasiou (H2020 DOORS Black Sea project), Adrian Stanica (Coordinator of the H2020 DOORS Black Sea project)
DOORS ‘Love the Ocean’ workshops across the Black Sea
Following the 2024 ‘Love the Ocean’ pilot workshop organised in Constanta, Romania, we invited* young ocean enthusiasts (ages 16–21) from Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Türkiye, and Ukraine to join our DOORS ‘Love the Ocean’ workshop series and explore their connection with the Black Sea while diving into exciting topics like:
🔬 Science Made Fun: Understand the Black Sea’s environment.
🎓 Education: Design the learning activities you wish existed.
💼 Careers: Discover your potential in ocean-related fields.
Valentine’s Day, a time traditionally associated with love and appreciation, provided the perfect symbolic context for encouraging youth to express their care and commitment to the ocean and environment, instead of celebration of a commercial. The initiative sought to reinforce the idea that the Black Sea is part of the global ocean system and that ocean health is everyone’s concern, regardless of geographic proximity to the coast.
Aims of the workshops
To provide the Black Sea science community with a better understanding of how to connect with young people in the future. By taking part in the workshop, you’ll meet some of the faces behind the science that are helping us understand how and why our planet is changing, and what you can do to help them. Using a mixture of open discussion, interactive survey questions and games, the results will be shared with an international audience at the next DOORS Stakeholder Conference.
Methodology
The Love the Ocean workshops blended scientific dialogue with creative thinking. Designed for youth aged 16-21, each workshop lasted between 2,5 and 3 hours and was structured into five components:
Welcome and Icebreaker: Participants shared personal connections to the sea, setting a tone of trust and curiosity. The DOORS project and the concept of Ocean Literacy were introduced.
Interactive Dialogue with Scientists: Using real-time digital polling tools (Mentimeter or Slido), participants responded to questions about their environmental concerns, career aspirations, and understanding of marine science. These responses drove an open discussion with marine scientists, focused on science-society dialogue and systems thinking.
Group Activity – Designing Ocean Literacy Events: In small groups, students co-created Ocean Literacy ideas and pitched them to the full workshop. This session emphasized creativity, local relevance, teamwork, and ownership.
Feedback and Closing: Participants completed a reflection poll and received certificates. The session concluded with a group photo and informal exchanges.
Reporting and Communication: Local facilitators documented outcomes, shared poll data and qualitative insights, and contributed their experiences to the DOORS Ocean Literacy Network. Future events were considered with local partners and beyond the duration of DOORS.
The workshops were implemented through DOORS partner institutions including universities and marine research centres as well as in partnership with libraries, schools, and civil society organisations. Each session involved local language materials and GDPR-compliant participant registration. Workshops were held as part of or in connection with local cultural or environmental events, including World Water Day, World Wetlands Day, and the Mărțișor spring festival. Promotional efforts included pre-event announcements, social media posts, and local communication through schools and universities. Post-event visibility was ensured through photos, stories, and data shared within the DOORS communication ecosystem.
Key Results
Participants explored and reflected on major themes such as the Black Sea’s role as part of the global ocean, the critical link between the ocean and climate, and the various human-induced pressures affecting marine ecosystems. They examined the universal relevance of ocean health, regardless of one's proximity to the coast, and discussed the principles of a sustainable blue economy. The workshops also emphasized the importance of science communication and advocacy, as well as the value of co-design and local engagement as powerful methods for driving social change.
Polls and open discussions during the workshops revealed that the top concerns among Black Sea youth included climate change, pollution, war and regional instability, mental health, discrimination and equality, artificial intelligence, and job insecurity. When asked who should take the lead in addressing the climate crisis, participants pointed to the general public, policymakers, and scientists, highlighting these same groups as essential to future Ocean Literacy efforts.
The workshops also served as an empowering space for young people. They enabled authentic interaction between scientists and youth, encouraged exploration of careers in ocean-related fields, and supported the development of key soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. Participants gained tools to combat misinformation and strengthen their data and science literacy, while also experiencing a sense of agency by designing real, community-based Ocean Literacy initiatives.
For many scientists involved, this was a unique opportunity to engage with youth outside traditional education settings. Feedback described the workshops as transformative experiences that were later presented at scientific conferences, demonstrating DOORS’ leadership in co-design and science-society dialogue.
The Love the Ocean workshops successfully engaged 240 young people across the Black Sea region, building bridges between science and society and planting seeds for future Ocean Literacy and environmental action. Participants left with a stronger understanding of the ocean’s influence on their lives and a sense of personal responsibility. These events reflected the core values of DOORS: science-driven action, connection, collaboration, learning, and co-design.
Love the Ocean in Bulgaria
The ‘Love the Ocean’ workshops in Bulgaria were held in Varna on 14 February 2025 and in Burgas on 2 February on the occasion of the World Wetlands Day. Structured in two main modules, the workshops combined interactive digital polling with expert-led discussions and youth-led project design. In the first session, students used the polling tool Slido to respond to questions about environmental literacy and their perceptions of the Black Sea. This was followed by an engaging dialogue with scientists from the Institute of Oceanography of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Burgas Free University. Scientists engaged with students on the ocean’s influence on climate and biodiversity, and the connection of the Black Sea to the global ocean. In the second module, students were divided into five teams and given 20 minutes to design their own educational Ocean Literacy activities. Each group visualised their ideas on A3 posters, ranging from mobile apps and board games to sculptures made from marine waste, and presented them to the audience in enthusiastic 2-3 minute pitches.
The Varna workshop took place at the Pencho Slaveykov Regional Library, a symbolic venue known for youth education and learning, reinforcing the connection between science, knowledge, and society. The Burgas event took place at the University of Burgas. Students from several secondary schools the Varna Free University and the Burgas Free University took place in these workshops.
Image: ‘Love the Ocean’ workshop in Burgas, Bulgaria
Image: ‘Love the Ocean’ workshop in Varna, Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, this effort aligns with the vision of developing a collaborative platform where scientists, educators, policymakers, and youth work together to raise awareness and drive action to protect the marine environment. The Black Sea Literacy movement calls on all sectors - government, academia, business, civil society - to support education and engagement initiatives aimed at young people, helping them understand the ecological and societal value of the ocean and empowering them to lead change.
Love the Ocean in Georgia
The “Love the Ocean: Love the Black Sea” workshop was held on 2 February 2025 at Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University (BSU) in Batumi, Georgia, on the occasion of World Wetlands Day. Timed to echo the themes of Valentine’s Day, the workshop turned the focus from commercial celebration to meaningful environmental connection. As part of the broader DOORS Ocean Literacy initiative spanning the six Black Sea countries, the workshop was designed to engage youth in understanding environmental challenges facing the Black Sea and empower them to take action through education, dialogue, and creativity.
Image: ‘Love the Ocean’ workshop in Batumi, Georgia
The event targeted young people aged 16-21 and was structured into two main modules. The first focused on interactive discussions and live polling, where participants engaged with marine scientists using tools like Mentimeter to share their views and deepen their understanding of issues such as pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable ocean use. Students also learned about cutting-edge scientific tools, such as Argo floats and the Black Sea SoS system, through engaging presentations.
Students discussed current research and its real-world applications with experts from BSU and environmental leaders, including Mrs. Nino Chkhobadze, Chairperson of the Greens Movement of Georgia / Friends of the Earth - Georgia, and Dr. Izolda Matchutadze, Interreg CARE SEA project coordinator.
In the second module, participants worked in groups to design and present their own Ocean Literacy initiatives. The resulting projects reflected both creativity and insight:
The first group developed a campaign on Reducing Plastic along the Coastline, involving youth in direct environmental action.
The second group proposed a regional social media relay, Black Sea Unites Us, with influencers sharing messages across countries around the Black Sea.
The third group created Ocean and Sea Sustainability – Our Future, presenting a visually impactful logo reminiscent of The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai. This logo was selected to represent Georgia’s Ocean Literacy efforts.
Each presentation showcased the students’ enthusiasm, humour, and confidence, with a strong sense of shared purpose and respect among peers. A standout achievement was the selection of PhD student Marina Shainidze, one of the workshop organisers, to represent Georgian youth at the European Parliament meeting in Brussels on 27 March 2025, supported by DOORS partner GeoGraphic.
Follow-up workshops are planned to explore topics like sustainable fishing, pollution monitoring, and renewable energy. Student groups are expected to launch local conservation campaigns, clean-ups, and awareness initiatives, supported by universities, NGOs, and local government. The Interreg SAVE SEA project has committed to hosting annual events, helping to sustain and institutionalize Ocean Literacy efforts in Georgia. The event also served as a handover point for the DOORS/JPI Oceans microplastics research kit to the Interreg SAVE SEA Lead Partner, promoting hands-on marine science with youth. Thanks to Aboslut-2010 Ltd., the workshop was held without single-use plastics, demonstrating values through action.
Love the Ocean in Moldova
The Love the Ocean workshop in the Republic of Moldova took place on 7 March 2025 at ARTCOR – Creative Industries Center in Chișinău. Held during the traditional Mărțișor spring celebration symbolizing renewal and hope, the event invited young people to explore the health of the Black Sea and the concept of ocean literacy from a landlocked country perspective. This DOORS event was organised jointly with the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea (CMA), which promotes coordinated marine policy and sustainable blue economy development among Black Sea countries. Although Moldova does not have a coastline, it is intrinsically connected to the Black Sea through major river basins and shared watersheds. The workshop provided a compelling context for emphasizing that marine stewardship is not limited to coastal nations, but rather a shared responsibility across the Black Sea region.
Image: ‘Love the Ocean’ workshop in Chișinău, Moldova
High school and university students were engaged along with several University professors, lecturers, and researchers – with a goal to create a cross-generational and interdisciplinary exchange. Participants explored challenges such as eutrophication, pollution, overfishing, and climate change, and were surprised to learn about the presence of dolphins and sharks in the Black Sea. They also discovered how the DOORS System of Systems integrates real-time data for marine monitoring. In exploring the blue economy, students learned about career paths in marine transport, research, aquaculture, and biotechnology, and expressed motivation driven by a desire to protect the environment, pursue meaningful work, and grow personally and professionally.
Students also worked together to design their own Ocean Literacy initiatives. These ideas combined local conservation (such as beach cleanups and school awareness campaigns) with blue economy themes. For example: hosting career days featuring marine researchers and offshore wind experts; creating interactive technology demos and school workshops using real DOORS data; promoting community events to discuss sustainable aquaculture, renewable energy, and plastic waste reduction.
The event intentionally shifted the spotlight away from commercial traditions and instead celebrated love for the Black Sea and its ecosystems. Participants left with the understanding that every individual within the Black Sea basin, regardless of their proximity to the coast, has a role to play in safeguarding shared waters. The workshop encouraged participants to view marine health not as a distant issue, but as an integral part of their environmental identity.
Participants were invited to follow DOORS and CMA activities, access training materials, and explore open datasets through shared platforms. Plans include future sessions focused on renewable energy, marine biodiversity, and pollution monitoring, with potential mentorships and cross-border exchanges. The workshop will feed into longer-term efforts to encourage youth in Moldova to pursue studies and careers in STEM, with an emphasis on environmental sciences and sustainable development.
Love the Ocean in Romania
The Love the Ocean workshop in Romania was held in Bucharest on 24 February 2025, at Seneca Anticafe. The event brought together students aged 16–21 for a dynamic, dialogue-based session focused on marine science, environmental challenges, and youth-driven conservation action. The goal was to explore participants’ knowledge, perceptions, and concerns about the Black Sea and global environmental issues, while highlighting opportunities for deeper engagement and blue economy careers.
Image: ‘Love the Ocean’ workshop in Bucharest, Romania
The first part of the workshop engaged participants in an interactive polling and discussion session. Using a structured series of Mentimeter questions, the students reflected on their concerns for the future, including climate change, pollution, job insecurity, and war; their awareness of marine science terms and visible environmental changes around them; and the roles of different stakeholders in tackling climate change. The discussion was co-led by DOORS scientists. Together, participants considered how young people can contribute to solving marine challenges and help scientists through outreach, data collection, and advocacy.
In the second part of the workshop, participants formed groups to co-create their own Ocean Literacy initiatives. Their concepts included school outreach projects, beach cleanup campaigns, tech-based awareness games, and interactive exhibitions for younger students. The workshop received overwhelmingly positive feedback, such as: “very entertaining and fun”, “educational”, “super-well organized - I found out a lot of new things about the Black Sea”, and “Complex. Dynamic. Funny. We’ll be back!”. Several participants noted that they learned more than expected, especially about topics like marine geophysics and climate impacts, and appreciated the relaxed, cooperative environment. Others shared that this was their first time engaging with scientists in such a practical way - and that it had changed their view of what school-organized workshops could be. The event proved once again that when young people are given the space, tools, and encouragement to co-create, they respond with ideas, energy, and a deep sense of responsibility for our shared ocean.
The DOORS organising team of the event plan to continue this activity after the project while establishing closer links between Bucharest and the coastal scientific community in Constanta.
Love the Ocean in Türkiye
The Love the Ocean workshop in Türkiye was held on 20 February 2025 at Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) in Trabzon, as part of the DOORS Ocean Literacy initiative across the Black Sea region. Originally scheduled for Valentine’s Day (14 February), the event was postponed to accommodate university midterm breaks. Still, it preserved its core purpose: to redirect the spirit of Valentine's Day toward environmental care and ocean conservation.
The workshop brought together an impressive 86 participants, including 85 university students (aged 18– 21), mostly from the Faculty of Marine Sciences, and one 16-year-old science high-school student. Through direct engagement with scientists and peer collaboration, participants had a chance to deepen their understanding of marine science and feel more empowered to act as ocean literacy ambassadors.
Image: ‘Love the Ocean’ workshop in Trabzon, Türkiye
The workshop unfolded in two sections. The first section dedicated to dialogue with scientists featured introductory talks by university professors on physical oceanography of the Black Sea, the region’s geological formation, and the principles of Ocean Literacy. Interactive polls session engaged students in reflection on key marine science themes. In the second session students worked in teams to design and present projects promoting ocean literacy and marine environmental protection.
Each project addressed key challenges in marine conservation while offering practical, creative, and educational approaches to Ocean Literacy. The projects included:
Understanding the Seas is Saving the Future – A quiz and Q&A project designed to raise ecological awareness among students through fun, engaging competition.
Clean Sea, Clean Future – A hands-on coastal cleanup initiative targeting primary and middle school children to instil environmental responsibility from an early age.
Can Deniz (“Life Sea”): From Generation to Generation, Always Alive to the Sea – An educational mobile game featuring endangered species, designed to teach marine conservation through interactive play.
Clean Trabzon, Clean Future – A local campaign aimed at mobilizing public beach cleanups and building environmental awareness across Trabzon’s coastal areas.
A New Experience Every Day, A Clean Future – An awareness initiative combining ocean advocacy with youth career inspiration, focusing on the impact of cigarette waste and promoting maritime professions.
The Seas Are Our Future, Protecting Them Is Our Duty – A wide-reaching education and advocacy campaign focused on endangered species and threats such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change, with a strong emphasis on youth and stakeholder engagement.
Indoor Vertical Farming and Aquaculture Project – An ambitious innovation combining climate adaptation, marine product sustainability, and job creation. Using vertical farming methods, this project targeted multiple sectors, including medicine, cosmetics, biofuels, textiles, and food, offering a vision of eco-friendly industry transformation.
The high energy, creativity, and commitment displayed in this section stood out as one of the workshop's greatest successes.
In Türkiye, the initiative aligns with national goals for environmental awareness, blue economy development, and sustainable marine resource use - particularly critical in regions like Trabzon, where coastal communities are directly impacted by ocean health.
Building on the strong engagement at KTU, several follow-up actions are envisioned. Plans are underway to continue the DOORS Black Sea Ocean Literacy Network, linking active young leaders from Türkiye with peers across the Black Sea region. Some of the ideas, especially digital tools like educational games and quizzes, may be incorporated into future teaching resources at KTU and shared with national education networks. Inspired by this event’s sustainable approach, future DOORS workshops and conferences in KTU aim to adopt zero single-use plastic practices.
Love the Ocean in Ukraine
The Love the Ocean workshop in Ukraine took place on 10 March 2025 at the Faculty of Hydrometeorology and Ecology of Odesa I.I. Mechnikov National University. The workshop aimed to introduce students to European initiatives for studying the Black Sea, explore their views on the sea’s environmental challenges, and demonstrate how they can actively contribute to marine research and advocacy. A key objective was also to connect students with scientists, encouraging longer-term engagement and even future career aspirations in ocean science.
Image: ‘Love the Ocean’ workshop in Odesa, Ukraine
The participants were all first-year students of hydrometeorology and ecology, already preparing for careers in weather forecasting and environmental monitoring. The workshop provided new perspectives on the interconnected role of the world ocean in shaping Earth’s climate, a foundational theme in their academic and professional development. The workshop also supported youth engagement with the DOORS research, helping students better understand the broader significance of their studies while promoting ocean science career pathways.
The workshop was highly interactive and personalized, featuring real-time polling using Mentimeter, which students found both intuitive and engaging, especially the ability to see group results visualized instantly. An open discussion followed with two participating scientists, covering the latest research on the Black Sea and its role in global climate regulation. Finally, a group activity engaged students to collaboratively develop their ideas for Ocean Literacy events.
The event inspired further local environmental engagement, with plans for future interactive workshops to explore new ocean science tools, data platforms like the DOORS System of Systems, and global marine sustainability efforts.
The Love the Ocean workshop in Ukraine showcased how even a small, focused event can make a meaningful difference. Students left not only with a greater appreciation for the Black Sea but also with a sense of belonging within the scientific community, a stronger understanding of global environmental challenges, and the confidence to imagine their role as future ocean stewards.
The Black Sea, a unique and fragile ecosystem, is home to fascinating marine mammals like dolphins and porpoises. However, these incredible creatures face increasing threats from pollution, habitat loss, and fishing activities. Citizen science offers a powerful tool to aid in their conservation. By engaging local communities and harnessing the power of public participation, researchers can gather crucial data on marine mammal distribution, behavior, and population trends, leading to more effective conservation strategies.
Three species of cetaceans live in the Black Sea, all protected by national and international legislation, each facing unique challenges and requiring collaborative conservation efforts.
The Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena relicta) is the smallest cetacean species in the Black Sea, measuring 1.30–1.60 meters in length. Unlike other dolphins, it has a rounded head and lacks a rostrum. It is very easily startled and avoids interaction with humans, displaying less active surface behavior. It lives in coastal waters, preferring shallow areas.
The Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis ponticus) has a slender body and a length of up to 1.50–2.00 meters. It is recognized for its distinctive coloration, featuring a hourglass pattern on its sides. This dolphin is highly sociable, forming large groups and being known for its acrobatic behaviors. It prefers deep waters but can also be found near the coast.
The Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus ponticus) is the largest dolphin species in the Black Sea, with a length of up to 2–2.80 meters. It is robust, with a thick snout, intelligent, and adaptable, often interacting with humans. It is frequently seen in small groups. While it prefers coastal areas, it can also be found in open waters.
It's not always easy to look 💔, but it's essential to understand the dolphin strandings.
A Call for Conservation
All three species play a crucial role in the Black Sea ecosystem, serving as important indicators of marine environmental health. Unfortunately, their populations are threatened by pollution, overfishing, and habitat degradation. Conserving them is essential for maintaining marine biodiversity.
Citizen Science and Dolphin Conservation: Empowering Communities for Marine Protection
Citizen science is revolutionizing the way we monitor and protect marine life, including the cetaceans of the Black Sea. This collaborative approach bridges the gap between scientists and the general public, empowering communities to contribute directly to research and conservation efforts.
The Role of Citizen Science in Protecting Dolphins
Engaging the Public:
Citizen science transforms ordinary individuals into contributors to scientific research. By encouraging people to observe, document, and share data on cetaceans, it raises awareness about marine biodiversity and the threats it faces. This involvement deepens the public's connection to the ocean and fosters a sense of responsibility for its protection.
Expanding Research Capabilities:
Traditional scientific monitoring of marine species can be resource-intensive and limited by time and funding. Citizen science expands these efforts by harnessing the collective power of diverse participants. With thousands of eyes on the water, sightings of dolphins and other species are recorded more frequently, offering researchers richer datasets than they could gather alone.
Monitoring and Conservation:
By participating in citizen science, communities play a vital role in identifying changes in cetacean behaviour, habitat use, and population trends. This data is essential for early detection of threats like pollution, overfishing, or habitat degradation, enabling timely conservation actions.
Join the Citizen Science Movement
Protecting the Black Sea's unique ecosystem is a shared responsibility. Citizen science invites everyone regardless of expertise to make a difference. Whether you’re a coastal resident, a tourist, or a student, your involvement can have a lasting impact on the health of marine ecosystems.
METZE3 Fieldwork: Monitoring Methane Emissions in Varna Lake and Zelenka Beach, Bulgarian Black Sea Coast
In late September 2024, an international team of researchers from Ifremer and IO-BAS collaborated on the METZE3 fieldwork, a survey aimed at monitoring methane emissions along Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. The fieldwork, conducted between September 24th and 30th, focused on two key areas: Varna Lake and Zelenka Beach, Bulgaria. The research is part of a broader methane observatory initiative that seeks to understand gas emissions' seasonality and long-term changes.
METZE3 team
At Varna Lake, the activities focused on assessing the origin of the methane measured by the commercial METs sensor deployed at Geomarine’s automated buoy system and a more accurate quantification of the methane dissolved in the water column. The research involved visual inspections of the lake's seafloor under automated buoy system by Ifremer divers and the collection of sediment and water samples, aiming to provide a more accurate assessment of the methane dissolved in the water column. These insights are essential to understanding methane's behavior in this enclosed water body.
Sediment core and Niskin bottle with samples from Varna lake
On Zelenka Beach, the researchers built on the work started two years prior, studying the spatial and temporal variability of methane emissions, which consist of 99% methane with trace amounts of ethane, propane, and carbon dioxide. This year’s fieldwork expanded the study, sampling gas bubbles and water from 12 emission sites to verify the consistency of gas composition and flux over time. A 3D reconstruction of the area was also conducted to better understand the emission sources.
By comparing these findings with data from 2022 and 2023, the METZE3 team hopes to uncover long-term trends in methane emissions, improving our understanding of the environmental impacts in this region.
Image of a carbonate rock submerged under 7 m of water at Zelenka beach
This research is critical in shedding light on natural methane emissions and the role they play in the global carbon cycle, particularly in marine environments like the Black Sea.
The first of two transnational access funding calls offering a total of €8.1 million to support scientific projects to access world-class research infrastructures for their marine and freshwater research, has been launched. This funding aims to enhance research and innovation capabilities and support the goals of the EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030.
Open from 11 November 2024 until midnight on 20 January 2025, the "Regional Lighthouse Access Call" is the first of its kind to offer free access to such a diverse portfolio of European research infrastructures, including research vessels, mobile and fixed marine observation platforms, aircraft, drones, satellites, experimental research facilities, river and basin supersites, and sophisticated data service infrastructures.
This is a unique opportunity for research scientists from academia, public bodies, industry or citizen science organisations to travel to and use these infrastructures, for free, to advance their marine and freshwater research.
Interested researchers are advised to visit the AQUARIUS website for all the information on the application process and eligibility criteria.
Why now is the time to invest in the future of the Black Sea
Jack McConnell
On the day of the launch of the Black Sea Special Interest Group, its chair Lord McConnell sets out the Group's mission and its ambition to take the Black Sea from recovery to prosperity.
The devastating war in Ukraine has focused global attention on the Black Sea region, bringing this distinct part of the world into the spotlight. Lives and livelihoods have been shattered not only in Ukraine; the conflict’s impact is felt in the neighbouring countries and communities around the Black Sea coast.
International efforts rightly focus on bringing about peace and alleviating suffering in Ukraine, while planning to support the nation’s recovery is underway. This is an opportunity to consider the wider economic potential of the region, and how novel technologies and innovations can transform the fortunes of communities around the Black Sea, from Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova to Ukraine, Georgia, and Turkey.
It’s critical that we get this right. Three decades ago, the Black Sea was facing ecological collapse, a legacy of overfishing and pollution. Its fragile recovery is now threatened by climate change and the shocks to its ecosystem from war, such as the destruction of Ukraine’s Kakhovka dam. Harnessed sensitively and responsibly, the Black Sea can be a source of enduring prosperity for its coastal communities, reaping the benefits of emerging opportunities.
That’s why I am pleased to chair the DOORS Black Sea Special Interest Group, an international team of statespeople, scientists and entrepreneurs working to develop and champion prospects for investment across this region. Launched today, International Black Sea Action Day, the Group is utilising the latest academic research from a consortium of higher education institutions throughout the region and elsewhere, including the University of Stirling where I am Chancellor, to catalyse sustainable development opportunities for the 16 million people who inhabit the Black Sea coast.
On a recent visit to businesses in the region, I saw first-hand the ingenuity of its entrepreneurs who are working creatively and collaboratively to capitalise on its significant potential. Prospects for development include renewables and aquaculture, supporting prosperity, food security and energy security. Sustainable tourism can bring curious yet responsible visitors, travelling to enjoy the region’s nature, culture and rich history, from Jason and the Argonauts to Florence Nightingale.
It's clear that this remarkable region has the potential not just to recover, but to flourish. We know what that prosperity can look like, but we need companies and governments across the world to take notice of this immense potential and to appreciate the returns that investment can offer - not just for businesses and investors, but for real people in real places. Investment on and around the Black Sea can pay dividends across many areas, supporting a region that’s greener, safer, peaceful and more secure. If we can seize these prospects, the region and its people can place their hopes in a future no longer characterised by destruction and hardship, but by partnership and prosperity. It’s time to work together to make that vision a reality.
