The Horizon 2020-funded BRIDGE-BS project is pleased to announce a series of webinars showcasing major findings and key results from our four-year journey in advancing sustainable Blue Economy in the Black Sea towards 2050.

Over the past four years, BRIDGE-BS has made significant strides in understanding the impact of multistressors on the Black Sea, advancing data integration, modeling, and risk-based assessments to support sustainable ecosystem management. Through innovations in biodiversity monitoring, climate scenario modeling, and resilience analysis, the project has laid the foundation for a science-driven approach to ensuring the long-term sustainability of Black Sea ecosystem services. As we look toward the future, the Black Sea Towards 2050 webinar series builds upon these achievements, fostering discussions on the next steps for sustainable blue economy development, policy integration, and technological innovation. These webinars will bring together Black Sea and International scientists, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the broader public to discuss how BRIDGE-BS research contributes to a better understanding of the Black Sea’s challenges and opportunities.

The Black Sea Towards 2050 series aims to continue the momentum created by BRIDGE-BS, engaging diverse communities and young scientists to co-design a sustainable future for the region. Join us as we translate knowledge into action and shape the future of the Black Sea!

Approaching Webinar
WEBINAR 2: TECHNOLOGIES FOR SMART MONITORING OF MULTI-STRESSORS: READINESS AND UPSCALING – 3 July 2025 11:00-13:00 CEST
The ocean, particularly the Black Sea, is a deep basin with a complex, three-dimensional layered structure that cannot be inferred from remote satellite-based observations. There is an increasing need for near real-time, in situ data collection across all depths of the sea.

When addressing in situ observations, it is essential to emphasize the importance of intelligent data management and accessibility, supported by advanced and innovative methodologies. These efforts are not only critical for the effective management of regional seas but also play a key role in the integration of emerging Digital Twin Ocean (DTO) systems. To achieve this, real-time data from these types of novel parameters, ranging from physical sensing to biogeochemical and biodiversity monitoring, must be incorporated alongside conventional measurements. Such data are vital for improving the parametrizations of existing 3D ocean models, which form the backbone of DTOs, thereby enhancing the predictive accuracy of future forecasting systems.

In this context, the BRIDGE-BS project has been developing smart in situ monitoring systems that integrate novel sensor-based detection of essential ocean variables on both mobile and fixed platforms. For example, the project has pioneered the application of in situ pCO₂, pH, and H₂S sensors in the Black Sea. Additionally, BRIDGE-BS is advancing eDNA-based biodiversity monitoring techniques and innovative jellyfish detection methods, using both acoustic and drone-based technologies tailored to the specific conditions of the Black Sea.

The 2nd Webinar will focus on smart monitoring technologies developed within BRIDGE-BS and how to upscale them. It will feature selected speakers from the project who will present key developments with strong potential for future upscaling and acceleration.