SEP-210673568 Proposal acronym: BRIDGE-BS - DTU Orbit

Proposal Submission Forms

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SECOND STAGE

Table of contents

Section Title Action

1 General information

2 Participants & contacts

3 Budget

4 Ethics

5 Call-specific questions

How to fill in the formsThe administrative forms must be filled in for each proposal using the templates available in the submission system. Some data fields in the administrative forms are pre-filled based on the steps in the submission wizard.

Horizon 2020

Call: H2020-BG-2018-2020 (Blue Growth)

Topic: BG-11-2020Type of action: RIA

Proposal number: SEP-210673568

Proposal acronym: BRIDGE-BS

Deadline Id: H2020-BG-2020-2

Please check our wiki for help on navigating the form.

This proposal version was submitted by Mustafa YUCEL on 08/09/2020 15:14:29 Brussels Local Time. Issued by the Funding & Tenders Portal Submission System.

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/fpfis/wikis/x/kr21D


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Proposal ID SEP-210673568 Acronym BRIDGE-BS

H2020-CP-STAGE2-RIA-CSA ver 1.0 20180221 Last saved 08/09/2020 15:22

1 - General informationTopic BG-11-2020

Deadline Id H2020-BG-2020-2

Type of Action RIA

Call Identifier H2020-BG-2018-2020

Acronym BRIDGE-BSAcronym BRIDGE-BS

Proposal title Advancing Black Sea Research and Innovation to Co-Develop Blue Growth within Resilient Ecosystems

Note that for technical reasons, the following characters are not accepted in the Proposal Title and will be removed: < > " &

Duration in months 54

Fixed keyword 1 Blue Growth

Fixed keyword 2 Black Sea

Fixed keyword 3 Marine ecosystems and processes

Fixed keyword 4 Blue Careers

Fixed keyword 5 Ecosystem management

Fixed keyword 6 Human impacts and other stressors

Free keywords Ecosystem resilience, ecosystem services, multi-stressors, biogeochemistry, start-ups, capacity building



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Abstract

The Black Sea’s unique ecosystem services are degrading and need to be better managed for the benefit of citizens dependent upon their sustainability. As a critical contribution to the science-based policy needed to preserve the Black Sea ecosystems, BRIDGE-BS proposes a multidisciplinary, multisectoral program building on regional and international initiatives. The project will develop predictive tools and capabilities necessary to understand and predict the impacts of climate-driven and anthropogenic multi-stressors on the services stemming from Black Sea ecosystems. These services and their responses to stressors will be mapped, monitored and modeled in order to identify a safe operating space within which a sustainable blue economy can flourish. To this end, BRIDGE-BS is structured around “three” interconnected nodes: Service Dynamics, Blue Growth Incubators and Empowered Citizens. Node1 will, using time series and new data, simulations and machine learning tools assess, predict and determine ecosystem resilience to deliver adaptive management tools. Node1 outputs will be used in Node2 to identify services that can support sustainable Blue Growth in the Black Sea by strengthening of resource management, developing and applying innovative technologies as well as supporting innovative start-ups and business models to create added value and jobs. Node3 will support policy uptake of BRIDGE-BS science and innovation results. It will train and strengthen collaborations between scientists and stakeholders, as well as policy makers, industry representatives and societal interest groups. It will educate, train and stimulate interactions between the public, future generations of marine scientists and entrepreneurs as well as motivate and engage policy-makers. Most importantly, through Node3 BRIDGE-BS will create a connected Black Sea community, strengthened by a new generation of researchers and innovators to address emerging Black Sea challenges.

Remaining characters 21

Has this proposal (or a very similar one) been submitted in the past 2 years in response to a call for proposals under Horizon 2020 or any other EU programme(s)? Yes No

Please give the proposal reference or contract number.

xxxxxx-x



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Declarations

1) The coordinator declares to have the explicit consent of all applicants on their participation and on the content of this proposal.

2) The information contained in this proposal is correct and complete.

3) This proposal complies with ethical principles (including the highest standards of research integrity — as set out, for instance, in the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity — and including, in particular, avoiding fabrication, falsification, plagiarism or other research misconduct).

4) The coordinator confirms:

- to have carried out the self-check of the financial capacity of the organisation on http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/organisations/lfv.html or to be covered by a financial viability check in an EU project for the last closed financial year. Where the result was “weak” or “insufficient”, the coordinator confirms being aware of the measures that may be imposed in accordance with the H2020 Grants Manual (Chapter on Financial capacity check); or

- is exempt from the financial capacity check being a public body including international organisations, higher or secondary education establishment or a legal entity, whose viability is guaranteed by a Member State or associated country, as defined in the H2020 Grants Manual (Chapter on Financial capacity check); or

- as sole participant in the proposal is exempt from the financial capacity check.

5) The coordinator hereby declares that each applicant has confirmed:

- they are fully eligible in accordance with the criteria set out in the specific call for proposals; and

- they have the financial and operational capacity to carry out the proposed action.

The coordinator is only responsible for the correctness of the information relating to his/her own organisation. Each applicant remains responsible for the correctness of the information related to him and declared above. Where the proposal to be retained for EU funding, the coordinator and each beneficiary applicant will be required to present a formal declaration in this respect.

According to Article 131 of the Financial Regulation of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (Official Journal L 298 of 26.10.2012, p. 1) and Article 145 of its Rules of Application (Official Journal L 362, 31.12.2012, p.1) applicants found guilty of misrepresentation may be subject to administrative and financial penalties under certain conditions. Personal data protection The assessment of your grant application will involve the collection and processing of personal data (such as your name, address and CV), which will be performed pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data. Unless indicated otherwise, your replies to the questions in this form and any personal data requested are required to assess your grant application in accordance with the specifications of the call for proposals and will be processed solely for that purpose. Details concerning the purposes and means of the processing of your personal data as well as information on how to exercise your rights are available in the privacy statement. Applicants may lodge a complaint about the processing of their personal data with the European Data Protection Supervisor at any time. Your personal data may be registered in the Early Detection and Exclusion system of the European Commission (EDES), the new system established by the Commission to reinforce the protection of the Union's financial interests and to ensure sound financial management, in accordance with the provisions of articles 105a and 108 of the revised EU Financial Regulation (FR) (Regulation (EU, EURATOM) 2015/1929 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 October 2015 amending Regulation (EU, EURATOM) No 966/2012) and articles 143 - 144 of the corresponding Rules of Application (RAP) (COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) 2015/2462 of 30 October 2015 amending Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1268/2012) for more information see the Privacy statement for the EDES Database.


http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/other/hi/h2020-ethics_code-of-conduct_en.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/organisations/lfv.html

http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/support/legal_notice/h2020-ssps-grants_en.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/budget/library/explained/management/protecting/privacy_statement_edes_en.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/budget/library/explained/management/protecting/privacy_statement_edes_en.pdf


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2 - Participants & contacts

# Participant Legal Name Country Action

1 MIDDLE EAST TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY TR

2 INSTITUTE OF OCEANOLOGY - BULGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES BG

3 INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MARINA GRIGORE ANTIPA RO

4 INSTITUT PO BIORAZNOOBRAZIE I EKOSISTEMNI IZSLEDVANIYA BALGARSKA AKADEMIYA NA NAUKITE BG

5 UKRAINIAN SCIENTIFIC CENTRE OF ECOLOGY OF THE SEA UA

6 IVANE JAVAKHISHVILI TBILISI STATE UNIVERSITY GE

7 INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU GEOLOGIE SI GEOECOLOGIE MARINA-GEOECOMAR RO

8 P.P. SHIRSHOV INSTITUTE OF OCEANOLOGY OF RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES RU

9 INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR BLACK SEA STUDIES EL

10 HELLENIC CENTRE FOR MARINE RESEARCH EL

11 CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE IT

12 UNIVERSITE DE LIEGE BE

13 ATHENS UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS - RESEARCH CENTER EL

14 STOCKHOLMS UNIVERSITET SE

15 CENTRO TECNOLOGICO DEL MAR - FUNDACION CETMAR ES

16 INDIGO MED SMPC EL

17 Institute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies MD

18 DANMARKS TEKNISKE UNIVERSITET DK

19 ORGANIZATION OF THE BLACK SEA ECONOMIC COOPERATION TR

20 STRATEGIES MER ET LITTORAL FR

21 CONFERENCE DES REGIONS PERIPHERIQUES MARITIMES D EUROPE - ASSOCIATION FR



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22 TURKIYE BILIMSEL VE TEKNOLOJIK ARASTIRMA KURUMU TR

23 MARINE CLUSTER BULGARIA SDRUZHENIE BG

24 TURKIYE EKONOMI POLITIKALARI ARASTIRMA VAKFI TR

25 MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY TR

26 TURK DENIZ ARASTIRMALARI VAKFI TR

27 ISTANBUL UNIVERSITESI TR

28 European Marine Science Educators Association BE

29 SINOP UNIVERSITESI TR

30 EUROPEAN MARINE BOARD IVZW BE

31 INSTITUT FRANCAIS DE RECHERCHE POUR L'EXPLOITATION DE LA MER FR

32 CROWDHELIX LIMITED IE

33 Federal State Budget Educational Institution of Higher Education "MIREA - Russian Technological University" RU



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Short name METU

2 - Administrative data of participating organisationsPIC999643492

Legal nameMIDDLE EAST TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

Short name: METU Address of the organisation

Town ANKARA

Postcode 06800

Street DUMLUPINAR BULVARI 1

Country Turkey

Webpage http://www.metu.edu.tr

Legal Status of your organisation

Research and Innovation legal statuses

Public body ...............................................................yes Legal person .....................................yes

Non-profit ..................................................................yes

International organisation .........................................no

International organisation of European interest ........no

Secondary or Higher education establishment .........yes

Research organisation ..............................................yes

SME self-declared status...........................................29/10/2008 - no

SME self-assessment ............................................... unknown

SME validation sme...................................................29/10/2008 - no

Based on the above details of the Beneficiary Registry the organisation is not an SME (small- and medium-sized enterprise) for the call.

Enterprise Data

Industry (private for profit)..................no



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Short name METU

Department(s) carrying out the proposed work

Department name Institute of Marine Sciences


Town ANKARA

Same as proposing organisation's address

Department 1

not applicable

Country Turkey

Postcode 06800

Dependencies with other proposal participants

Character of dependence Participant



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Short name METU

Person in charge of the proposal

The name and e-mail of contact persons are read-only in the administrative form, only additional details can be edited here. To give access rights and basic contact details of contact persons, please go back to Step 4 of the submission wizard and save the changes.

First name Baris Last name Salihoglu

E-Mail [email protected]

Town ANKARA Post code 06800


Website http://ims.metu.edu.tr/

Position in org. Director of the Institute of Marine Sciences

Department Institute of Marine Sciences

Phone +903245213434 Phone 2 +xxx xxxxxxxxx Fax +903245212327

Sex Male FemaleTitle Dr.


Country Turkey

Same as organisation name

Other contact persons

First Name Last Name E-mail Phone

Ezgi Sahin [email protected] +xxx xxxxxxxxx

Mustafa Yucel [email protected] +xxx xxxxxxxxx

Banu Akkas [email protected] +xxx xxxxxxxxx

Pınar Uygurer [email protected] +xxx xxxxxxxxx

Mehmet Tevfik Zeyrek [email protected] +xxx xxxxxxxxx

Evangelos Papathanassiou [email protected] +xxx xxxxxxxxx



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Short name IO-BAS

PIC999482569

Legal nameINSTITUTE OF OCEANOLOGY - BULGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Short name: IO-BAS Address of the organisation

Town VARNA

Postcode 9000

Street PARVI MAY STR 40

Country Bulgaria

Webpage www.io-bas.bg



Public body ...............................................................no Legal person .....................................yes

Non-profit ..................................................................yes



Secondary or Higher education establishment .........no




SME validation sme................................................... unknown


Enterprise Data




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Short name IO-BAS


Department name Marine Biology and Ecology


Town VARNA


Department 1

not applicable

Country Bulgaria

Postcode 9000





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Short name IO-BAS



First name Snejana Last name Moncheva


Town VARNA Post code 9000


Website www.io-bas.bg

Position in org. Director

Department INSTITUTE OF OCEANOLOGY - BULGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Phone +359 52 370484 Phone 2 +359 897868533 Fax +359 52 370483

Sex Male FemaleTitle Prof.


Country Bulgaria




Page 13 of 112



Short name NIMRD

PIC998572903

Legal nameINSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MARINA GRIGORE ANTIPA

Short name: NIMRD Address of the organisation

Town CONSTANTA

Postcode 900581

Street MAMAIA BLVD. 300

Country Romania

Webpage http://www.rmri.ro




Non-profit ..................................................................yes






SME self-assessment ...............................................28/05/2016 - no



Enterprise Data




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Short name NIMRD


Department name Department of Marine Ecology and Biology


Town CONSTANTA


Department 1

not applicable

Country Romania

Postcode 900581





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Short name NIMRD



First name Laura Last name Boicenco


Town CONSTANTA Post code 900581


Website www.rmri.ro

Position in org. Senior scientist, Chief of Department of Marine Ecology and Biology

Department Department of Marine Ecology and Biology

Phone +402 41540870 Phone 2 +407 22313998 Fax +402 41831274



Country Romania




Simion Nicolaev [email protected] +402 41540870



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Short name IBER-BAS

PIC973388405

Legal nameINSTITUT PO BIORAZNOOBRAZIE I EKOSISTEMNI IZSLEDVANIYA BALGARSKA AKADEMIYA NA

Short name: IBER-BAS Address of the organisation

Town SOFIA

Postcode 1113

Street UL. GAGARIN 2

Country Bulgaria

Webpage




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




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Short name IBER-BAS


Department name Functional Ecology and Bioresources of Marine and Coas ecosystems


Town SOFIA


Department 1

not applicable

Country Bulgaria

Postcode 1113





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Short name IBER-BAS



First name Georgi M. Last name Daskalov


Town SOFIA Post code 1113


Website http://www.iber.bas.bg/?q=en/user/106

Position in org. Head of Division of Functional Ecology and Bioresources of Marine and Coas

Department INSTITUT PO BIORAZNOOBRAZIE I EKOSISTEMNI IZSLEDVANIYA BALG

Phone +359 879043760 Phone 2 +xxx xxxxxxxxx Fax +xxx xxxxxxxxx



Country Bulgaria




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Short name UkrSCES

PIC997786136

Legal nameUKRAINIAN SCIENTIFIC CENTRE OF ECOLOGY OF THE SEA

Short name: UkrSCES Address of the organisation

Town ODESSA

Postcode 65009

Street FRANTSUZSKY BLVD. 89

Country Ukraine

Webpage www.sea.gov.ua




Non-profit ..................................................................yes





SME self-declared status........................................... unknown




Enterprise Data




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Short name UkrSCES


Department name Name of the department/institute carrying out the work.

Street Please enter street name and number.

Town Please enter the name of the town.


No department involved

not applicable

Country Please select a country

Postcode Area code.





Page 21 of 112



Short name UkrSCES



First name Viktor Last name Komorin


Town ODESSA Post code 65009

Street FRANTSUZSKY BLVD. 89

Website www.sea.gov.ua


Department UKRAINIAN SCIENTIFIC CENTRE OF ECOLOGY OF THE SEA




Country Ukraine




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Short name TSU

PIC999516034

Legal nameIVANE JAVAKHISHVILI TBILISI STATE UNIVERSITY

Short name: TSU Address of the organisation

Town TBILISI

Postcode 0179

Street 1 ILIA TCHAVTCHAVADZE AVENUE

Country Georgia

Webpage www.tsu.ge




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




Page 23 of 112



Short name TSU


Department name Department of Geography


Town TBILISI


Department 1

not applicable

Country Georgia

Postcode 0179





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Short name TSU



First name Kakhaber Last name Bilashvili


Town TBILISI Post code 0179


Website www.tsu.ge

Position in org. Assoc.Professor, Director of the Institute of Oceanography and Hydrology

Department IVANE JAVAKHISHVILI TBILISI STATE UNIVERSITY

Phone + 995 599511157 Phone 2 +995 599906571 Fax +xxx xxxxxxxxx



Country Georgia




Valerian Melikidze [email protected] +995 599906571



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Short name GEOECOMAR

PIC999461617

Legal nameINSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU GEOLOGIE SI GEOECOLOGIE

Short name: GEOECOMAR Address of the organisation

Town BUCHAREST

Postcode 024053

Street DIMITRIE ONCIUL STREET 23-25

Country Romania

Webpage www.geoecomar.ro




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




Page 26 of 112










not applicable


Postcode Area code.





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First name Dan Last name Vasiliu


Town BUCHAREST Post code 024053

Street DIMITRIE ONCIUL STREET 23-25

Website www.geoecomar.ro

Position in org. Director of the Constanta branch

Department INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU GEOLO

Phone +40212525512 Phone 2 +40241510115 Fax +40212523039



Country Romania




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Short name SIO-RAS

PIC998671552

Legal nameP.P. SHIRSHOV INSTITUTE OF OCEANOLOGY OF RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Short name: SIO-RAS Address of the organisation

Town MOSKVA

Postcode 117997

Street NAKHIMOVSKY PROSPECT 36

Country Russian Federation

Webpage www.ocean.ru




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




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Short name SIO-RAS


Department name Laboratory structure and dynamic of planktonic community


Town MOSKVA


Department 1

not applicable


Postcode 117997

Department name Laboratory of Ocean Acoustics


Town MOSKVA


Department 2

not applicable


Postcode 117997





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Short name SIO-RAS



First name Tamara Last name Shiganova


Town MOSKVA Post code 117997


Website

Position in org. Chief Scientist

Department P.P. SHIRSHOV INSTITUTE OF OCEANOLOGY OF RUSSIAN ACADEMY O

Phone +7 916 757 46 98 Phone 2 +xxx xxxxxxxxx Fax +499 1245983







Alexander Ostrovskii [email protected] +7 916 4905969



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Short name ICBSS

PIC999494694

Legal nameINTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR BLACK SEA STUDIES

Short name: ICBSS Address of the organisation

Town ATHENS

Postcode 10557

Street XENOFONTOS 4

Country Greece

Webpage www.icbss.org




Non-profit ..................................................................yes

International organisation .........................................unknown

International organisation of European interest ........unknown

Secondary or Higher education establishment .........unknown






Enterprise Data




Page 32 of 112



Short name ICBSS







not applicable


Postcode Area code.





Page 33 of 112



Short name ICBSS



First name Georgia Last name CHANTZI


Town ATHENS Post code 10557

Street XENOFONTOS 4

Website www.icbss.org

Position in org. Research Fellow

Department INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR BLACK SEA STUDIES

Phone +306932366000 Phone 2 +302103242321 Fax +302103242244

Sex Male FemaleTitle Ms


Country Greece




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Short name HCMR

PIC999577532

Legal nameHELLENIC CENTRE FOR MARINE RESEARCH

Short name: HCMR Address of the organisation

Town ATTIKIA ANAVISSOS

Postcode 19013

Street LEOFOROS ATHENS SOUNIO 46 7KM

Country Greece

Webpage www.hcmr.gr




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




Page 35 of 112



Short name HCMR







not applicable


Postcode Area code.





Page 36 of 112



Short name HCMR



First name George Last name Triantafyllou


Town ATTIKIA ANAVISSOS Post code 19013

Street LEOFOROS ATHENS SOUNIO 46 7KM

Website

Position in org. Professor

Department HELLENIC CENTRE FOR MARINE RESEARCH

Phone +xxx xxxxxxxxx Phone 2 +xxx xxxxxxxxx Fax +xxx xxxxxxxxx



Country Greece




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Short name CNR

PIC999979500

Legal nameCONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE

Short name: CNR Address of the organisation

Town ROMA

Postcode 00185

Street PIAZZALE ALDO MORO 7

Country Italy

Webpage www.cnr.it




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




Page 38 of 112



Short name CNR


Department name CNR-ISMAR

Street Arsenale Tesa 104, Castello 2737/f

Town Venice


Department 1

not applicable

Country Italy

Postcode 30122





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Short name CNR



First name Andrea Last name Barbanti


Town Venice Post code 30122

Street Arsenale Tesa 104, Castello 2737/f

Website http://www.ismar.cnr.it/

Position in org. Research Manager

Department CNR-ISMAR

Phone +393486856568 Phone 2 +xxx xxxxxxxxx Fax +xxx xxxxxxxxx



Country Italy




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Short name ULiege

PIC999976105

Legal nameUNIVERSITE DE LIEGE

Short name: ULiege Address of the organisation

Town LIEGE

Postcode 4000

Street PLACE DU 20 AOUT 7

Country Belgium

Webpage www.uliege.be




Non-profit ..................................................................yes




Research organisation ..............................................no





Enterprise Data




Page 41 of 112



Short name ULiege







not applicable


Postcode Area code.





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Short name ULiege



First name Marilaure Last name Grégoire


Town Liège Post code 4000

Street B5a Sart tilman

Website http://labos.ulg.ac.be/mast/

Position in org. MAST-FOCUS, University of Liège

Department MAST-FOCUS, Department of Astrophysics, Geophysics, Oceano., Universit

Phone 32 43663354 Phone 2 +xxx xxxxxxxxx Fax +xxx xxxxxxxxx



Country Belgium




Isabelle Halleux [email protected] +xxx xxxxxxxxx



Page 43 of 112



Short name AUEB

PIC999896856

Legal nameATHENS UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS - RESEARCH CENTER

Short name: AUEB Address of the organisation

Town ATHENS

Postcode 11251

Street KEFALLINIAS STREET 46

Country Greece

Webpage




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




Page 44 of 112



Short name AUEB


Department name Research Center of Athens University of economics and business


Town ATHENS


Department 1

not applicable

Country Greece

Postcode 11251





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Short name AUEB



First name Phoebe Last name Koundouri


Town ATHENS Post code 11251


Website https://www.aueb.gr/en/content/aueb-research-center


Department ATHENS UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS - RESEARCH CE

Phone 00302108203830 Phone 2 +xxx xxxxxxxxx Fax +xxx xxxxxxxxx



Country Greece




Alice Guittard [email protected] 00306970248014



Page 46 of 112



Short name SU

PIC999885022

Legal nameSTOCKHOLMS UNIVERSITET

Short name: SU Address of the organisation

Town STOCKHOLM

Postcode 10691

Street UNIVERSITETSVAGEN 10

Country Sweden

Webpage www.su.se




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




Page 47 of 112



Short name SU


Department name Stockholm Resilience Centre

Street Kräftriket 2B

Town Stockholm


Department 1

not applicable

Country Sweden

Postcode 10691





Page 48 of 112



Short name SU



First name Susa Last name Niiranen


Town Stockholm Post code 10691

Street Kräftriket 2B

Website www.stockholmresilience.su.se

Position in org. Researcher

Department Stockholm Resilience Centre




Country Sweden




Henrik Aspeborg [email protected] +xxx xxxxxxxxx

Thorsten Blenckner [email protected] +xxx xxxxxxxxx



Page 49 of 112



Short name CETMAR

PIC991809966

Legal nameCENTRO TECNOLOGICO DEL MAR - FUNDACION CETMAR

Short name: CETMAR Address of the organisation

Town VIGO

Postcode 36208

Street RUA DE EDUARDO CABELLO

Country Spain

Webpage http://www.cetmar.org




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




Page 50 of 112



Short name CETMAR


Department name Technology Promotion and Transfer


Town VIGO


Department 1

not applicable

Country Spain

Postcode 36208





Page 51 of 112



Short name CETMAR



First name Rosa Last name Fernandez


Town VIGO Post code 36208


Website www.cetmar.org

Position in org. Head of department

Department Technology Promotion and Transfer, CETMAR

Phone +34 986247047 Phone 2 +34 674017867 Fax +xxx xxxxxxxxx



Country Spain




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Short name INDIGO MED

PIC916355315

Legal nameINDIGO MED SMPC

Short name: INDIGO MED Address of the organisation

Town ATHINA

Postcode 11633

Street 36-38 IFIKRATOUS STREET PANGRATI

Country Greece

Webpage www.indigo-med.com




Non-profit ..................................................................no





SME self-declared status...........................................01/01/2017 - yes

SME self-assessment ...............................................01/01/2017 - yes


Based on the above details of the Beneficiary Registry the organisation is an SME (small- and medium-sized enterprise) for the call.

Enterprise Data

Industry (private for profit)..................yes



Page 53 of 112










not applicable


Postcode Area code.





Page 54 of 112






First name Martha Last name Papathanasiou


Town ATHINA Post code 11633

Street 36-38 IFIKRATOUS STREET PANGRATI

Website www.indigo-med.com

Position in org. Director & Founder

Department INDIGO MED SMPC

Phone +306944752220 Phone 2 +2107560183 Fax +xxx xxxxxxxxx



Country Greece




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Short name IEEN

PIC909959911

Legal nameInstitute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies

Short name: IEEN Address of the organisation

Town Chisinau

Postcode MD2028

Street Academiei str., 3/3

Country Moldova (Republic of)

Webpage nano.asm.md




Non-profit ..................................................................yes

International organisation .........................................unknown

International organisation of European interest ........unknown

Secondary or Higher education establishment .........unknown






Enterprise Data




Page 56 of 112



Short name IEEN







not applicable


Postcode Area code.





Page 57 of 112



Short name IEEN



First name Dmitri Last name Dvornikov


Town Chisinau Post code MD2028

Street Academiei str., 3/3

Website


Department Institute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies




Country Moldova (Republic of)




Page 58 of 112



Short name DTU

PIC999990655

Legal nameDANMARKS TEKNISKE UNIVERSITET

Short name: DTU Address of the organisation

Town KGS LYNGBY

Postcode 2800

Street ANKER ENGELUNDSVEJ 1 BYGNING 101 A

Country Denmark

Webpage www.dtu.dk




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




Page 59 of 112



Short name DTU


Department name DTU Aqua

Street Kemitorvet

Town KGS Lyngby


Department 1

not applicable

Country Denmark

Postcode 2800





Page 60 of 112



Short name DTU



First name Michael Last name St. John


Town KGS Lyngby Post code 2800

Street Kemitorvet

Website www.aqua.dtu.dk


Department DTU Aqua




Country Denmark




Ivo Grigorov [email protected] +4521316374

Patrizio Mariani [email protected] +xxx xxxxxxxxx

Kirsten Thomsen [email protected] +xxx xxxxxxxxx

Ole Henrik Haslund [email protected] +xxx xxxxxxxxx

Dina Berenstein [email protected] +xxx xxxxxxxxx



Page 61 of 112



Short name BSEC

PIC899127436

Legal nameORGANIZATION OF THE BLACK SEA ECONOMIC COOPERATION

Short name: BSEC Address of the organisation

Town Istanbul

Postcode 34460

Street SEBA CENTER AVM, 45 DARUSSAFAKA CAD

Country Turkey

Webpage www.bsec-organization.org




Non-profit ..................................................................yes

International organisation .........................................yes

International organisation of European interest ........yes







Enterprise Data




Page 62 of 112



Short name BSEC


Department name Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation

Street SEBA CENTER AVM, 45 DARUSSAFAKA CADDESI,

Town Istanbul


Department 1

not applicable

Country Turkey

Postcode 34460





Page 63 of 112



Short name BSEC



First name Rositsa Last name STOEVA


Town Istanbul Post code 34460

Street SEBA CENTER AVM, 45 DARUSSAFAKA CADDESI, ISTINYE, SARIYER D

Website www.bsec-organization.org

Position in org. Executive Manager

Department ORGANIZATION OF THE BLACK SEA ECONOMIC COOPERATION

Phone +90 212 229 63 30-35 Phone 2 + 90 534 0707 684 Fax +90 212 229 63 36



Country Turkey




Page 64 of 112



Short name SML

PIC945210681

Legal nameSTRATEGIES MER ET LITTORAL

Short name: SML Address of the organisation

Town DIGOSVILLE

Postcode 50110

Street CHEMIN DE LA RADE 23

Country France

Webpage




Non-profit ..................................................................no









Enterprise Data




Page 65 of 112



Short name SML







not applicable


Postcode Area code.





Page 66 of 112



Short name SML



First name Frederick Last name Herpers


Town DIGOSVILLE Post code 50110

Street 23 chemin de la Rade

Website http://strategies-marines.fr

Position in org. Chairman

Department STRATEGIES MER ET LITTORAL


Sex Male FemaleTitle Mr.


Country France




Matteo Bocci [email protected] +32473318706



Page 67 of 112



Short name CPMR

PIC998710837

Legal nameCONFERENCE DES REGIONS PERIPHERIQUES MARITIMES D EUROPE - ASSOCIATION

Short name: CPMR Address of the organisation

Town RENNES

Postcode 35700

Street RUE SAINT MARTIN 6

Country France

Webpage www.cpmr.org




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




Page 68 of 112



Short name CPMR







not applicable


Postcode Area code.





Page 69 of 112



Short name CPMR



First name Stavros Last name Kalognomos


Town Brussels Post code 1040

Street Rond Point Schuman, 14

Website www.cpmr.org

Position in org. Executive Secretary of the CPMR Balkan and Black Sea Commission

Department CONFERENCE DES REGIONS PERIPHERIQUES MARITIMES D EUROPE

Phone 003226121708 Phone 2 0032491157332 Fax +xxx xxxxxxxxx



Country Belgium




EMMANUEL MANISCALCO [email protected] +xxx xxxxxxxxx



Page 70 of 112



Short name TUBITAK

PIC999587135

Legal nameTURKIYE BILIMSEL VE TEKNOLOJIK ARASTIRMA KURUMU

Short name: TUBITAK Address of the organisation

Town ANKARA

Postcode 06100

Street Ataturk Bulvari 221

Country Turkey

Webpage www.tubitak.gov.tr




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




Page 71 of 112



Short name TUBITAK


Department name TUBITAK MRC, Environment and Cleaner Production Institute

Street Dr. Zeki Acar str.1, Gebze

Town Kocaeli


Department 1

not applicable

Country Turkey

Postcode 41470





Page 72 of 112



Short name TUBITAK



First name Leyla Last name Tolun


Town Kocaeli Post code 41470

Street Dr. Zeki Acar st. 1, Gebze

Website http://mam.tubitak.gov.tr/

Position in org. Senior Researcher

Department TUBITAK MRC




Country Turkey




Page 73 of 112



Short name MCB

PIC986206179

Legal nameMARINE CLUSTER BULGARIA SDRUZHENIE

Short name: MCB Address of the organisation

Town VARNA

Postcode 9003

Street 1 WILLIAM FROUDE STREET, ASPARUHOVO

Country Bulgaria

Webpage www.marinecluster.com




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




Page 74 of 112



Short name MCB







not applicable


Postcode Area code.





Page 75 of 112



Short name MCB



First name Ilze Last name Atanasova


Town VARNA Post code 9003

Street 1 WILLIAM FROUDE STREET, ASPARUHOVO

Website https://www.marinecluster.com

Position in org. Chair of the Managing Board

Department MARINE CLUSTER BULGARIA SDRUZHENIE


Sex Male FemaleTitle Mrs


Country Bulgaria




Page 76 of 112



Short name TEPAV

PIC960498463

Legal nameTURKIYE EKONOMI POLITIKALARI ARASTIRMA VAKFI

Short name: TEPAV Address of the organisation

Town ANKARA

Postcode 06560

Street SOGUTCZU MAH SOGUTOZU CADDESI TOB

Country Turkey

Webpage www.tepav.org.tr




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




Page 77 of 112



Short name TEPAV







not applicable


Postcode Area code.





Page 78 of 112



Short name TEPAV



First name Yakup Last name Peker


Town ANKARA Post code 06560

Street SOGUTCZU MAH SOGUTOZU CADDESI TOBB ETU 2 NOLU BINA

Website www.tepav.org.tr

Position in org. Project Manager

Department TURKIYE EKONOMI POLITIKALARI ARASTIRMA VAKFI

Phone +903122925515 Phone 2 +905364722416 Fax +903122925555



Country Turkey




Page 79 of 112



Short name TOB-SUMAE

PIC999824009

Legal nameMINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY

Short name: TOB-SUMAE Address of the organisation

Town Ankara

Postcode 06000

Street Eskişehir Yolu 9. Km

Country Turkey

Webpage www.tarim.gov.tr




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




Page 80 of 112





Department name CENTRAL FISHERIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE (SUMAE)

Street Cumhurriyet Mah. Vali Adil Yazar Cad.No:

Town Yomra, Trabzon


Department 1

not applicable

Country Turkey

Postcode 61250





Page 81 of 112






First name Bilal Last name Akbulut


Town Yomra,Trabzon Post code 61250

Street Cumhurriyet Mah. Vali Adil Yazar Cad.No:14

Website https://arastirma.tarimorman.gov.tr/sumae

Position in org. Head

Department Aquaculture Department

Phone +905338180149 Phone 2 +904623411053 Fax +904623411152



Country Turkey




Page 82 of 112



Short name TUDAV

PIC968751223

Legal nameTURK DENIZ ARASTIRMALARI VAKFI

Short name: TUDAV Address of the organisation

Town ISTANBUL

Postcode 34825

Street FISTIKLI YALI SOKAK 22/5

Country Turkey

Webpage www.tudav.org




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




Page 83 of 112



Short name TUDAV







not applicable


Postcode Area code.





Page 84 of 112



Short name TUDAV



First name Bayram Last name Ozturk


Town ISTANBUL Post code 34825

Street FISTIKLI YALI SOKAK 22/5

Website www.tudav.org


Department TURK DENIZ ARASTIRMALARI VAKFI

Phone +90 2164240772 Phone 2 +90 5327611140 Fax +90 2164240771



Country Turkey




Amaha Ozturk [email protected] +90 5337475915



Page 85 of 112



Short name IU

PIC998391222

Legal nameISTANBUL UNIVERSITESI

Short name: IU Address of the organisation

Town ISTANBUL

Postcode 34452

Street ISTANBUL UNIVERSITESI CENTER CAMPUS

Country Turkey

Webpage www.istanbul.edu.tr




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




Page 86 of 112



Short name IU


Department name Institute of Marine Sciences and Management

Street ISTANBUL UNIVERSITESI CENTER CAMPUS BEYA

Town ISTANBUL


Department 1

not applicable

Country Turkey

Postcode 34452





Page 87 of 112



Short name IU



First name Dilek Last name Ediger


Town Istanbul Post code 34452

Street IU, Central Campus, Beyazit/Eminonu

Website http://www.istanbul.edu.tr/tr

Position in org. Researcher

Department ISTANBUL UNIVERSITESI

Phone +902125282539 Phone 2 +902124400000 Fax +902125268433



Country Turkey




Husne Altiok [email protected] +902125282539



Page 88 of 112



Short name EMSEA

PIC915971195

Legal nameEuropean Marine Science Educators Association

Short name: EMSEA Address of the organisation

Town Oudenaarde

Postcode 9700

Street Gentstraat 29

Country Belgium

Webpage www.emsea.eu




Non-profit ..................................................................yes

International organisation .........................................yes

International organisation of European interest ........yes







Enterprise Data




Page 89 of 112



Short name EMSEA







not applicable


Postcode Area code.





Page 90 of 112



Short name EMSEA



First name Evy Last name Copejans


Town Please enter the name of the town. Post code Area code.


Website

Position in org. Please indicate the position of the Contact Point above in the organisation.

Department Name of the department/institute carrying out the work.


Sex Male FemaleTitle






Page 91 of 112



Short name SNU

PIC946800608

Legal nameSINOP UNIVERSITESI

Short name: SNU Address of the organisation

Town SINOP

Postcode 57010

Street SINOP UNIVERSITY RECTORATE

Country Turkey

Webpage www.sinop.edu.tr




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




Page 92 of 112



Short name SNU


Department name University of Sinop Fisheries Faculty Department of Hydrobiology

Street Sinop University Fisheries Faculty

Town Sinop


Department 1

not applicable

Country Turkey

Postcode 57000





Page 93 of 112



Short name SNU



First name Levent Last name Bat


Town Sinop Post code 57000

Street Sinop University Fisheries Faculty

Website https://sinop.edu.tr/

Position in org. Head of Department of Hydrobiology, Fisheries Faculty, University of Sinop

Department University of Sinop Fisheries Faculty Department of Hydrobiology

Phone +903682876265 Phone 2 +903682876262 Fax +903682876268



Country Turkey




Page 94 of 112



Short name EMB

PIC918442658

Legal nameEUROPEAN MARINE BOARD IVZW

Short name: EMB Address of the organisation

Town OOSTENDE

Postcode 8400

Street WANDELAARKAAI 68

Country Belgium

Webpage www.marineboard.eu




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




Page 95 of 112



Short name EMB







not applicable


Postcode Area code.





Page 96 of 112



Short name EMB



First name Sheila Last name Heymans


Town OOSTENDE Post code 8400

Street WANDELAARKAAI 68

Website

Position in org. Executive Director

Department EUROPEAN MARINE BOARD IVZW




Country Belgium




Joke Coopman [email protected] +xxx xxxxxxxxx



Page 97 of 112



Short name IFREMER

PIC999630300

Legal nameINSTITUT FRANCAIS DE RECHERCHE POUR L'EXPLOITATION DE LA MER

Short name: IFREMER Address of the organisation

Town PLOUZANE

Postcode 29280

Street 1625 ROUTE DE SAINTE ANNE ZONE INDUS

Country France

Webpage http://www.ifremer.fr




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




Page 98 of 112



Short name IFREMER


Department name Physical Resources & Seabed Ecosystems / Technological R&D

Street 1625 ROUTE DE SAINTE ANNE ZONE INDUSTRIE

Town PLOUZANE


Department 1

not applicable

Country France

Postcode 29280

Department name Research Infrastructures & Information Systems


Town PLOUZANE


Department 2

not applicable

Country France

Postcode 29280



Page 99 of 112



Short name IFREMER

Department name Biological Resources & Environment/Ecology & Models for Fisheries


Town PLOUZANE


Department 3

not applicable

Country France

Postcode 29280





Page 100 of 112



Short name IFREMER



First name Emina Last name Mamaca


Town PLOUZANE Post code 29280

Street 1625 ROUTE DE SAINTE ANNE ZONE INDUSTRIELLE DE LA POINTE DU

Website wwz.ifremer.fr

Position in org. Project Manager

Department European and International Affairs




Country France




Sebastien Poulain [email protected] +33 298224365

Gilles Lericolais [email protected] +33 229006820



Page 101 of 112



Short name CHX

PIC905205165

Legal nameCROWDHELIX LIMITED

Short name: CHX Address of the organisation

Town CORK

Postcode T12NAX0

Street TRINITY HOUSE 7 GEORGES QUAY

Country Ireland

Webpage https://network.crowdhelix.com/




Non-profit ..................................................................no






SME self-assessment ...............................................23/08/2018 - yes



Enterprise Data




Page 102 of 112



Short name CHX







not applicable


Postcode Area code.





Page 103 of 112



Short name CHX



First name Michael Last name Browne


Town CORK Post code T12NAX0

Street TRINITY HOUSE 7 GEORGES QUAY

Website network.crowdhelix.com


Department CROWDHELIX LIMITED




Country Ireland




Cais Jurgens [email protected] +xxx xxxxxxxxx



Page 104 of 112



Short name RTU MIREA

PIC893165622

Legal nameFederal State Budget Educational Institution of Higher Education "MIREA - Russian Technological University"

Short name: RTU MIREA Address of the organisation

Town Moscow

Postcode 119454

Street Vernadskogo av., 78


Webpage www.mirea.ru




Non-profit ..................................................................yes









Enterprise Data




Page 105 of 112





Department name The Institute for Integrated Studies of National Maritime Policy

Street Vernadskogo av., 78

Town Moscow


Department 1

not applicable


Postcode 119454





Page 106 of 112






First name Galina Last name Baturova


Town Please enter the name of the town. Post code Area code.


Website

Position in org. Please indicate the position of the Contact Point above in the organisation.

Department Name of the department/institute carrying out the work.


Sex Male FemaleTitle






Larisa Danilova [email protected] +xxx xxxxxxxxx



Page 107 of 112



3 - BudgetNo Participant Country (A)

Direct personnel

costs/€

?

(B) Other direct

costs/€

?

(C) Direct costs of

sub-contracting/€

?

(D) Direct costs of

providing financial

support to third parties/€

?

(E) Costs of inkind contributions

not used on the beneficiary's premises/€

?

(F) Indirect Costs

/ €

(=0.25(A+B-E))

?

(G) Special unit

costs covering direct &

indirect costs / €

?

(H) Total

estimated eligible costs

/ € (=A+B+C+D+F

+G)

?

(I) Reimburse-

ment rate (%)

?

(J) Max.EU

Contribution / €

(=H*I)

?

(K) Requested

EU Contribution/

€

?

1Middle East Technical University

TR 734000 340500 0 0 0 268625,00 0 1343125,00 100 1343125,00 1343125,00

2Institute Of Oceanology - Bulgarian

BG 208000 94500 0 0 0 75625,00 0 378125,00 100 378125,00 378125,00

3Institutul National De Cercetare-

RO 206000 102700 0 0 0 77175,00 0 385875,00 100 385875,00 385875,00

4Institut Po Bioraznoobrazie I

BG 258000 48200 0 0 0 76550,00 0 382750,00 100 382750,00 382750,00

5Ukrainian Scientific Centre Of

UA 180000 101200 0 0 0 70300,00 0 351500,00 100 351500,00 351500,00

6Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State

GE 112000 39200 0 0 0 37800,00 0 189000,00 100 189000,00 189000,00

7Institutul National De Cercetare-

RO 229500 76700 0 0 0 76550,00 0 382750,00 100 382750,00 382750,00

8P.p. Shirshov Institute Of Oceanology

RU 169500 36200 0 0 0 51425,00 0 257125,00 100 257125,00 0,00

9International Center For Black Sea

EL 83700 72500 0 0 0 39050,00 0 195250,00 100 195250,00 195250,00

10Hellenic Centre For Marine

EL 265720 70637 0 0 0 84089,25 0 420446,25 100 420446,25 420446,25



Page 108 of 112



11Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche

IT 351000 32000 0 0 0 95750,00 0 478750,00 100 478750,00 478750,00

12 Universite De Liege BE 304920 25000 0 0 0 82480,00 0 412400,00 100 412400,00 412400,00

13Athens University Of Economics

EL 277500 50000 0 0 0 81875,00 0 409375,00 100 409375,00 409375,00

14 Stockholms Universitet SE 247000 30000 0 0 0 69250,00 0 346250,00 100 346250,00 346250,00

15Centro Tecnologico Del Mar -

ES 88125 41500 0 0 0 32406,25 0 162031,25 100 162031,25 162031,25

16 Indigo Med Smpc EL 145000 57500 0 0 0 50625,00 0 253125,00 100 253125,00 253125,00

17Institute Of Electronic Engineering

MD 48400 31200 0 0 0 19900,00 0 99500,00 100 99500,00 99500,00

18Danmarks Tekniske Universitet

DK 468000 38500 0 0 0 126625,00 0 633125,00 100 633125,00 633125,00

19Organization Of The Black Sea Economic

TR 66000 63500 0 0 0 32375,00 0 161875,00 100 161875,00 161875,00

20 Strategies Mer Et Littoral FR 162000 19000 0 0 0 45250,00 0 226250,00 100 226250,00 226250,00

21Conference Des Regions Peripheriques

FR 58800 20000 0 0 0 19700,00 0 98500,00 100 98500,00 98500,00

22Turkiye Bilimsel Ve Teknolojik

TR 129000 42200 0 0 0 42800,00 0 214000,00 100 214000,00 214000,00

23Marine Cluster Bulgaria Sdruzhenie

BG 91500 32500 0 0 0 31000,00 0 155000,00 100 155000,00 155000,00

24Turkiye Ekonomi Politikalari

TR 93500 23500 0 0 0 29250,00 0 146250,00 100 146250,00 146250,00

25Ministry Of Agriculture And Forestry

TR 33000 8000 0 0 0 10250,00 0 51250,00 100 51250,00 51250,00



Page 109 of 112



26Turk Deniz Arastirmalari Vakfi

TR 132000 48700 0 0 0 45175,00 0 225875,00 100 225875,00 225875,00

27 Istanbul Universitesi TR 113300 69700 0 0 0 45750,00 0 228750,00 100 228750,00 228750,00

28European Marine Science

BE 51000 16000 0 0 0 16750,00 0 83750,00 100 83750,00 83750,00

29 Sinop Universitesi TR 74800 30700 0 0 0 26375,00 0 131875,00 100 131875,00 131875,00

30European Marine Board Ivzw

BE 45500 22000 0 0 0 16875,00 0 84375,00 100 84375,00 84375,00

31Institut Francais De Recherche

FR 168000 45000 0 0 0 53250,00 0 266250,00 100 266250,00 266250,00

32 Crowdhelix Limited IE 75000 7000 0 0 0 20500,00 0 102500,00 100 102500,00 102500,00

33Federal State Budget Educational

RU 93000 29200 0 0 0 30550,00 0 152750,00 100 152750,00 0,00

Total 5762765 1765037 0 0 0 1881950,50 0 9409752,50 9409752,50 8999877,50



Page 110 of 112



4 - Ethics1. HUMAN EMBRYOS/FOETUSES Page

Does your research involve Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs)? Yes No

Does your research involve the use of human embryos? Yes No

Does your research involve the use of human foetal tissues / cells? Yes No

2. HUMANS Page

Does your research involve human participants? Yes No

Does your research involve physical interventions on the study participants? Yes No

3. HUMAN CELLS / TISSUES Page

Does your research involve human cells or tissues (other than from Human Embryos/Foetuses, i.e. section 1)?

Yes No

4. PERSONAL DATA Page

Does your research involve personal data collection and/or processing? Yes No

Does your research involve further processing of previously collected personal data (secondary use)?

Yes No

5. ANIMALS Page

Does your research involve animals? Yes No

6. THIRD COUNTRIES Page

In case non-EU countries are involved, do the research related activities undertaken in these countries raise potential ethics issues?

Yes No

Do you plan to use local resources (e.g. animal and/or human tissue samples, genetic material, live animals, human remains, materials of historical value, endangered fauna or flora samples, etc.)?

Yes No

Do you plan to import any material - including personal data - from non-EU countries into the EU?

Yes No

Do you plan to export any material - including personal data - from the EU to non-EU countries?

Yes No

In case your research involves low and/or lower middle income countries, are any benefits-sharing actions planned?

Yes No

Could the situation in the country put the individuals taking part in the research at risk? Yes No


http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2013:373:0012:0015:EN:PDF

http://data.worldbank.org/about/country-and-lending-groups


Page 111 of 112



7. ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH and SAFETY Page

Does your research involve the use of elements that may cause harm to the environment, to animals or plants?

Yes No

Does your research deal with endangered fauna and/or flora and/or protected areas? Yes No

Does your research involve the use of elements that may cause harm to humans, including research staff?

Yes No

8. DUAL USE Page

Does your research involve dual-use items in the sense of Regulation 428/2009, or other items for which an authorisation is required?

Yes No

9. EXCLUSIVE FOCUS ON CIVIL APPLICATIONS Page

Could your research raise concerns regarding the exclusive focus on civil applications? Yes No

10. MISUSE Page

Does your research have the potential for misuse of research results? Yes No

11. OTHER ETHICS ISSUES Page

Are there any other ethics issues that should be taken into consideration? Please specify Yes No

I confirm that I have taken into account all ethics issues described above and that, if any ethics issues apply, I will complete the ethics self-assessment and attach the required documents.

How to Complete your Ethics Self-Assessment


http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/grants_manual/hi/ethics/h2020_hi_ethics-self-assess_en.pdf


Page 112 of 112



5 - Call specific questionsDeclarations on stage-2 changesThe full stage-2 proposal must be consistent with the short outline proposal submitted to the stage-1- in particular with respect to the proposal characteristics addressing the concepts of excellence and impact.

Are there substantial differences compared to the stage-1 proposal? Yes No

Extended Open Research Data Pilot in Horizon 2020If selected, applicants will by default participate in the Pilot on Open Research Data in Horizon 20201 , which aims to improve and maximise access to and re-use of research data generated by actions. However, participation in the Pilot is flexible in the sense that it does not mean that all research data needs to be open. After the action has started, participants will formulate a Data Management Plan (DMP), which should address the relevant aspects of making data FAIR – findable, accessible, interoperable and re-usable, including what data the project will generate, whether and how it will be made accessible for verification and re-use, and how it will be curated and preserved. Through this DMP projects can define certain datasets to remain closed according to the principle "as open as possible, as closed as necessary". A Data Management Plan does not have to be submitted at the proposal stage. Furthermore, applicants also have the possibility to opt out of this Pilot completely at any stage (before or after the grant signature). In this case, applicants must indicate a reason for this choice (see options below). Please note that participation in this Pilot does not constitute part of the evaluation process. Proposals will not be penalised for opting out.

We wish to opt out of the Pilot on Open Research Data in Horizon 2020. Yes No

Further guidance on open access and research data management is available on the participant portal: http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/docs/h2020-funding-guide/cross-cutting-issues/open-access-dissemination_en.htm and in general annex L of the Work Programme.1According to article 43.2 of Regulation (EU) No 1290/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 11 December 2013, laying down the rules for participation and

dissemination in "Horizon 2020 - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)" and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1906/2006.


http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/grants_manual/hi/oa_pilot/h2020-hi-oa-pilot-guide_en.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/grants_manual/hi/oa_pilot/h2020-hi-oa-pilot-guide_en.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/docs/h2020-funding-guide/cross-cutting-issues/open-access-data-management/data-management_en.htm

http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/docs/h2020-funding-guide/cross-cutting-issues/open-access-dissemination_en.htm

[BRIDGE-BS] 1

Advancing Black Sea Research and Innovation to Co-Develop Blue

Growth within Resilient Ecosystems BRIDGE-BS

Research and Innovation Action - Duration: 54 months No. * Participant organisation name Type Country 1 (Coord.) METU - Middle East Technical University - Institute of Marine Sciences University, Research Institute TR 2 IO-BAS - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Institute of Oceanology Research Institute BG

3 NIMRD - The National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa” Research Institute RO

4 IBER-BAS - Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Research Centre BG

5 UkrSCES - Ukrainian scientific Centre of Ecology of Sea Research Institute UA 6 TSU - Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University University, Research Institute GA

7 GeoEcoMar - Institutul National de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Geologie si Geoecologie Marina Research Institute RO

8 SIO-RAS - P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of Russian Academy of Sciences Research Institute RU

9 ICBSS - International Center for Black Sea Studies Non-profit Organisation EL 10 HCMR - Hellenic Centre for Marine Research Research Organization EL 11 CNR - Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche Public Research Institution IT 12 ULiege - University of Liège University, Research Institute BE 13 AUEB - Athens University of Economics and Business Research Center EL 14 SU - Stockholm University - Stockholm Resilience Centre University, Research Center SE 15 CETMAR - Centro Tecnológico del Mar, Fundación Non-profit Public Foundation ES 16 INDIGO MED SME GR 17 IEEN - Institute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies Research Institute MD 18 DTU - Technical University of Denmark University DK 19 BSEC - Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Intergovernmenal Org. TR 20 SML - Strategies Mer Et Littoral SME FR 21 CPMR - Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions Non-profit Organisation FR 22 TUBITAK - The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey Research Organization TR 23 MCB - Marine Cluster Bulgaria Non-profit Organisation BG 24 TEPAV - The Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey Research Foundation TR 25 SUMAE - Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Governmental Organization TR 26 TUDAV - Turkish Marine Research Foundation Research Foundation TR 27 IU - Istanbul University University TR 28 EMSEA - European Marine Science Educators Association Non-profit Organisation BE 29 SNU - Sinop University University TR 30 EMB - European Marine Board Ivzw Pan-European Forum BE 31 IFREMER - Institut Français De Recherche pour l’Exploitation de la Mer Research Institute FR 32 CHX - Crowdhelix Open Innovation platform IE 33 RTU MIREA - Russian Technological University MIREA University RU


[BRIDGE-BS] 2

1 Excellence With unique habitats, abundant resources and rich cultural heritage, the Black Sea is vital to its coastal communities and the broader population of over 160 million inhabiting its watershed. The Black Sea is a distinctive semi-enclosed basin with 10 large rivers flowing into a highly coupled coastal-deep-sea system introducing anthropogenically generated nutrients and pollutants nourishing the largest anoxic-sulfidic water body of the Earth. The Black Sea ecosystem is also unique in being susceptible to increasingly negative impacts from several human-induced stressors, such as eutrophication and hypoxia, overfishing, and introduction of alien species. Superimposed on these are the effects of climate change on the ecosystem (Oguz, 2017). Combinations of these stressors are considered to be the main cause for the degradation of the Black Sea marine ecosystem, which has undergone dramatic changes since the early 1970s. Although naturally eutrophic due to permanent nutrient input from rivers (mainly Danube), the Black Sea was, until the end of 1960s, one of the most productive seas with luxuriant pelagic fauna (Gomoiu, 1981). However, the transition that the Black Sea has undergone is dramatic. According to the latest Black Sea state of the Environment Report (BSC 2019) extensive areas of the Black Sea coast have “bad water quality” with high turbidity, high nutrient levels, coupled to frequent occurence of harmful algae blooms, hypoxia and mass death of benthic organisms. Recent Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) reports of Bulgaria assessed that 60% of MSFD Good Environmental Status (GES) indicators are above threshold. Moreover, most of the fish stocks in the Black Sea are overexploited to the extent that some of them are near to depletion. Since 1950 the number of economically significant fish species decreased from 30 to 8 (Daskalov, 2003; Salihoglu et al. 2017). Recently, the EU 2020 Blue Economy Report (EC, 2020) highlighted that the Black Sea (member states BG and RO, more specifically) has the lowest gross value added (2 billion Euros) and number of jobs (140.000) of all the EU sea basins (EC, 2020). In recognition of the importance of these and the significant influence of multistressors on the Black Sea ecosystems and its services, the Burgas Vision Paper (VP, 2018), the Common Maritime Agenda (CMA, 2019) and the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA, 2019) emphasized the urgent need to identify synergistic multiple stressors (multistressors) interactions impacting ecosystem resilience and prioritized a set of actions for 'a healthy, resilient and productive Black Sea by 2030'. In order to boost Black Sea's blue economy, it is a prequisite that Black Sea's ecosystem services and their resilience to stressors are assessed, predicted and managed via the development and application of state-of-the-art management tools. BRIDGE-BS will map, monitor and model ecosystem services and their responses to stressors in order to identify the safe operating space (Rockström et al., 2009) within which sustainable, climate-neutral blue economy can develop. To achieve this, BRIDGE-BS will advance knowledge and deliver research under three NODES, (Figure 1): Service Dynamics, Blue Growth Incubators and Empowered Citizens.

SERVICE DYNAMICS - Maintaining a Safe Operating Space (NODE 1) NODE1 aims at understanding the effect of multistressors on the distribution and sustainability of ecosystem services provided to society. These multistressors as defined in the Black Sea SRIA are: warming, deoxygenation, acidification, overfishing, invasive species, eutrophication, pollution (including litter), sea/land-based sector activities. Central to this NODE is the model and machine-learning based projections of a distributed set of Pilot Site-specific and basin-wide Blue Growth scenarios, already hinted at the Burgas Vision paper. In BRIDGE-BS these will be developed for the first time based on existing data but also on the socio-economic co-design process in connection to NODE2. Here we will make use of existing and beyond state-of-the-art tools to examine the impacts of multiple stressors on individual and the suite of ecosystem services. Processes and socio-economic conditions, MSFD indicators, the impacts of multi-stressors on resilience, and potential tipping points will be assessed, mapped, and modelled to establish the ecosystem status. The resilience of these services to stressors and the interactions between services will be examined following a network approach. The approach will develop the decision support tools necessary for the generation and implementation of a holistic and adaptive management to identify the safe operating space.

Figure 1. Three nodes of the BRIDGE-BS for advancing knowledge, delivering research and empowering citizens


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BLUE GROWTH INCUBATORS - Boosting Innovation and Blue Growth (NODE 2) NODE2 focuses on stimulating Blue Growth within the safe operating space identified in NODE1. NODE2 will elucidate the services that can support sustainable Blue Growth Blue Growth via i) strengthening of resource management, ii) the development and application of innovative monitoring technologies (i.e., biogeochemical sensors, genomics, and smart observations combined with artificial intelligence), and iii) innovative start-ups and business models to create local added value and jobs. Stakeholder engagement, enabling collaborative design of ideas and business models in the Living Labs (see section 1.3.2.6 for details), will be set up at seven Pilot Sites around the Black Sea. NODE2 will translate science into business opportunities: “Proof of Ideas” will be demonstrated and will include new tools and technologies developed and operated at sea by the public and private actors. Promising solutions will then be translated into “Proof of Concepts”, generating new creative models supporting eco-innovations in the region by harnessing local science, policy, and industry knowledge. Finally, NODE2 will demonstrate “Proof of Businesses”, translating innovative models (i.e., Proof of Concepts) into viable products, accelerating development and delivery to attract private investors. This will be delivered in an accelerator platform providing network, training and support services to new startups (including seed funding). NODE3. EMPOWERED CITIZENS - Engaging Policy and Society (NODE 3) NODE3 will enable the policy uptake of BRIDGE-BS science and innovation results (NODE1 and NODE2) for capacity building and outreach to a broad range of citizens, stakeholders, and industry. This node will provide education and training to stimulate interactions among the public, future generations of marine scientists, and entrepreneurs while motivating and engaging policymakers. NODE3 will create a connected Black Sea community, strong with a new generation of researchers to address emerging Black Sea challenges. Furthermore, innovative tools will be developed to provide sound policy support to better align the overall Black Sea community not only with the requirements and recommendations of relevant EU policies and decisions (e.g., the EU Green Deal, Blue Growth, WFD, MSFD, MSPD, and CFP) but also of the regional and international ones (CBD, Bucharest convention, GFCM, and CMA), contributing to the ability of riparian countries to sustain the services provided by the Black Sea.

BRIDGE-BS will leverage the EU funded H2020 CSA Black Sea CONNECT (2019/10 - 2022/10) coordinated by the BRIDGE-BS coordinator Prof. Baris Salihoglu from METU-IMS, among the leading members of the drafting of the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) of the Black Sea alongside several BRIDGE-BS Black Sea partners. Hence BRIDGE-BS represents the best combination of the 'science for policy' concept and is in a unique position to rapidly translate the core science and innovation towards policy outputs. BRIDGE-BS will strongly benefit from partner participation in European and regional observing infrastructures (e.g. DANUBIUS-RI, DEKOSIM, Euro-Argo, EMBRC, Sentinel), data services (e.g. EMODNETs, SeaDataNet) and modelling and prediction capacities (e.g., PERSEUS, OPEC, CMEMS, CLAIM, Mission Atlantic) to develop a holistic approach integrating observation and forecasting capacities. The project will also support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs-particularly SDG 2 Zero Hunger, SDG 13 Climate Action and SDG 14 Life Below Water). BRIDGE-BS coordinator METU-IMS and partners from Black Sea countries have a long history of scientific excellence and continuous monitoring of Black Sea's coastal and offshore areas. Together with the METU-IMS-led Black Sea CONNECT CSA, BRIDGE-BS assembles the Black Sea community and links it with leading European organizations. BRIDGE-BS will be implemented by addressing the CMA and the SRIA respective goals in a consistent manner, as some BRIDGE-BS partners were engaged in the Black Sea Blue Growth Facility Phase 1, and will continue this work through the new Black Sea CMA Assistance Mechanism (2020/09-2022/09, the coordinating organisation SML is a BRIDGE-BS partner). Linked to these initiatives, the three-NODE approach of BRIDGE-BS will strengthen the links from local to regional level among policy makers, academia, industry and civil society, and ensure their support in the implementation of concrete actions proposed by BRIDGE-BS during and beyond the project’s duration. A novel and innovative feature of BRIDGE-BS is the provision of a platform to link the different nodes: The Black Sea Helix, a knowledge exchange and interaction platform to boost and amplify project's impacts. The Helix platform will act as a clustering tool, boosting additional interactions and synergies amongst participating organisations and also with external actors/stakeholders. Other projects and initiatives connected to BRIDGE-BS at international level will be targeted for joint dissemination and communication activities, possible synergies, organisation of workshops, mutual reinforcement and exchange of best practises. Through this novel partnership, and the initiation of a Virtual Network of Science for Resilient Black Sea, BRIDGE-BS will leave a long-term legacy, fostering realistic, robust strategies and creating new long-lasting institutional arrangements necessary for the maintenance of a healthy, resilient and a better valued Black Sea by 2030.


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1.1 Objectives The overall objective of BRIDGE-BS is to advance the Black Sea’s marine research and innovation to co-develop Blue Growth pathways under multistressors for the sustainable utilization of the ecosystem services. To do so it will develop an ecosystem-based management framework to enable policy uptake and foster citizen engagement. Specific Objectives (SO) under the three nodes (Figure 1) are as follows. SOs are linked to work packages (WPs) and specific, measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) given in Section 2.1 (Table 3).

NODE1. SERVICE DYNAMICS: To assess the status, and develop the multidisciplinary understanding and predictive tools on ecosystem functioning necessary to implement adaptive management SO1.1. Assemble knowledge and harmonize methodologies on the multistressors (e.g., warming, deoxygenation, acidification, overfishing, invasive species, eutrophication, pollution (including litter), sea/land-based sector activities), aggregate socio-economic and sectoral trends to build Blue Growth scenarios and make these available in an open access data portal with harmonized protocols. (WP1; KPIs: 1, 2, 7, 10, 12) SO1.2. Model, assess and predict the Black Sea ecosystem states in the past, present and future via integrating climate-oriented coupled circulation-ecosystem models and high-resolution coastal models with machine learning tools to support the sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystem services. (WP2; KPIs: 2, 3) SO1.3. Assess the resilience of Black Sea to multistressors to support sustainable ecosystem services. BRIDGE-BS will identify key multistressors and their interactions to identify their influence on tipping points and services. By assessing risks and opportunities, the resilience of ecosystem components will be evaluated providing a booster of innovation in the region. (WP3; KPIs: 2, 3, 18) SO1.4. Develop an adaptive management Decision Support Tool (DST) framework to aid in the preservation of a safe operating space for Black Sea ecosystem services. Model and artificial intelligence-based decision-support tools will evaluate adaptive management scenarios and measures in response to interacting multistressors, giving outputs to policy implementation and planning (WP4; KPIs: 3, 6, 9, 18) NODE2. BLUE GROWTH INCUBATORS: To provide an operational platform to translate scientific ideas into business opportunities and stimulate the ocean economy in the Black Sea SO2.1. Provide new knowledge, technologies and demonstrators to boost Blue Growth innovation potential for the Black Sea via new ‘Proof of Ideas’ for emerging start-ups and future leaders of the Black Sea; develop a multistressors-based, Black Sea tailored observing system to support monitoring for policy implementation and assure stable service availability. (WP5; KPIs: 1, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 15, 16) SO2.2. Analyse the socio-economic impact of multistressors on local communities via a cross-sectoral approach including, mapping and engagement of stakeholders and development of a stakeholder database within the Black Sea Helix, creation of Living Labs and provision of forecast scenarios, to support at national and regional level the development of Blue Growth in accordance with the CMA. (WP6; KPIs: 1, 4, 15, 16) SO2.3. Stimulate collaboration among research and innovation actors to boost economically viable emerging solutions (start-ups) adapted to local needs. New marine-based technologies based on Industry 4.0 and researcher incubators will be developed to stimulate new ideas and collaborations with start-ups, based on circular economy and resource efficiency principles. (WP7; KPIs: 6, 8, 13, 14, 15) NODE3. EMPOWERED CITIZENS: To support the development of a cohesive, knowledgeable and literate Black Sea international community SO3.1. Enable the policy uptake of BRIDGE-BS science and innovation outputs via enhancing science-policy-industry dialogue, specific knowledge transfer activities and training policymakers. Clustering with existing policy initaitives and best practices from other sea basins. (WP8; KPIs 9, 18, 19, 23, 25) SO3.2. Develop education and training programmes related to Blue Growth for upskilling the workforce in the Black Sea. BRIDGE-BS will establish a MSc course, summer schools and a Blue Career Centre in the Black Sea and plus further the development of hands-on actions for different groups. It will also support a dual supervision PhD, transferring expertise and knowledge between regions and Europe. (WP9; KPIs 17, 19, 20) SO3.3. Establish the Black Sea ocean literacy network to develop ownership and stewardship for the protection of the Black Sea, through ocean literacy and dedicated campaigns for cultural heritage of the Black Sea such as the responsible consumption campaign and a virtual trip to protect historical Lighthouses in the Black Sea coast. Young generation will have a central role particularly through the young ambassadors’ scheme, building on BS CONNECT CSA actions as well as European initiatives EMSEA, EMB. (WP9, KPIs 22, 24, 25, 26) SO3.4. Ensure sustainability through the establishment of a 'Virtual Network of Science for Resilient Black Sea'. Powered by the Black Sea Helix open platform, BRIDGE-BS legacy and its network will be continued through the establishment of a Virtual Network that will operate beyond the lifetime of the project (WP10; KPIs 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)


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1.2 Relation to the work programme BRIDGE-BS addresses the EU Horizon 2020 topic BG-11-2020: Towards a productive, healthy, resilient, sustainable and highly-valued Black Sea. Specific contribution from BRIDGE-BS are the following:

The Black Sea contains the largest body of oxygen-free hydrogen sulphide-rich marine waters on Earth. Policy should consider Black Sea's special ecosystem, its biodiversity and its submerged cultural heritage sites and advance a shared vision for a productive, healthy, resilient, sustainable and highly-valued Black Sea by 2030. (Addressed via SO1.1-1.4, 2.1 and 3.1-3.3) The entirety of BRIDGE-BS is addressing this scope but influencing policy measures is directly addressed in WP4 and WP8. Special characteristics as identified both in the Burgas Vision Paper (2018) the Black Sea SRIA (2019) and the Common Maritime Agenda (2019) will be included (WP2 and WP5 for new technologies for biodiversity, oxygen and sulphide) with socio-economic dimension) in WP6) and used together with WP1 Blue Economy Observatories to identify Blue Growth Scenarios. WP4 will develop and apply multistressors decision support tools for the holistic management of ecosystem services in support of policy measures for a healthy, highly valued Black Sea preserving and benefiting from its submerged heritage. Furthermore, the advance of a shared vision will be co-developed via science-policy dialogue and citizen engagement in WP8 and WP9. Provide support for policies and international agreements such as the EU IMP, the EU MSFD, the EU CFP, the EU Neighbourhood Policy, and the Bucharest Convention, and the CSA Black Sea CONNECT. (Adressed via SO1.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4) Central to these policies is assessing the impacts of multistressors on the ecosystem. WP1 will assemble data on the dynamics of key MSFD indicators and services to define the past and present state relative to stressors (WP2, 3 and 4). New smart observations (WP5) and models (WP3, WP4) will fill crucial gaps on marine litter and noise that support the BSIMAP (Bucharest Convention) and the MSFD. In support of the Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) and the Bucharest Convention the decision support tools developed in WP4 will allow the evaluation of the impacts and interactions of multistressors and services. With respect to the CFP and in line with GFCM, the provision of the decision support tool (WP4) will foster the development of ecosystem-based management of fish stocks. BRIDGE-BS includes the neighbourhood countries of Georgia, Moldova and the Ukraine, thus contributing to science diplomacy and supporting the EU Neighbourhood Policy. BRIDGE-BS implements the Black Sea SRIA by establishing the project on the 4 pillars of the SRIA (see Figure 9, Section 2) Furthermore, WP8 will convey BRIDGE-BS results in global fora where UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are in the agenda. The project will yield direct outputs for the EU Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD), the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD), and the GFCM priorities (Sofia Declaration 2018) (WP4 and WP8). Finally, a close collaboration with the H2020 Black Sea CONNECT CSA and the Common Maritime Agenda Assistance Mechanism is planned (through WP10 coordination) will enable a direct link to the operational network of funding agencies and key players taking part in these initiatives. Provide solutions for accurate predictive tools and capabilities to tackle the complex array of multistressors and their poorly understood interactions, including their connection with rivers into the Black Sea. (Addressed via SO1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4) Multistressors are a central challenge to be tackled by BRIDGE-BS. Specifically, WP1 will assess the status of multistressors, WP5 will conduct new observations of those, while WP2 and WP3 will put multistressors in the forefront and perform ensemble simulations and assessments, focusing on their impact on core ecosystem services. Novel methods such as fully coupled models together with machine learning techniques will be used to address the direct and indirect cumulative effects (i.e. additive, synergistic or antagonistic) of different stressors on all levels of the ecosystem and the relationship between resilience and ecosystem functioning and services. Connection with rivers will be established through partners specialized on river systems (GeoEcoMar, IEEN) at the newly established Pilot Sites (WP1, WP5). Develop innovative multi-disciplinary research, building on past and on-going regional, international, as well national and EU projects/initiatives, that will generate the knowledge needed to increase ecosystem resilience (e.g., SEAS-Era ERA-NET, PERSEUS, COCONET, SENTINEL, Marine Copernicus Service, EMBRC, Euro-Argo ERIC, ICOS ERIC and EMSO ERIC, Black Sea Economic Cooperation, DANUBIUS-RI etc.); (Addressed via SO1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.4) WP1 and WP2 will rely on strategy, data and knowledge gained from existing initiatives and multidisciplinary databases (EMODNET, SEAS-ERA-NET, SESAME, PERSEUS and Copernicus). Past project coordinators and representatives from organizations (such as BSEC, METU-IMS) or research infrastructures (such as DANUBIUS-RI) will be team members or WP leaders in BRIDGE-BS. WP2 as well as WP3 will build on the models developed in the Copernicus Marine Environment and Monitoring Service, SESAME and PERSEUS and will use observations from Sentinel 2 and 3 as well as from Euro-Argo-ERIC for model validation and data assimilation. WP5 will make use of best practices from EMSO ERIC, EURO ARGO ERIC for in-situ observations and EMBRC and Lifewatch ERIC for novel biodiversity assesments through its project partners. WP8 and WP9 will support innovative Blue Growth sectors and start-ups (WP7). Building on these unique assembly of existing and new knowledge, WP3 will uncover limits






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to ecosystem service resilience in the Black Sea and identify tipping points. Provide new knowledge to assess and mitigate the impacts of global climate change and the multiple natural and human-induced stressors in the Black Sea from land-sea interface to the deep basin. (Addressed via SO1.1, 1.2, 1.4 and 2.1) The role of multistressors is central to BRIDGE-BS. New knowledge on processes and stressors occurring in the watershed, at the land-sea interface, deep Black Sea basin and the atmosphere will be combined to develop a modelling and analyses capacity to resolve how marine ecosystems change in response to interacting multistressors at different spatial (sub-inertial to basin) and temporal (days to decades) scales, as well as across different trophic levels (microbes to fish). Provide scientific support to very early development of emerging start-ups in the region (Addressed via SO2.3, also 3.3) WP7 is designed to build an ecosystem of actors across the value chain that can support emerging start-ups in the regional Blue Sector beyond BRIDGE-BS lifetime. This will be achieved by promoting a dialogue between industry and academia, generating ideas for innovation and supporting start-ups with seed money to boost ocean digitalization and Industry 4.0. The focus will be on nature-based solutions and predictive tools; innovative food and use of marine resources, to support sustainable blue economy development as a way of connecting scientific results to Blue Growth sectors. All data collected must be handled in line with commonly agreed standards and be compatible with EMODnet and clouds. (Addressed via SO1.1) BRIDGE-BS data will be collected according to EU standards and both WP1 and WP10 (coordination) will ensure coherence with international standards in data acquisition, analysis and storage. A dedicated task is foreseen in WP1 to accommodate all data and metadata from the project activities in a novel BRIDGE-BS Portal. A Data Management Plan (DMP) will ensure alignment and liaison with EU data infrastructures (EMODNET, CMEMS, SeaDataNet) and EU projects such as Blue-Cloud.

1.3 Concept and methodology 1.3.1 Concept Multistressor interactions controlling ecosystem resilience form the research base of the BRIDGE-BS concept (Figure 2). Resilience (of ecosystem services) can be defined as “the capacity of a system to absorb shocks and perturbations while retaining structure, functioning and feedbacks”. Resilient ecosystem services have the capacity to maintain (or potentially recover) their aggregate properties under the influence of changing stressors. Resilience can be analysed at different organizational levels from individual to population, ecosystems or socio/ecological systems. In BRIDGE-BS we consider the ecosystem level (at the Pilot Site level and Black Sea basin-wide), focusing on the marine ecosystem functioning, and the maintenance of the healthy habitat volumes such as the upper oxic zone, or coastal aquatic space. From a Blue Growth viewpoint, the multistressor interactions and resilience altogether define the “Safe Operating Space” concept proposed by Rockström et al. (2009). BRIDGE-BS is built around the premise that a safe operating space is necessary to stimulate and maintain Blue Growth based on the services provided by the Black Sea ecosystems. Furthermore, four aspects are considered a) ecosytem service dynamics must be predictable and resilient to stressors b) risks due to climate change and management actions should be well defined c) stimulation of Blue Growth potential requires science support to start-ups in close relation to resource manager stakeholders and end users and d) populations bordering the Black Sea must recognize the importance of the Black Sea to their quality of life. These four aspects are addressed in the following: Predictable, resilient ecosystem services: The 2020 EU Blue Economy report gave a special emphasis on ecosystem services for sustainable development in European seas and classified marine-related services under three: Provisioning Services (PS), Regulatory and Maintenance Services (RMS) and Cultural Services (CS). In order to focus, within this framework BRIDGE-BS has identified three core ecosystem services, offering the potential for sustainable Blue Growth, which are directly linked to a healthy and resilient ecosystem. These services are those stemming from recreation and cultural heritage (CS), food provisioning (PS) and climate services including climate change buffering and carbon sequestration (RMS).

Figure 2. Conceptual framework of BRIDGE-BS: linking oceanographic/habitat dynamics to resilience, ecosystem services, multistressors and innovation for Blue Growth.


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Recreation and cultural heritage: Black Sea citizens are dependent upon coastal water quality near the land-sea boundary which are impacted by eutrophication and pollution. Furthermore, specific biogeochemical features of the Black Sea, such as. the relatively productive oxygen-rich surface coastal waters but an oxygen-free deep sea, preserve a collection of heritage elements. But upwelling of anoxic waters also control surface water quality and hence the provision of recreational services. As part of EU's Blue Growth strategy, the coastal and maritime tourism sector has been identified as an area with special potential to foster a smart, sustainable and inclusive Europe. It is the biggest maritime sector in terms of gross value added and employment and, was expected to grow by 2-3% by 2020. In 2012, Cruise tourism alone represented 330,000 jobs and a direct turnover of €15.5 billion and is expected to grow (ECORYS report 2013). (Note: Impacts of Covid-19 will affect this potential). The Black Sea with its unique cultural heritage and its relatively low usage has a large potential for recreational Blue Growth. Food provisioning: The rich fisheries and aquaculture potential of Black Sea, landings from wild fisheries averaging circa 500,000 MT from 1995 to 2016 (FAO 2018) contributed circa 700 million Euros per year in 2005 (FAO 2016) to the economy of Black Sea countries. Aquaculture production in the region rose from 0.8 MT in 1993 to 2 .3 MT in 2013, an increase of 164.43 per cent and an average annual growth rateof 5.08 per cent. This rapid growth was mostly determined by the growth of marine and brackish water aquaculture (Massa et al., 2017). Clearly if sustainably managed these resources can be a significant source of welfare to citizens and a source of potential Blue Growth opportunities from sea to fork. Climate services i.e. carbon sequestration mainly due to land-derived (rivers) and marine-derived production is an important service that will form the basis for the main target of EU Green Deal of becoming climate neutral by 2050. The Black Sea acts as a carbon sink due to its retention of carbon in large anoxic zone where organic degradation is slower (Margolin et al., 2018) and due to limited communication with the surface layer. Carbon storage in the deep waters of the Black Sea reduces the regional emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere, and mitigating climate change. Complex coupling of physical and biogeochemical redox dynamics, and the chemical reduction of upward flux of sulphide, maintains an oxic, relatively healthy habitat volume in the upper 80 m while removing carbon from the atmosphere. Activities in BRIDGE-BS will identify sources and sinks of anthropogenic carbon for the development of management and potential Blue Growth mitigation strategies, Risks due to multistressors (climate change and management actions) need definition: Multistressors such as warming, deoxygenation, acidification, overfishing, invasive species, eutrophication, pollution (including litter), sea/land-based sector activities (e.g., pollutants stemming from maritime transport and ship building, aquaculture, tourism, offshore energy) impact and change the marine environment and the services they support. While some of these individual stressors are studied at local levels, multistressors studies and management approaches are lacking. Integrated, novel adaptive and end-to-end (microbes to fish) modelling and data analyses integrating these stressors using machine learning tools will be developed in BRIDGE-BS to reveal multistressors impacts on marine ecosystem functioning and resilience. Ecosystem services to citizens stemming from Black Sea ecosystems are closely tied to the occurrence of habitats which are modified by multistressors. The study of this issue in the Black Sea is of global scientific relevance, as a recurring theme in both marine and terrestrial ecology is the linking of species and service dynamics to the availability and quality of habitats supporting them. In the marine environment there are a plethora of examples such as the availability of suitable spawning habitats for fish, production of food in upwelling environments and sequestration of carbon in regions of high productivity. Healthy, well-maintained habitats will be considered as the main prerequisite for maintaining resilient ecosystems that can support sustainable production of ecosystem services. BRIDGE-BS will assess the capacity of specific habitats and their extent in the Black Sea to (sustainably) produce key ecosystem services (recreation, food provision, climate services/carbon sequestration) and their ability to withstand multistressors. Service-providing Black Sea habitats are maintained and modified due to the Rim Current dynamics, mesoscale features the cold intermediate layer (CIL), suboxic-anoxic interface and deep-sea and seafloor in the Black Sea. Identification of their roles in nutrient fluxes, productivity and fisheries are important to increase our knowledge of the ecosystem functioning and service production. To what extent these functions are under risk by multistressors will be a central question of BRIDGE-BS. Stimulation of Blue Growth potential requires support to start-ups: BRIDGE-BS core concept also incorporates scientific support needs to start-ups. The Black Sea has a rich pool of biotechnological, monitoring, and knowledge services potential but lacks industry-science cooperation. This has largely avoided progress in Blue Growth. According to the 2020 EU Innovation Scoreboard, Black Sea EU member states and associated countries overall score the lowest with regards to the integrated innovation indicators (EC Innovation Scoreboard, 2020). Despite the large potential, Black Sea countries are lagging behind, but marine and maritime innovation can help raising the innovation performance of countries. Marine-based, science-inspired start ups need to emerge. Education and upskilling of the workforce will be important and as will be an overall awareness on the role of multistressors, resilience and safe operating space concepts. Populations bordering the Black Sea must recognize the importance of the Black Sea to their quality of life: Empowering local communities by raising awareness of present and future multistressor impacts on the ecosystems


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and the society at large will be crucial. This will trigger a system-wide change in the Black Sea region to a socially inclusive, economically prosperous ecosystem in a preserved environment. Citizens and communities are the actors of change and transition to a sustainable blue economy; hence they need to be empowered by education and technologies, with policymaking realized with their full participation. A further need for nurturing a Black Sea cultural/scientific identity in all fields of research and blue economy will be a main pillar of sustainable development. Therefore, BRIDGE-BS concept also builds largely on stakeholder knowledge from citizens to policy and industry and the projec will advance innovative pathways towards stakeholder engagement. Based on the theories that suggest that stakeholder groups are more likely to mobilize with a shared vision at stake (Butterfield et al. 2004), the BRIDGE-BS goal of sustainable Blue Growth in the Black Sea will be clearly communicated to both local and international stakeholders while continuously engaging them in novel ways (Helix platform, conferences, Living Labs, newsletters, more in Section 2.2). Most projects engaging stakeholders map out the stakeholders in a power-interest ratio, where stakeholders with higher power and interest are prioritized whereas those with less power are of less interest (Johnson and Scholes 2002). Unlike these, BRIDGE-BS will involve all stakeholders at an equal level, based on the expertise of the consortium members’ previous/ongoing projects that have benefited high-level of stakeholder engagement (see 1.3.1.1.) and the establishment of the Black Sea Helix. In this way, the stakeholder engagement concept embraced by BRIDGE-BS will be a 2-way street where local stakeholders will be actors of co-creation. 1.3.1.1 National or international research and innovation activities BRIDGE-BS will strongly build up on previous and existing Black Sea and Blue Growth research, innovation and policy-related EU-funded projects, networks and platforms, data services and infrastructures. Figure 3 highlights the clustering ecosystem, while some of the most relevant initiatives given in the work programme are elaborated below, followed by how BRIDGE-BS is linked to outputs and results of past EU-funded projects. Most relevant initiatives given in the work programme and their linkage with BRIDGE-BS: The SRIA of 2019 builds on SEAS-Era (FP7 ERA-NET) BS-ERA.NET (FP7 ERA-NET, 2009-2012), on both of which BRIDGE-BS will build through the Black Sea CONNECT CSA and the funding agencies of the Black Sea countries that took part in the ERA-NETs. Results of PERSEUS (FP7, 2012-2016), a project on management of Black Sea and the Mediterranean, will directly support this proposal as most of the BRIDGE-BS partners took part in PERSEUS. CoCoNet (FP7, 2012-2017) results identified suitable areas for offshore wind energy and BRIDGE-BS will make use of their inputs in its sector-focused research in Pilot Sites (PS). BRIDGE-BS partners are already part of EMODNET and SeaDataNet, contributing to the majority of data from the Black Sea. Moreover, SeaDataCloud coordinator Michele Fichaut (Ifremer) is part of our consortium. Several BRIDGE-BS actions will be based on information from Copernicus Monitoring Marine Environment Service (CMEMS) (WP2-4) and will improve the CMEMS Black Sea Monitoring and Forecasting Center (BS-MFC). BRIDGE-BS will also make us of SENTINEL 2 and 3 sea-related products. BRIDGE-BS will receive policy roadmaps from the Black Sea Commission (BSC) to establish a better monitoring project (BSIMAP 2022-2027) and contribute to establishing a better valued/focused common monitoring program for BSIMAP (see Letter of Support from BSC). Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) is an important partner in BRIDGE-BS with the mandate to facilitate the Blue Growth cooperation between countries in the Black Sea. Data products and best practices from Euro-Argo ERIC will be employed through IO-BAS, which is the national facility and Data Centre for the Black Sea for Euro-Argo ERIC. Priorities 'strengthen and scale-up the bio-based sectors' and 'understand the ecological boundaries of the bioeconomy' from the EU Bioeconomy Strategy provide crucial policy directions for BRIDGE-BS ambition of a 'safe report’ and will be used for BRIDGE-BS policy and business-related implementation actions. As for national research infrastructures and initiatives, national capacities, such as DEKOSIM (Turkey), and national observing capacities of Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, Russia and Georgia, data from national initiatives will be available for BRIDGE-BS and the project includes key players working on these initiatives (see Pilot Sites description). Furthermore, BRIDGE-BS WP1 will establish links with the Blue Cloud project and learn from them in establishing the Black Sea WP1 BRIDGE-BS portal. The EMSO-ERIC and the H2020 EMSODEV project will be linked through Ifremer and GeoEcoMar, transferring best practices for sensor development, interoperability and increasing technological readiness levels (TRLs). BRIDGE-BS will use EMBRC-ERIC roadmaps, through its

Figure 3. Clustering ecosystem of BRIDGE-BS


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activities in WP5 with its e-dna approaches. BRIDGE-BS river-sea interaction work of WP1, WP5 will build on DANUBIUS-RI, through its leader GeoEcoMar. The BG-11 work programme also emphasizes the MSFD reports of Romania and Bulgaria and BRIDGE-BS through its partners will fully make use of them. For example, “recommended steps to be taken towards implementation of the revised GES Decisions” will feed to WPs 1 and 2. The MSFD assessment of the Romanian marine waters have been carried out with national funds (MEWF Project No. 60/29.08.2018) where BRIDGE-BS partner NIMRD is the main contributor. Similarly, IO-BAS fulfilled Bulgaria’s obligations towards the Marine Environmental Status Assessment. MarinTurk Project towards MSFD implementation in Turkey was carried out by BRIDGE-BS partner TUBITAK-MAM the main Turkish institute that contributes towards the assesment of GES in Turkey through several national contracts. Also, through ANEMONE, EMBLAS, MISIS and IRIS projects MSFD assessment is carried out by BRIDGE-BS partners including the coasts of Ukraine and Georgia. BRIDGE-BS will effectively use outputs of past projects National efforts towards long term observations together with international efforts during the 1980s and 1990s resulted in a better understanding of Black Sea ecosystem dynamics. Also, efforts by the Black Sea Commission helped to bring together national efforts under comprehensive synthesis reports as such State of the Black Sea 2008, 2019. During the past 20 years support from EU and bilateral efforts among the Black Sea countries helped increase international, interdisciplinary research and innovation. BRIDGE-BS is established as a strong consortium that has a proven track record of international research with a history of strong participation and leadership in past EU projects. Some important EU funded projects (and BRIDGE-BS partners): ELME (SU, CNR, HCMR, IO-BAS, NIMRD), KNOWSEAS (IO-BAS, METU, SU, CNR, IBER-BAS), SEAS-ERA (TUBITAK, IFREMER, CNR), MISIS (NIMRD, METU, GeoEcoMar, IO-BAS, TUBITAK), SESAME (HCMR, METU, IO-BAS, IU, CNR, ULiege, NIMRD, SIO-RAS, IFREMER, TSB) COCONET(METU, HCMR, CNR, NIMRD, DTU, GeoEcoMar, IU, SIO-RAS, IO-BAS, UkrSCES, SNU), PEGASO (IFREMER, HCMR), ANEMONE (Coordinator: NIMRD IO-BAS, UkrSCES, TUBITAK, TUDAV), PERSEUS (Coordinator: HCMR, METU, IO-BAS, IU, CNR, ULiege, IBER-BAS, NIMRD, SIO-RAS, TSU), HYPOX (IFREMER, GeoEcoMar), ODEMM (NIMRD, IO-BAS, METU, HCMR), Black Sea GOOS, Black Sea SCENE (2009-2011) (METU, GeoEcoMar, NIMRD, IU, SIO-RAS), EMODNET (NIMRD, METU, IU, IO-BAS, GeoEcoMar, CETMAR, UkrSCES, ULiege), MyOCEAN, MyOCEAN2 (IFREMER, CNR, HCMR, DTU, NIMRD, METU), ESA EO4SIBS (ULiege, NIMRD). These projects supported different aspects of ecosystems and policy. For example, SESAME and PERSEUS projects coordinated by Vangelis Papathanassiou (member of the BRIDGE-BS Coordination Team) supported both targeted observations such as the joint research cruises (lead by HCMR and IO-BAS) and Black Sea Experiments (BSEX led by METU, Salihoglu), which will feed the activities in BRIDGE-BS. BRIDGE-BS will carry on these efforts to a higher level by using ecological data and model results to assess the GES and resilience dynamics. Moreover, the results of these projects were already utilized in identifying the priorities and gaps for the SRIA and the missing aspects will be covered under BRIDGE-BS. The modelling implementations will also build on previous efforts leading BRIDGE-BS to deliver results at an early stage in the project so they can actually be used towards policy and Blue Growth. We have already implemented some f the proposed tools in daNUbs, COCONET, PERSEUS, MEECE, OPEC, SESAME, ASSEMBLAGE, Ghass, ENVRIPLUS. For example, in the MEECE project a methodology to model MSFD indicators were established by METU, while MYOCEAN and OPEC project delivered models with increased model certainty with operational capacity (METU); within SESAME and PERSEUS (METU, ULiege, IBER-BAS, CNR) projects the forecasting capacity of the models under changing environmental factors and IPCC climate change scenarios are developed. IO-BAS and ULiege are also leading institutes carrying out operational modeling within the CMEMS framework. BRIDGE-BS capitalises on all these efforts and thus will deliver an ensemble of models. BRIDGE-BS partners have already coordinated and participated in policy related projects, like in FP7 ODEMM (and FP6 ELME), PERSEUS and COCONET (e.g. High-Level Black Sea Meeting, stakeholders workshops for non EU countries, relevant stakeholders in the Black Sea for wind energy etc.) as mentioned above. Under ODEMM policy options that were developed will form a basis for the analyses in WP6, while WP8 will build on what has been achieved by taking the results of ODEMM (and ELME) in the Integrated Policy Review that BRIDGE-BS will prepare in WP8. For example, ODEMM project results (e.g., Breen et al., 2012) will be used while assessing the service priorities in WP1, WP6 and WP8. ODEMM defined the current status of the Black Sea in terms of the level of departure of each descriptor from GES and the priorities to support achievement of GES by 2020. In addition, some partners of the BRIDGE-BS Consortium (ICBSS-WP8 Leader, TUBITAK) were involved in the H2020 BLACK SEA HORIZON (2015-2018) targeting the six Black Sea riparian countries and Moldova, and IncoNet Eap PLUS (2016-2019) and FP7 IncoNet EaP (2013-2016), targeting the Eastern Partnership countries, to develop policy dialogue between the EU and the target countries. For bringing together the funding agencies and promoting the idea of a joint funding platform to support future project-oriented actions, BRIDGE-BS will capitalize on a similar learning loop for a Black Sea Joint Call developed H2020 BLACK SEA HORIZON. FP7 IncoNet EaP (2013-2016) and H2020 IncoNet Eap PLUS (2016-2019), mobilised a considerable number of science, technology


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and innovation policy-stakeholders in the target countries (e.g. Georgia, Russia, Ukraine and Moldova from the Black Sea) and prepared recommendations for future cooperation strategy. The Integrated Policy Review that will be prepared in WP8 will not make use of the existing network but also the experience gained in all these linked projects. Based on the above, BRIDGE-BS will step up the Black Sea Research and Innovation while giving confidence to industry with an established knowledge base and policy support. Novel and complementing structures in the Black Sea designed to build on past projects and cover the identified gaps in the SRIA will be established through BRIDGE-BS such as the Black Sea BRIDGE-BS portal in WP1 (enhancing the EMODNET products in the Black Sea), ensemble models, resilience dynamics, cumulative effects assessments Living Labs, Black Sea Helix. 1.3.1.2 Project positioning BRIDGE-BS advances several tools where an increase in technological readiness levels (TRL) is foreseen. Currently in the context of climate change the starting point for decision support tools (DSTs) and machine learning tools (MLT) are positioned at technology teadiness levels (TRL) up to TRL4: Following successful "proof-of-concept" work, basic technological elements must be integrated to establish that the "pieces" will work together to achieve concept-enabling levels of performance”. The goal is to achieve TRL6 by the end of the project through further developing MLT and DSS tools and demonstrating the DSS tools for stakeholders in the Pilot Sites. BRIDGE-BS will also develop cost-effective novel sensors targeting multistressors and creating business opportunities while valorizing its rich cultural heritage. Specifically, for electrochemical and microfluidic biogeochemical sensors we aim to move from TRL3-4 to TRL6-7 and for an underwater integration of smart radionuclides sensor an increase from TRL6 to TRL8-9 is envisaged. BRIDGE-BS supports the concept of such “idea to application”, and will devote NODE 2 to implement this within the Blue Growth framework, for example by directly contributing to many strategic documents as highlighted in section 1.1, 2.1 and WP8. The participation of BRIDGE-BS partners in relevant advisory bodies (e.g. Black Sea Commission; BSEC WG on Environmental Protection; WG on Cooperation in Science and Technology) will ensure uptake of project results at EU level. BRIDGE-BS has a strong commitment to deliver its findings to critical EU and international policy initiatives. Team members will transfer project findings to the Black Sea Commission, SEARICA, ministries, Black Sea cities municipalities, thus maximizing impacts. 1.3.2 Methodology 1.3.2.1 Overall Methodology BRIDGE-BS builds its methodology around the three-NODES of service dynamics, Blue Growth incubators and empowered citizens (Figure 4). A total of 10 work packages (including a Coordination WP) will support the implementation of the project. The NODES will be highly interlinked, feeding from and into each other. Here, the three NODE approach is described, outlining the associated work packages. Following this section, several other crucial elements of our methodology are introduced: BRIDGE-BS Pilot Sites, Living Labs, integrated predictive tools including ensemble modeling and machine learning, Industry 4.0 technologies in BRIDGE-BS, the Black Sea Helix and stakeholder knowledge integration approaches.

Service Dynamics (NODE1) Comprised of 4 work packages, NODE1 will define a safe operating space for the Black Sea Blue Growth. This NODE will provide feedback to NODE2 on observation needs and gaps as well as potential business opportunities, and to NODE3 for capacity building of young generations and engaging policy actors. NODE1 will receive crucial feedback from other NODEs on socio-economically viable, policy-relevant smart new technologies and approaches that will address multistressors. WP1 Knowledge Base for the Black Sea will deliver a basin-wide as well as Pilot Site-specific assembly of data on multistressors and boundary inputs (from rivers, atmosphere and maritime sectors), using the databases from existing and past initiatives/projects (e.g., EMODNETs [habitat, chemistry, Black Sea Check Point], SeaDataNet, Black Sea Commission, Black Sea CONNECT, Copernicus, ARGO, SESAME, PERSEUS, COCONET, MISIS, ANEMONE, EMBLAS). Also, BRIDGE-BS will establish close links with any other projects funded under the

Figure 4. BRIDGE-BS Work packages embedded in Nodes


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same BG11-2020 call for data sharing. The new BRIDGE-BS Black Sea Portal will make data open access and Findable Accessible Interoperable Reusable (FAIR). Harmonization of methodologies and harmonised data collection efforts will be delivered via training of project participants (in connection with WP9). Aggregated socio-economic results (WP6) will form the basis for Blue Economy Observatories in WP1 and also be incorporated in BRIDGE-BS portal to inform Blue Growth scenarios that will drive the rest of NODE1. WP2 Ecosystem dynamics under multistressors will identify the conditions ensuring safe operating conditions for the services generated by Black Sea ecosystems, via the implementation of accurate predictive modelling tools and the capabilities necessary to tackle the increasingly complex array of multistressors. WP2 will extend existing mechanistic modelling tools to assess and predict marine ecosystem state, important for the provision of services and selected sectors by the Black Sea. Furthermore, time series and maps of indicators of good environmental status and key habitats will be generated including their spatial and temporal dynamics in support of the implementation of MFSD, Bucharest Convention and the UN SDGs, resilience assessment in WP3 and adaptive management in WP4. WP3 Resilience and Ecosystem Services will provide a holistic resilience assessment of ecossytem services to support sustainable production of key ecosystem services. It applies a hierarchical analysis framework, where the ecosystem processes supporting the ecosystem services are first conceptualized and linked to relevant pressure-state-indicators of WP2. For these key processes, WP3 will then carry out a three-tier integrated resilience analysis: 1) complexity reduction, 2) non-additive modelling, and 3) resilience assessment, where sufficient data (observed or simulated) is available. In data-limited Pilot Sites, methods such as network analysis or more simplified causal diagrams can be used to analyse key interactions and system stability. WP4 Adaptive Management will develop decision support management tools to estimate the risks of management decisions relative to multistressors. Firstly, it employs artificial intelligence tools (e.g., ANN) to predict state-response dynamics at Pilot Sites and over the whole basin relative to indicators on multistressors together with modelling results from WP2. Second, it will develop and apply a geospatial Cumulative Effects Assessment tool based on identification, quantification and representation of explicit driver-pressure-state-response relationships. Individual and multistressor scenarios will be assessed relative to their predicted impact on service state-response. Recommendations for adaptive management, planning, policy, and knowledge implementation to tackle main risks and ensure sustainable exploitation of resources will be identified based on DST outputs. Outputs of this WP will be used in WP6 and WP8. Blue Growth Incubators (NODE2) NODE 2 develops an incubator platform supporting the transition needed to secure a sustainable future for the Black Sea's empowered citizens within a preserved marine environment. This future will be generated by stakeholders themselves in a co-design process of sustainable scenarios and transition pathways for the Black Sea. This platform is implemented in three work packages (WP5, WP6, WP7) complementing each other and providing a continuum to translate scientific ideas into business opportunities. WP5 Smart observations and technologies for tackling multistressors, boosting innovation and supporting monitoring will provide integrated approaches for rapid detection of biodiversity and multistressors in situ sensing to assess and mitigate the impacts of multistressors, improve the capacity of citizens to tackle hazards and while doing so create business opportunities and boost innovation potential of Black Sea through new “Proof of Ideas”. Specific work will contribute to an increase in ecosystem resilience through an improved process-based understanding of Black Sea specific features, and advance the Black-Sea tailored applications of new cost-effective tools for efficient biodiversity assessments of high innovation potential. Outputs will be novel solutions that can be implemented in a future observing system component (to WP1, and WP7), smart sensors that can be scaled up for monitoring (O2, H2S, pH, radioactivity) and early-warning systems (e.g. H2S, radioactivity), as well as new knowledge to improve ecosystem service representation in Black Sea biogeochemical models. WP6 Socio-economics and Social Innovations will establish how multistressors affect the local economies, society and ecosystem services. A stakeholder mapping and engagement strategy in the Black Sea countries will be designed and implemented to create Living Labs. These will develop strategies for preparing the society to social innovation solutions and identify Blue Growth opportunities based on focused stakeholder engagement mapping in the 7 Pilot Sites. The Living Labs will serve as the basis for the ecossytem services valuation. In connection to WP1 (where Blue Growth scenarios are defined), WP5 will downscale climate change (CC) and shared socio-economic pathways (SSP) scenarios and validate them through the Living Labs, while identifying societal responses to multistressors impacts. Simulation and monetarisation of different scenarios related to the changing conditions will be also performed. WP7 Accelerating ‘Industry 4.0’ business models will benefit from the advances generated in BRIDGE-BS and translate them into innovation opportunities for Industry 4.0 in support of Black Sea Blue Growth sectors such as fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, blue biotech and renewable energy. The tools and solutions delivered in BRIDGE-BS (e.g. tools for mapping habitat changes and ecosystem responses to multistressors, forecasts of fish


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species distribution and habitat quality, smart sensors for environmental monitoring, management of big environmental data, etc.), will for instance contribute to the development of (i) innovative nature-based solutions for habitat restoration and climate mitigation; (ii) innovative use of marine resources including as food; (iii) new methods for data collection using internet-of-things platforms; as well as other products and services which could generate business opportunities for regional, national and local industrial sectors (existing and emerging ones). Empowered Citizens (NODE3) NODE3 will empower citizens of the Black Sea through outreach, capacity building and mobility programs. WP8 Enhancing science-policy dialogue will capitalise on the tailor-made science produced in BRIDGE-BS to respond to policy needs and invest on a science-policy stream, to consolidate the science-policy interface beyond the duration of the project. The WP will i) enhance science-policy dialogue, ii) support science–policy knowledge transfer and contribution to science-based policies and iii) train policy-makers to support science-based policy- making. Finally, it will reinforce the BRIDGE-BS legacy, by creating the “Black Sea Blue Book: a BRIDGE to the future” so that the connections built will remain active and working after the end of the project, and the capacity built and pathways created yield their full impact. WP9 Education and Capacity Building for the youth, citizens of all ages and backgrounds as well as students the WP9 will i) Deliver demand-driven training and capacity building programmes on Blue Growth for upskilling the workforce; building an ocean literacy network in the participating countries; launch of a “Black Sea Appreciation” Campaign, involving marine-related activities for citizens and schools) ii) Develop the “Blue Move” activity to promote mobility and knowledge transfer (establishment of Black Sea Young Ambassadors; support internships, transnational/international seminars,) iii. Increase the education capacity in the region (e.g., supporting dual supervision PhDs ensuring transfer of expertise and knowledge between regions and serving as incubators and ideas for future start-ups; iv. Establish an English language MSc on Blue Growth at a chosen University/Institute in the Black Sea; network with existing ocean literacy initiatives and EMSEA)

In the remainder of methodology (1.3.2.2 to 1.3.2.8) we present key novel methodologies BRIDGE-BS is advancing towards implementing the 3-node overall approach of the project: 1.3.2.2 Pilot Sites (NODES 1, 2 and 3, Cross-cutting) Pilot Sites are unique to BRIDGE-BS. They will be venues for focused project implementation in different work packages in a cross-cutting manner. They will be sites where specific foreacasts of services under the influence of multistressors and co-designed Blue Growth scenarios will be investigated. Moreover, interactions with stakeholders and communities will take place among the coastal communities in these sites. Moreover, Blue Growth incubator activities will focus at these sites as well. The 7 sites and the key ecosystem services they provide are given in Figure 5. Each Site will be lead by the local BRIDGE-BS partner, ensuring continuous interaction with the local and regional communities throughout the lifetime of the project.

Figure 5. Pilot Sites and ecosystem services that they provide. Key Provisioning (PS), Regulatory and Maintenance (RMS) and Cultural Services (CS) in the Bridge-BS Pilot Sites. BRIDGE-BS Blue Growth scenarios will drive the analysis of sectoral trends under multistressors. Both basin wide and pilot site scale scenarios will be co-designed and co-created according to a process involving natural


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scientists, socio-economists and policy makers. More specifically, BRIDGE-BS scenarios will be designed based on the historical data analysis performed in WP1 and defining a socio-economic storyline in WP6 using inputs from the stakeholder engagement process held in WP8. Each Pilot site will focus on a set of specific services, broadly defined here but the project's focus will be precised in the first months of the project as a part of WP1 activities in connection to the scenarios. Specific services will be studied in different sites, but in a way that when distributed to the whole Black Sea all of the key services will be addressed. Also, the BRIDGE-BS consortium preliminarily prioritized a set of focus sectors to develop BG scenarios in the Black Sea basin wide: Fisheries and transport will be the main sectors on which basin-wide scenarios will be based. Furthermore, in each of the Pilot Sites focus sectors are also proposed and they are indicated in bold in the following PS descriptions. PS1 - Bosporus Site: This site covers shelf and slope of the region between Igneada and Sakarya Canyon including the İstanbul Strait. Main oceanographic feature is the inflow of the Mediterranean waters and injection of oxygen to the Black Sea anoxic layer. While this marine region will be the focus of science, activities in the City of Istanbul will host a number of impact generating actions such as the Living Lab and High-Tech Summit and policy events (WP8). Food provisioning (biological corridor for fish migrations) and buffering against anoxia as an RMS represent key ecosystem services to be assessed in WP2 and WP3 and measured in WP5. Key multistressors include pollution from transportation. Inflow of invasive species, marine litter and underwater noise are other stressors caused by intensive maritime transport. Maritime transport and fisheries have been dominant sectors for the region for many years. The region also has an important potential for tourism, aquaculture and offshore energy (wind and wave) sectors. The latter, renewable energy, will be the BRIDGE-BS focus sector. PS2 - Western Shelf: The site connects western shelf to the Western Basin, and focuses on fish migration routes with moderate outflow from rivers. The site is bound by coastal lakes-bays systems (Varna, Mandra). Upwelling (Kaliakra gyre) and rim current dynamics are the dominant features structing the habitats. The cities of Varna and Burgas are also part of the site. Key ecosystem services include food provisioning and habitat maintenance, with cultural services (heritage) also gaining importance. There are some preserved vulnerable habitats (mussel reefs, macroalgae and seagrass meadows) that are threatened by coastal pollution, invasive species (Rapana) and climate change. Other key multistressors include point, diffusive and atmospheric source of eutrophication/ pollution impacts and invasive species. The fisheries are the most important ones in EU Black Sea waters but most fish stocks are overfished. Aquaculture is emerging but limited to black mussel culture. Fisheries will be the main focus sector. PS3 - Danube influence area: The main characteristic is the Danube’s influence on the ecosystem components, functioning and services provided. The influence of the Danube River (the 2nd largest river in Europe, crossing 10 countries, 203 km3/year) is determinant for nutrients, organic matter, contaminants, litter and sediment transport to the sea. The Danube plume, resulting mainly from the runoff of the Chilia branch strongly influence the hydrochemical structure of the water column and biological productivity. City of Constanza will constitute the community side of this Pilot site. Key services including carbon sequestration (RMS) and water quality (RMS-CS). Euthropication, overfishing and overfishing are major stressors. Commercial fishing, tourism and offshore abiotic resource exploitation are dominant sectors in this region. Tourism (linked to water quality) is the focus sector. PS4 - North-western Shelf: City of Odessa is the focal point and also Dniester river in Moldova are also part of the Pilot site. The site is located on the north-western shelf of the Black Sea and includes the area of the Odessa Sea Port and the Gulf of Odessa. Ukrainian botanic reserve "Zernov's Phyllophora field” is an internationally important area (4025 km2). It is located on the north-western shelf of the Black Sea on the traverse of the Dniester estuary, and deeper parts of the Dniester bank. The ecosystem services of PS4 are greatly influenced by transformed river waters, that are formed by the stream flows of the Dniester, Dniepr and Southern Bug Rivers. The site is relatively shallow (max 50m) compared to other sites, rendering it more prone to benthic-pelagic-atmospheric coupling. Hence the maintenance of these benthic habitats represents a key service along with food provisioning. Pollution from maritime inputs along with deoxygenation are dominant multistressors. Biotech will be the focus sector. PS5 - North-eastern Black Sea: The site centres around the city of Gelendzhik, and includes the coastal and territorial waters on the north Caucasus shelf. The landward marine boundary of the site is the Blue Bay and moves offshore in the north-eastern Black Sea, along a transect up to 1000m to the deep-sea, featuring land-deep basin connection. Hence, key ecosystem services include carbon sequestration in the deep basin (RMS) as well as recreation and tourism on the land side. Invasive species represent a key stressor, along with climate-driven long-term deoxygenation. Fisheries and tourism are key established sectors. Tourism will the sector of interest here. PS6 - Eastern Black Sea/Batumi: The easternmost site has high-relief coasts and narrow shelves, with high land-deep-basin connection. The oceanography is dominated with the Batumi Gyre and occasional mesoscale eddies driving productivity. The site is a potential overwintering ground for commercially important fish species, making food provisioning the most important ecosystem service here along with recreation and tosurism. Overfishing, invasive species and marine litter are major stressors. The city of Batumi (Georgia) will be the main focal point for the Living Labs of BRIDGE-BS. Harboringthe largest stock of the Black Sea, fisheries is the focus sector here. PS7 - Southern Shelf: The site contains the marine and landward side of the city of Sinop, and extends to the deeper


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edge of the continental shelf. The site also includes the delta of Kizilirmak River, the largest river of Turkey. The Black Sea Rim Current shapes the water column habitats along with the anticyclonic gyres in the region “Sinop eddy and Kizilirmak eddy”. Food provisioning (aquaculture, PS) and heritage/tourism (CS) are prominent ecosystem services. Important stressors are pollution from rivers and subsequent eutrophication and deoxygenation. Aquaculture will be the focus sector in the Southern Shelf site. Basin-wide Black Sea as a whole will also be target of assesment and new observations. A preliminary assessment of the data availability on multistressor and services-related parameters are given in Table 1 and Figure 6. As elaborated in WP1, partner's data will be accessed through SeaDataNet, EMODNET. The BRIDGE-BS consortium brings together the biggest data providers for the Black Sea in Seadatanet such as METU, IFREMER, NIMRD, HCMR. This will be linked to other EU-level data infrastructures. Regional data infrastructures such as EMBLAS Black Sea Water Quality Database and METU-led DEKOSIM infrastructure will also be integrated (see WP1). Table 1. Preliminary analysis of available data and ongoing sea activities Multistressors (MS) data readiness, in BRIDGE-BS Pilot Sites on which BRIDGE-BS will build its advanced methodology on. WP1 will further refine this analysis building on the BRIDGE-BS Black Sea Portal in the first months of the project. (Data key: LTS long-term (>10 yr) time series of at least 3 MS parameters, STS short term (<10yr) time series, INT intermittent data, FObs fixed observatory, validated satellite products (SAT), Current Sea activities key: 4S seasonal cruises, YR yearly cruises, INFR infrequent sampling)

Site Responsible Partners

Summary of available data

Summary of Partners' committed sea activities

foreseen 2021-2024

Multistressors integrated data-

readiness (see Figure 6)

1. Bosporus Site (Istanbul) IU, TUDAV, TUBITAK STS, SAT 4S, YR High

2. Western Shelf (Varna/Burgas)

IO-BAS, IBER-BAS

LTS, SAT, FObs 4S, YR High

3. Western Black Sea (Danube area: Konstanza)

NIMRD- GeoEcoMar

LTS, SAT, FObs 4S, YR High

4. Northwestern Black Sea (Odessa Bay) UkrSCES LTS, SAT 4S, YR Medium

5. Northeastern Black Sea (Gelendhzik Site) SIO-RAS LTS, SAT YR, INFR Medium

6. Eastern Black Sea (Batumi) TSU INT YR, INFR Low 7. Southern Black Sea (Sinop) SNU INT 4S, YR, INFR Low 8. Basin-Wide Black Sea METU, GeoEcoMar LTS, INT, SAT YR, INFR Medium

Figure 6. BRIDGE-BS consortium's preliminary assessment of Pilot-Site level data readiness levels (as defined in the Black Sea SRIA) (stressor, abbreviation, data descriptors) Warming (W) (T, S, current velocities and directions); Deoxygenation (DeO2) (O2, H2S, redox sensitive species); Eutrophication (EUT): NO3, PO4, TOC, MSFD indexes, River N/P fluxes; Overfishing (OF), biodiversity, stock assessment, Invasive Species (IS): Biodiversity indicators; Pollution/Litter (P/L) (Litter abundance, River fluxes, Atm fluxes); Acidification (A): pH, pCO2, alk; Land/Sea Activities (LSA): Fluxes from ship, coastal industries

1.3.2.3 BRIDGE-BS Ensemble Modelling Approaches (NODE 1) The aim of using an ensemble of models is to go beyond a purely model sensitivity study and to have a support tool for decision-making in presence of uncertainties (Ravetz 1986, Fiechter 2012). BRIDGE-BS’s modelling activities will involve the development of an ensemble of 3D coupled physical and biogeochemical basin scale models (i.e. 5


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physical and 3 biogeochemical models, Table 2) and for each BRIDGE-BS Pilot Site, downscaled high resolution (< 1km) regional models. These low trophic models (LTL) will be coupled to the high trophic levels (HTL) using a diversity of approaches including Lagrangian individual based, habitat suitability and food-web models while in the Pilot Sites coupling with the benthic communities will also be done through process, habitat and food-web models. These models will simulate the past and current state of the Black Sea state (e.g. circulation, biogeochemical cycles and ecosystems up to and including fish), GES indicators and BRIDGE-BS ecosystem services. For the future, a set of projections will be performed at regional and basin scale under scenarios of changes of climate and non-climate stressors including BG activities. More specifically, for assessing the impact of climate change, basin scale model projections at the 2100 horizon will be realized under scenarios RCP 2.6 and 8.5 while for the regional ocean the impact on the Black Sea physical and ecosystem state and services of changes of river nutrients discharges and selected Blue Growth activities will be projected up to 1-2 decade ahead. Ensemble modelling efforts will be tightly linked to Pilot Sites as modelled simulated BG scenarios impacts will delivered to WP4 for adaptive management (e.g. to define the boundaries of the safe operating space) and to WP8. Table 2. Existing BRIDGE-BS models and their basin/regional scale horizontal resolution, lead partner. The selected Pilot Sites (PS) where downscaled regional simulations will run are also indicated.

Model Name Basin scale resolution

Regional resolution, Pilot Site (PS)

Lead Partner

3D coupled physical-biogeochemical models (Lower Trophic Level - LTL)

POM-ERSEM (Politikos, D. et al. 2015) 5 km 500 m (PS2, PS4, PS7) HCMR

NEMO-ERSEM (DEKOSIM Project 2012-2021) 3 km 1 km (PS1, PS6, PS7) METU

NEMO- BAMHBI (Grégoire et al. 2008, Capet et al. 2016) 3 km 600 m (PS2, PS3, PS4) ULiege

ROMS 1km-500 m (curvilinear)

1km-500 m (curvilinear) (PS5) SIO-RAS

NEMO/ BSAS12 7-8 km 7-8 km SIO-RAS High Trophic Level (HTL) models EwE Fortran (Akoglu et al., 2015), OSMOSE (Sombee Project, 2017-2018) 3 km 1 km

(PS1, PS5, PS6, PS7) METU

Life cycle models based on Individual Based models (Politikos, D., 2015) 5km 500 m

(PS2, PS7) HCMR

Habitat suitability models (Bioclim) (Albouy et al., 2013) 3 km 600m (PS2, PS4, PS6) IFREMER

Food Web: Ecopath with Ecosim and Ecospace (EwE) (Daskalov G., 2013; 2015; 2020) 30 km 2 km (PS2) IBER-BAS

Specific Models to connect with BRIDGE-BS Ecosystem services, GES and selected Blue Growth Activities

Submodels of biogeochemical process in anoxic conditions 3-km (in 3D models)

600m (PS1, PS2, PS3) CNR

Habitat suitability models (e.g. Maxent, GAM, Random Forest) (benthic) (Berov, D. et al. 2018) Not applicable 10-600 m

(PS3, PS4) IBER-BAS,

ULiege Radiative Transfer Model (RADTRAN) for modelling optical properties (water clarity) 3km 600 m

(PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4) ULiege

Particle drift models (plastics) (Stamataki, N. et al., 2020) 5km 500m (PS2, PS3, PS4, PS7)

HCMR, DTU

1D demographic ctenophore interaction model embedded in a 3D model (MBD model) (Shiganova T., 2018) 1-2 km 1 km

(PS5) SIO-RAS

Jellyfish model (Shiganova et al., 2019) 1-2 km 10-100 m (PS5) SIO-RAS

- Aquaculture- Fish (mass-balance budget) (Tsagaraki et al. 2011, Petihakis et al. 2014) - Mussel (Dynamic Energy Budget) (Hatzonikolakis et al., 2017)

5 km 500m (PS3, PS7) HCMR

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) 3 km 600 m(PS3, PS7) DTU 1.3.2.4 Machine-learning based prediction approaches integrated with modelling and statistical tools (NODE 1) Mechanistic, process-based models are able to simulate the combined effect of multistressors on the dynamics state but to differentiate the impacts of stressors is a challenge (Holland 2006). Machine learning (ML) will fill in this gap and provide a wider spectrum of results in predicting the cumulative effects of stressors on the ecosystem (Rammer and Seidl 2019). BRIDGE-BS assesses the ecosystem resilience in the Black Sea using a diversity of complementary tools going from statistical analysis (e.g. examples from WP3), mechanistic modelling and ML (Krekoukiotis et al., 2016). In particular, using the BRIDGE-BS Blue Growth scenarios based on the sectors such aquaculture/fisheries,


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renewable energy, tourism and transportation (see Pilot Sites) resilience projections will be made first-time in the Black Sea that will estimate the safe operating space limits for sustainable Blue Growth. Another unique approach is the use of models together with the ML tools towards the disentangling of single stressor effects as well as identifying the interplay between stressors in a DST.. Indeed, machine learning will be used with that perspective to understand the links between stressors, state and services following the approaches advanced by Palacz et al., 2013 and Huettmann, 2018. Cumulative Effects Analysis (CEA): Few studies have been performed on the role of cumulative stressor effects and those only at a coarse scale in the Black Sea (Micheli et al. 2013, Halpern et al. 2019). They also lack the role of cumulative stressor effects on the provisioning of ecosystem services (ES). BRIDGE-BS Decision Support Tools (DSTs) (WP4) are based on the Tools4MSP modelling framework which allows for the first time an ad-hoc assessment of the risks of cumulative stressor effects for Black Sea ES. BRIDGE-BS moves beyond the state of the art in CEA application due to its unique ensemble modelling approach based on new knowledge acquired by the diverse modelling techniques. This integrated approach allows the capitalization of the new acquired knowledge and understanding of the marine environment by BRIDGE-BS, for the development of adaptive management approaches. Uniquely within BRIDGE-BS, the CEA tool ensures an explicit contribution to the MSFD by considering the 15 MSFD pressures and GES/Target indicators and relating them to the core Black Sea ES. By applying CEA tool, BRIDGE-BS can identify the spatial distribution of natural and anthropogenic risks, both individually and in combination, and critical marine areas impacted. This spatial identification in the Black Sea, together with a major understanding of the cause-effect relationships, enables the delivery of relevant information and products for comparison with and among stakeholders and the operationalization of an ecosystem-based management of the marine space and ecosystem services. 1.3.2.5 Industry 4.0 marine technologies (NODE 2) Integration using 4.0 algorithms (machine learning, big data) and wireless communication will be key towards developing services/components for early warning or observing systems. Machine learning algorithms, as described above, will also be utilized in modelling and prediction of Black Sea services as well as dynamic stakeholder mapping tool of the impact acceleration platform Black Sea Helix (WP10, see section 2.2). Specific Industry 4.0 technologies include -big data generation through e-dna (HCMR, IO-BAS), microbial genetics (TUBITAK), underwater acoustics (TUDAV, METU), biogeochemical (electrochemical) sensors for redox sensitive species (sulphide, oxygen, iron and manganese, METU, Yucel et al. 2011, 2013), microfluidic pH sensor (IFREMER), underwater radioactivity sensor (HCMR), integrated underwater imaging and low cost water quality sensors and AI for detecting hazards and valorising heritage (METU), underwater imaging and machine-learning analyses for rapid detection of jellyfish (IO-BAS). Internet of things and machine learning algorithms for data acquisition and analysis (DTU, METU). 1.3.2.6 The Living Labs (NODE 2)

The Living Labs represent an instrument to empower local communities in the future sustainable management of the Black Sea, breaking sectoral silos and ensuring a systemic approach. They create a new local participative dynamic to explore alternative forms of governance while being a focal point for greater interconnection between physical and socio-economic sciences making BRIDGE-BS a truly interdisciplinary project. They will operate in the 7 Pilot Sites of the project, bringing

together business operators from the coastal and maritime sectors, interest groups, scientific experts and local responsible administrations. They will be coordinated by AUEB and local pilot site leaders, creating an arena for connections and knowledge exchange between the scientific and local communities. Various tools (role play, decision support tools, system innovation tools, participative scenarios) will exploit and enhance the inter-actor exchanges in, to create a learning loop, raise awareness on ecosystem services and their multistressors, current and future, stimulate a thinking “out of the box”, develop trust and collaborations, to foster the adoption and implementation of innovative eco-solutions.

Figure 7. Living Labs


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1.3.2.7 The Black Sea Helix Community: A knowledge and interaction platform to boost and amplify BRIDGE-BS’s impacts (NODE 2, 3) A key novel feature of BRIDGE-BS concept is the creation of a Black Sea Helix community through the participation as partner of CROWDHELIX (CHX), a pan-European Open Innovation Network and Technology Platform that profiles and connects universities, research organisations, SMEs, large multinational corporations, investors, end-users and other industry stakeholders to collaborate, innovate and grow. The network has more than 650-member organisations from 45 countries, with the potential to reach more than 600,000 research and innovation stakeholders from its existing membership base. The network includes all EU Member State countries, and organisations that have collectively won in excess of €8 billion of research and innovation funding from Horizon 2020. The network is currently set-up around 23 virtual thematic areas/clusters (called “Helixes”), e.g. Climate Helix, Energy Helix, ICT/Digital Helix, Materials Helix, etc., and is supported by a technology platform (https://www.crowdhelix.com/) developed by CHX where these virtual communities are hosted. A Helix, as a collaborative open innovation framework community, facilitates the profiling of interested organisations, networking and the possibility of using the Helix for dissemination of the different activities to specific audiences based on interests. The BRIDGE-BS Black Sea Helix will be embedded within the Maritime and Marine Helix already existing in the platform, although it will feature extra contents and will establish additional links with other relevant projects and initiatives. The Black Sea Helix, fostered and created by CHX, will act as a knowledge exchange network and interaction platform, focusing on building and hosting a newly formed customised Helix by bringing together stakeholders from a variety of sectors like Maritime and Marine, Blue Economy, Aquaculture, Climate, Citizen Science, Energy/Solar Energy, Circular Economy, Smart Cities and ICT, including SMEs and industry organisations, research organisations, scientists, NGOs, associations and networks, and policy makers that are interested in and are developing the next generation services and products and achieving European leadership in the Blue Growth areas, with a focus on the Black Sea. The Helix will also contribute to the integration of local, national and international stakeholder groups and knowledge by supporting tools and methologies developed and co-designed during the project. The Helix will also have a central role in the long-term sustainability and legacy of BRIDGE-BS in supporting the Virtual Centre of Science for a Resilient Black Sea. 1.3.2.8 Integration of stakeholder knowledge: a cross cutting, multi-tiered approach (NODE 2, 3) Stakeholder engagement and integrating their knowledge in BRIDGE-BS is distributed to four WPs - WP6 local communities, WP7 business, WP8 regional and European policymakers and WP9 educational and citizens. Additionally, input from the WP4 Adaptive Management will feed into the four WPs providing recommendations for adaptive management, planning, and policy implementation to be discussed with the stakeholders to boost the Blue Growth in the region. They altogether represent broadly a 2-level of engagement (local and national/regional level), complementing each other. The combination of a bottom-up approach through the Living Labs and the top-down approach through the knowledge transfer activities from NODE3 will contribute to a vertical policy coherence for sustainable development thus contribution to SDG 17. BRIDGE-BS includes the novel methodology of setting up an an open platform Black Sea Helix as an integrator of inputs from all levels of stakeholder engagement. Local stakeholder knowledge integration: WP6 is in charge of local stakeholders’ engagement through the Living Labs, targeting stakeholders from local industry representative of the blue sectors, local authorities, academia and civil society. Local knowledge will be harnessed by using state-of-the-art participative tools in stakeholders’ workshops combined with face-to-face interviews, and other public events (e.g. high-tech summit in WP7) to ensure the involvement of a wide diversity of local stakeholders. The four WPs will co-design the multiple activities conducted in the Living Labs to create an effective and efficient learning loop between local stakeholders and the scientific community, fill in project needs for local knowledge but also contributing to scientific knowledge diffusion to local communities. The outputs of local and business stakeholder’s engagement in NODE2 “Blue Growth Incubators” will feed into NODE3 “Empowered Citizens”, providing policy recommendations to national and regional policy-makers contributing to a harmonized sustainable policy strategy in the Black Sea region, in support of local needs. We will take stock of the Quadruple Helix approach to innovation, which recognizes four major actors‒science, policy, industry, and society‒and gives people a voice in decisions that affect their local community. Regional and European Stakeholders Integration: Taking into consideration that a one-size-fits-all will not produce concrete results, BRIDGE-BS will build on the results and experience gained in completed and ongoing projects targeting the same region and will capitalize on the expertise of the project partners from their direct involvement in ongoing regional initiatives i.e. SRIA, CMA, to develop tailor-made activities that will ensure the engagement of a wide spectrum of stakeholders. Furthermore, the project brings together eminent organisations from all riparian Black Sea countries in the consortium, including the BSEC. This will facilitate inclusion and outreach to the entire target region and establishment of working interfaces with the major external stakeholders. Each WP will target the identified stakeholders with a tailor-made manner and their input will be gathered with multiple inter disciplinary methodologies (interviews, events, Living Labs) and turned into reports and deliverables to be shared within internally (consortium) and externally (public).


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1.3.2.9 Interdisciplinary approaches (NODES 1, 2, 3) By combining science, innovation, policy and socio-economic sciences, BRIDGE-BS takes a holistic approach viewing the Black Sea as a social-ecological system where people and nature are interconnected, influencing, impacting and benefiting from each other. BRIDGE-BS socio-economic analysis will fill the knowledge gap between ecosystem, ecosystem services and social and economic benefits and its associated value in the Black Sea to secure ecosystem services for human well-being and resilience. The Living Labs will play a key role in reconnecting people with nature, identifying social, technical, industrial innovations, bringing together scientific from natural, social, economic and political sciences with the civil society to co-develop common solutions. We furthermore strive for a co-implementation of approaches integrating social, economic and marine positive sciences. BRIDGE-BS methodologies will heavily involve also interdisciplinary industry 4.0 methodologies such as AI/Machine learning which will be used in i) modelling and data analyses; ii) integration of smart sensors and iii) the Helix platform. The integration of well-tested methods of AI with novel sensors and genetic approaches together with socio-economic approaches represents a major step-up in a project approach. 1.3.2.10 BRIDGE-BS Consortium (NODES 1, 2, 3) As described in detail in Section 3, the multidisciplinary consortium (Figure 8), is composed of research-performing organizations, NGOs, industry, and intergovernmental organizations, covering all of the Black Sea countries as well

as the leading organizations from Europe. Combined with the integrative WP layout, this unique Consortium will be able to support the priorities of a large stakeholder community. 1.3.2.11 Gender dimension The project participants are fully committed to balance, equality and diversity at all management and research levels, to avoid gender discrimination and inequality in adherence to the Amsterdam Treaty (1999). In particular, some measures that will be applied in BRIDGE-BS in order to improve and promote gender equality: i) To hire in a non-discriminatory

manner; ii) To raise interest among young female students, scientists and entrepreneurs; iii) To foster gender balance in research teams, in order to support the participation of female scientists; iv) To ensure gender balance in decision-making bodies, with a target of 50% in the steering committee, advisory groups, panels, etc. For instance, out of 10 WPs, 6 WPs will be led by women. Any gender issues and progress in this area will be reported by the Coordinator to the EC. The consortium has not identified a gender dimension explicitly integrated into the topic of this project; however, it will make its best efforts to /evaluate its relevance (if any) during the project development and integrate it into the activities. For instance, platforms such as Living Labs will ensure gender balance as the outcomes of such actions will reflect directly on the outcomes of the project. 1.4 Ambition BRIDGE-BS has a novel 3 NODE structure that delivers many beyond the state-of-the-art aspects as given below. The overarching ambition of BRIDGE-BS is to create a connected Black Sea community, strengthened by a new generation of researchers and innovators to address emerging Black Sea challenges. BRIDGE-BS will create a step change in Black Sea Research and Innovation by introducing the safe operating space approach for the first time for the management of services provided by the Black Sea ecosystems. The merging of data and modelled MSFD indicators to assess and predict the future state of marine services represents a novel approach not only in any European Sea but globally. Furthermore, the resulting major advances in our assessment and prediction capacities of Black Sea ecosystem services will, for the first time both in the Black Sea and globally be linked to ecosystem and service resilience via a management framework necessary to provide the conditions for Blue Growth innovation. 1.4.1 Beyond the State-of-the-Art Specific Outputs of BRIDGE-BS

SERVICE DYNAMICS: MAINTAINING SAFE OPERATING SPACE (NODE1) • BRIDGE-BS will create for the first time in the Black Sea a complete inventory of the data on stressors and

ecosystem services. • BRIDGE-BS will move beyond the state of the art by advancing machine learning techniques for extracting

Figure 8 Partner organisations of BRIDGE-BS


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data from big data archives. • The first application of state-of-the-art hierarchical quantitative assessment tools to comprehensibly analyse

the resilience landscape of Black Sea ecosystems in a multistressors context will be completed. • The projection of future resilience in BRIDGE-BS is unique, as projections are based on quantitative data

from the state-of-the-art model projections of stressors and services in the Black Sea ecosystems. • BRIDGE-BS combines the projection from 5 circulation and 3 biogeochemical basin scale models in order

to reduce the uncertainty of the model predictions. This will be a first in the Black Sea. • BRIDGE-BS goes beyond state of art in translating resilience analysis outputs into usable forms for managers

on ecosystem limits for Blue Growth under future climate and socio-economic conditions. • BRIDGE-BS advances the state of the art of prediction of marine ecosystems and the role and weighting of

stressors on individual ecosystem services by merging existing time series and modelling tools with Machine Learning (ML) tools (Artificial Neural Networks and Bayesian Belief Based Neural Networks).

• Predicting the interplay between multiple services and the suite of stressors is beyond state of the art not only for the Black Sea but globally.

• Machine Learning will provide a larger spectrum of options on how combinations of stressors affect the ecosystem as well as will provide results on how services interact which will be beyond state of the art.

• BRIDGE-BS moves beyond the state of the art for the development of adaptive management approaches through CEA application due to its unique ensemble modelling approach based on new knowledge acquired by the diverse modelling techniques employed in BRIDGE-BS.

• Unique in BRIDGE-BS, the CEA tool ensures an explicit contribution to the MSFD by considering the 15 MSFD pressures and GES/Target indicators and relating them to the core Black Sea ES.

BLUE GROWTH INCUBATORS (NODE 2) • The project's unique design couples process studies in the Pilot Sites to validated technology development,

yielding several steps of increases in TRL in smart observations including e-DNA analyses, acoustics and chemical sensors (sulphide, pH, radionuclides) -tailored for a redox-active and contaminant-prone system the Black Sea. Each of these novel applications will elevate their market and innovation potential while extending our process knowledge beyond-state-of-the-art.

• The integration of the study of the Black Sea redox interface with state of art biogeochemical sensors and coupling the new process knowledge to advanced 1D modeling is novel for the Black Sea (achieved but still under development in other parts of the ocean). However, making the use of such redox-specific models in 3D models to uncover ecosystem services dynamics is beyond state of the art in global ocean science.

• While Living Labs exist for other sectors in the region, at the moment there is only one Living Lab in the Black Sea focusing on marine research and innovation (H2020 COASTAL project - by partner AUEB). The increase of Living Labs to seven in BRIDGE-BS will generate a step change in the integration of socio-economic drivers in ecosystem services sustainability. This level of integration is unique for the European Sea basins.

• The BRIDGE-BS Living Labs will go beyond state-of-the-art in the use of participative approaches such as co-creation of sustainable future scenarios and transformative pathways with visioning and back casting tools.

• The valuation of cultural ecosystem services will also be carried for the first time in the region. • BRIDGE-BS is unique in combining knowledge and technology to translate them into innovation

opportunities for the Industry 4.0 by harnessing Black Sea resources in support of high potential Blue Growth sectors such as fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, blue biotech and renewable energy.

• An accelerator program focusing on Blue Growth and the seed funding for supporting innovative start-ups is a first in the Black Sea.

EMPOWERED CITIZENS (NODE 3) • BRIDGE-BS will create a Blue Economy Observatory – which will for the first time in the Black Sea develop

and support an open access database with aggregated economic data, models, project’s results • BRIDGE-BS will for the first time implement the traditional paradigm of Triple Helix partnerships (industry

-academia- government) and will enlarge it in scope to include civil society leveraging from the BS CONNECT CSA’s established partnership and the new Black Sea Helix, which will bring novel perspectives in the engagement and clustering of the relevant actors within and beyond the consortium.

• BRIDGE-BS will establish for the first time in the Black Sea an Ocean Literacy Network • BRIDGE-BS will support novel educational programmes such as by funding a PhD School, and a mobility

program based on a dual mentorship approach with supervision and secondments of students with supervisors in Black Sea and project partners external to the Black Sea.

• BRIDGE-BS Young Ambassadors programme will be first in promoting Blue Growth in the whole region. • Blue Career Centre will be unique in the Black Sea and will provide hands-on actions for different target


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groups to attract young people and experienced workers, fill existing skills' gaps by supporting training activities and increase awareness of the workforce and employability in key Blue Growth services.

1.4.2 Innovation Potential of BRIDGE-BS BRIDGE-BS will deliver outputs with social importance that benefit from research and innovation. The NODE 2 Blue Growth Incubator, essentially an innovation platform, is implemented in the project with focus areas on services to foster resilience in key ecosystem services (food provision, climate regulation, recreational and cultural services), methods for GES restoration, approaches to develop, new technologies and business initiatives. BRIDGE-BS Blue Growth Incubator: Specific outputs in BRIDGE-BS are suitable for innovative applications. For example, under WP5 the “next-generation” e-dna and molecular sequencing-based on an innovative approach for diversity paves the way for rapid environmental monitoring and fish diversity assessment. Similarly, the technology could have applications in prevention of ecosystem and human hazards in aquaculture, fisheries and tourism industry. Those innovative applications and exploitation possibilities will be assessed under the Blue Growth incubator NODE2. A similar approach will be followed for other research outputs and technologies produced under WP1-4. The TRL development of specific output and technologies is listed in 1.3.2.4. Hence, BRIDGE-BS not only harnesses innovation but at the same time supports the creation of innovation. It will foster a culture of innovation in the Black Sea’s Blue Sectors, aimed at identifying solutions and business opportunities for the Industry 4.0. BRIDGE-BS will prioritize and steward uptake of social innovation and benefit-corporation philosophies among its partners to ensure long-term economic sustainability of business models developed in the project, integrating civil society needs with respect to valued Black Sea. As indicated by recent JPI Oceans Draft Strategy Framework (2020) 'Major breakthroughs in research and innovation will be required to reach the mitigation targets of the Paris Climate Agreement to which the European countries have committed'. With a focus on sustainability (environmental, social, economic) the innovation platform demonstrated in BRIDGE-BS delivers directly on the societal transformation required in our society. Innovation to foster resilience in key ecosystem services: BRIDGE-BS develops new tools to reduce uncertainties of climate-ocean interactions and the ocean’s buffering capacity for heat and CO2 absorption through progress on observations and coupled modelling ensembled with machine learning. These tools could support policy makers and support several industrial sectors to comply to new policy instrument including the European Green Deal. Traditional sectors such as fishing and tourism are already on the verge of eroding their own business capital by overexploiting seafood stocks or damaging the environment in tourism hotspots. At the same time, these well-understood sectors offer innovative potential for reducing their ecological impacts (JPI, 2020), BRIDGE-BS will support this through establishing decision support tools to help planning fishing and tourism. BRIDGE-BS will deliver knowledge-informed discourse on the trade-offs between environmental risks and development opportunities and the establishment of good governance for existing and emerging activities. Ocean productivity contributes substantially to food and nutrition security. Understanding ocean productivity requires a systemic approach, BRIDGE-BS will determine the how Black Sea biodiversity, productivity and resilience can be maintained while supporting its ecosystem services. Other opportunities lie in the application of biotechnology. BRIDGE-BS will support this potential through better understanding of Black Sea’s marine microbiomes as well as benthic macrofaunal diversity, their genetic material could be a rich source as well as scientific inspiration for key solutions related to human health, pharmaceutical cures, climate change and ocean. Innovation under ecosystem restoration and valuation: BRIDGE-BS proses a framework towards ecosystem service assessment that involves an innovative approach towards improvement with integration of natural and social sciences into ecosystem service assessment frameworks while combining ecosystems monetary and non- monetary valuations. Other opportunities that BRIDGE-BS proposes include a better understanding of interactions among different ecosystem services and the underlying ecosystem functioning. Innovation to develop circular economy: According to EC Blue Economy Report (2020) “Economic indicators, waste indicators and environmental parameters need to be monitored in order to provide feedback and accompany the implementation process of sustainable circular economy and environmental protection”. BRIDGE-BS provides a consolidated framework and international colloboration towards the implementation of such processes. Through the Black Sea Helix, BRIDGE-BS will also have access to a large number of experts in the circular economy field with a potential interest in participating and interacting with the project through the different programmed activities. Within the EU Circular Economy Package, a Communication on the EU Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy provides the framework for protecting the environment from plastic pollution whilst fostering growth and innovation (EU 2018). BRIDGE-BS contribute to defining the environmental pathways and impacts of marine plastics. Through the project's start ups demonstrating circular business pathways, and at least one of the young ambasaddors will be selected from circular economy professions, contributing to the co-development of these demonstrators. Innovation to foster a sustainable society: BRIDGE-BS will launch the novel educational product of having, for the first time a PhD program on Blue Growth with a dual supervision from both Black Sea and Western Europe. This PhD program will also ensure transfer of expertise and knowledge between regions and serving as incubators and


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ideas for future start-ups. The creation of Living Labs approach will foster innovations for Blue Growth, knowledge exchanges and transfer between the scientific community and local stakeholders, as Blue Growth Incubators can inject innovation and ideas building on Big Data Potentials and innovative Blue Growth business, involving actors (investors, innovation clusters, etc.) at basin and global scale. This idea will certainly support the change of thinking between scientists, policy makers, investors and entrepreneurs. The Helix will also promote profitability and competitiveness by encouraging participating entities (in particular innovative SMEs) to create value through innovation. The activities involved will create innovative partnerships, channels and customers, turning outsiders into de facto collaborators of the blue economy value chains. 2 Impact

BRIDGE-BS actions are designed to directly implement the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA). This reference policy document is the scientific pillar of the Common Maritime Agenda of the Black Sea, endorsed by all Black Sea countries in the Bucharest Ministerial Declaration in 2019. BRIDGE-BS addresses all four pillars of the SRIA and all of the 11 main goals within them, with 33 SRIA actions directly addressed (Figure 9, Table 3). Hence, BRIDGE-BS will contribute directly to SRIA and to all major relevant policy initiatives in the Black Sea region: Blue Growth Initiative for Research and Innovation in the Black Sea; Black Sea Common Maritime Agenda; EU Green Deal; Horizon Europe Mission for Healthy Seas, Oceans, Coastal and Inland Waters; EU directives MSFD, MSPD, Integrated Maritime Policy, Blue Growth Strategy, Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), Energy Union priorities, EU Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy. Specific actions in the project will support the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), and the implementation of SDGs and the UN Decade for Ocean Science. Additionally, the project supports directly the GFCM priorities and the Bioeconomy Strategy (described in detail in impact EI.7).

Figure 9. How BRIDGE-BS implements goals and the actions of the Black Sea SRIA. Colors indicate the 3 Nodes of the project with the numbers within denoting the WP in which the action is addressed. Note: The goals and actions are modified from the original to shorten the text. For full SRIA: http://connect2blacksea.org/the-initiative/ 2.1 Expected impacts BRIDGE-BS will support the development of an informed, well connected, educated and empowered Black Sea community, including scientists, institutions, policymakers and the society at large. It will create a flow of knowledge between scientists, policy makers and entrepreneurs, working side-by-side from the beginning of the project. This




http://connect2blacksea.org/the-initiative/

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approach will develop trust and complementarity, one of the main goals of BRIDGE-BS, which is necessary to prepare for future marine environmental challenges and ensure Blue Growth potential in the best possible way. Sustainability is at the core of the project. To this end, BRIDGE-BS will support to MSFD implementations across countries but also assessments of economical and social sustainability of the innovative solutions provided. A strong, international network of research, industrial and public stakeholders will be created, resulting in an enhanced ecosystem for innovation in the field of Blue Growth in the Black Sea. BRIDGE-BS outputs from upgraded capacity to map, monitor, model and assess key sea variables to better management for a healthy, productive seas, will also be in line with the Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles, broadly denoting the alignment of innovation and research to the values, needs and expectations of the society to identify and deliver new solutions to societal challenges. The detailed roadmap will be given in section 2.2 on advancing a novel Black Sea Helix platform for societal impact maximization. Here, we start with analyzing the BRIDGE-BS response to the general impact of the call, EI.1, and present short-term (EI.2. to EI.5), and mid-term impacts (EI.6 to EI.11). These will be followed by selected Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and an analysis of impact barriers. 2.1.1 General impacts mentioned in the call

EI.1. Activities should support the implementation of the MSFD and the Bucharest Convention, marine and maritime research and innovation to create synergies, increase economic benefits, and reduce hazards for prosperous, resilient and empowered communities deriving interest from the Black Sea.

“implementation of MSFD and the Bucharest Convention”: BRIDGE-BS will collate, harmonize and manage all available monitoring data from catchment to deep basin of the Black Sea. Building on this, BRIDGE-BS will deliver novel predictions of GES indicators in support of MSFD and UN SDGs. Descriptors 1-5 and 9-10 will be particularly targeted. Assessment of marine litter and marine noise (Descriptors D9 and D10), will be performed through the WP5 pilot-site actions and WP2 models. BRIDGE-BS will finally make a step change in promptly providing access to historical and harmonized data and methods, making all data FAIR through the BRIDGE-BS portal (WP1), Finally, Decision Support Tools (diagnostic and predictive) will be developed an applied at Black Sea and Pilot Sites paving the way for adaptive management options (WP4). BRIDGE-BS will provide a roadmap for the harmonised implementation of MSFD and Bucharest Convention actions policies as well as other regional, sectorial, environmental policies (WP7, WP2, WP1, WP8). “Bucharest Convention”: BRIDGE-BS activities supports requests made by the Black Sea Commission (support letter Annex A). It does so by the following: First, the data management plan ensures that the BRIDGE-BS Portal contains fit for purpose data collected and analyzed following harmonized methods. These will be used in the Black Sea Integrated Monitoring Program (BSIMAP) 2017-2022 (as well as for MSFD), as well as providing information on the resilience of the ecosystem to multistressors. Second, the T2.1 in WP2 is entirely devoted to climate impact assessment where projections of the Black Sea ecosystem state, its habitat and service dynamics at 2100 horizon will be implemented under multistressors, speficifically considering warming, deoxygenation and acidification. Third, a special assessment of marine litter and marine noise in WP5 pilot site actions and modelling applications will identify the best areas for monitoring for these two indicators. “marine and maritime research and innovation to create synergies”: From national to European/International level, different and complementary levels of stakeholders will be mobilized through local, regional and international platforms for synergies. Implemented in NODE3 Empowered Citizens, BRIDGE-BS will build on its Coordinator's lead project Black Sea CONNECT CSA's broad network of stakeholders and further expand this with Living Labs and the Black Sea Helix (see 2.2, WP8, 9 and 10). While Living Labs will foster the inclusion of local-level stakeholders to create synergies, the Black Sea Helix will serve as an open platform where all the relevant actors will be able to interact and develop actions towards the implementation of the project objectives. Synergies and ideas will emerge from these open platforms, catalyzing the development of novel products and services with a direct impact on citizens. “increase economic benefits”: BRIDGE-BS has a specific node on Blue Growth Incubators, translating research ideas into products, thus Boosting Blue Growth to increase economic benefits. A dedicated WP7 will implement actions to acccelerate 'Industry 4.0’ business models that will strengthen innovative, sustainable and viable business models for the blue economy – e.g. services to foster marine ecosystem resilience, GES restoration, circular economy. BRIDGE-BS will facilitate a greater dialogue between innovative businesses, investors and the scientists, focusing on solutions for the Blue Economy and also the Green Deal. “reducing hazards [and risks]”: BRIDGE-BS aims to assess the key (regional and local) features and drivers that contribute to healthy and resilient Black Sea ecosystems enabling sustainable production of ecosystem services, as well as identify the proximity of potential tipping points (WP3). Risk assessment methods for key ecosystem services are developed and related to multistressors for present day and future scenarios. This contributes to the development of a safe operating space (defined in WP3) within which new decision support tools (WP4) will further lead to risk assesments and realistic management options for national, regional and EU-


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level policymakers (WP8). Moreover, output from WP1 and WP5 will increase the 'data readiness' against the synergistic/adverse impact of multistressors to reduce hazards and risks. “resilient and empowered communities”: BRIDGE-BS will assess the key (regional and local) features and drivers that contribute to a healthy and resilient Black Sea ecosystems enabling sustainable production of ESs, as well as identify the proximity of potential tipping points (WP3). The outputs of ecological modelling predictions are targeted to analysis of services resilience and support policies (WP2, WP3, WP6). Finally, BRIDGE-BS is designed to empowering ocean-engaged citizens. This issue is addressed in NODE3 (Empowered Citizens) with dedicated WP8 and WP9. BRIDGE-BS builds this NODE on the definition of empowerment that citizens and communities are the actors of change and transition to a sustainable blue economy and they need to be empowered by science, education and technologies, with policy-making realized with their full participation. To enhance this, WP9 will deliver online courses and face to face training for blue professionals and raise citizens’ awareness in pilot-site specific campaigns to educate and empower broad segments of Black Sea communities. Living Labs will particularly catalyze the transition and set as a long-lasting example through WP10 sustainability actions. The Black Sea Helix will also contribute to enhance this dialogue between the different actors, embracing local communities and NGOs within the platform to discuss current gaps and needs in order to suggest novel innovation pathways.

2.1.2 Short term impacts mentioned in the call:

EI.2. Sustainable smart observation and monitoring systems, and assessment frameworks promoting governance for a sustainable ecosystem, mitigation of climate change impact and other stressors, and accurate forecasting for adaptive management

BRIDGE-BS will create sustainable, integrated, novel and state-of-the-art components for monitoring multistressors and services via advanced observing and early warning systems. This will be accomplished by means of technology development in partnership with science-industry and stakeholders, and implemented through basin-wide and Pilot Site scale smart observations (WP5). BRIDGE-BS will elevate the technological readiness levels of sensors that are critical for monitoring MSFD indicators and key variables in the Black Sea such as: redox dynamics, hydrogen sulfide, pH, nutrients, and invasive species. The partnership has world-lead expertise in advanced observation systems, in situ sensors, imaging technologies and artificial intelligence algorithms that will be integrated to generate prototype components for novel early warning/observing systems. Technological readiness level of in-situ chemical and physical sensors tailored for the unique case of the Black Sea will be increased. This includes monitoring anoxic and deep waters hence addressing climate change impact in the Black Sea as climate-driven intensification of deoxygenation and possible rise of the onset of the anoxic layer. Accurate forecasting of climate change impacts will be established by improving the Black Sea integrated models. Target novel and detailed data (basin wide and Pilot Sites), such as on redox, nitrogen cycle, metal cycles, alkalinity, river and atmospheric nutrient inputs, benthic exchanges, pollution, etc. WP1, WP2, WP5 will provide management measures and recommendations on how and where these observations shall be improved (WP4). New knowledge will be used to assess and mitigate the impacts of global climate change and the multiple natural and human-induced stressors in the Black Sea from land-sea interface to the deep basin (WP2, WP3). CMEMS Black Sea services will be stepped up through BRIDGE-BS's provision of both, the GMES marine service and EMODNet, new in-situ data and contribute to the model improvements. Downscaled IPCCs scenarios and Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs) will be used to capture the main uncertainties related to social and economic aspects in the Black Sea. Involvement of local stakeholders and local experts (WP6) will provide realistic and feasible pathways towards implementation of adaptive management measures.

EI.3. A harmonised set of working methods, standards and procedures on all aspects of coastal and marine research. This would provide compatible data, information and knowledge at the sea-basin level

The lack of harmonized, compatible data is a major obstacle in front of the sound management of marine space. In the Black Sea the issue is particularly acute, but recent EU projects (EMODNET, SeaDataNET) and national efforts began to close the gaps. Building on the momentum of ongoing initiatives, BRIDGE-BS assembled a unique combination of data-rich regional partners and will implement a harmonised approach at basin level on working methods and information to be provided for the assessment of core ecosystem services and identification of adaptive policies, also through the application of the Decision Support Tools (diagnostic and predictive) at multiple spatial scales (WP1, WP2, WP3, WP4, WP5). In WP1 data from all the partners will be integrated through Black Sea Information System (BSIS) / OBIS-Black Sea / EMODnet portals and EMBLAS


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database following the SeaDataNet vocabularies. Essential data that are of vital importance for observing systems and smart observations will be collected and organised to be in line with commonly agreed standards and be compatible with EMODnet and clouds. Using the Black Sea Helix clustering platform, we will reach out to complementary Black Sea projects dealing with data (such as EMBLAS and EMBLAS+). These data retained and made accessible for analysis and application by current and future users. This will not only provide compatible data but will also promote the identification of knowledge gaps to inform future research efforts. Linking BRIDGE-BS to BLACK SEA CONNECT CSA, we will reach out all European sea basins exchanging initiatives, best practices, and harmonised methods.

EI.4. Facilities for promoting start-ups oriented towards the regional circular and blue economies

According to the 2020 EU Innovation Scoreboard, Black Sea EU member states and associated countries overall score the lowest with regard to the integrated innovation indicators (EC Innovation Scoreboard, 2020). Despite the large potential, Black Sea countries are lagging behind, but marine-based, science-inspired start ups can kick-start a positive trend. To contribute to bridging this gap and to address this impact point, BRIDGE-BS has deployed an entire NODE2 Blue Growth Incubator (WPs 5, 6, 7). Here the entire pipeline from ideas to products is implemented. Promising technological and services solutions (Proof of Ideas, WP5) will be discussed with stakeholders assessing and co-designing novel solutions (Proof of Concepts, WP6) and accelerating them for business development (Proof of Business, WP7). A novel platform to accelerate start-ups will also be launched in WP7. The accelerator platform will include action groups such as startup competitions, financial (seed money) and service support to selected startups, high-tech summits for matchmaking and blue professionals mentoring programs in collaboration with WP9. BRIDGE-BS will focus on start-ups oriented towards circular and blue economy by supporting them with the research infrastructures and observing systems open to communities through open transnational services and access initiatives (WPs 1 to 5). The Blue Economy Observatories will be created and implemented within the Project’s life-time (WP1 and 6). Data and infrastructure access rules will be defined between all Black Sea countries to support the creation and promotion of start-ups oriented towards Blue Growth (WP1). BRIDGE-BS will establish High-Tech Summits to create the environment for companies, start-ups, organisations and universities to co-create innovative ideas. It will build on the work of the Black Sea CONNECT CSA, and on experience of High-Tech Summits, gained in Denmark by the WP7 leader. Novel ideas are generated via demonstrations of new technologies for advanced monitoring (WP5); particularly those technologies integrating multistressors sensing, machine learning and wireless communications to support protecting citizens from climate change extremes and geohazards and present these as business opportunities. A strategy is defined to enable the long-term legacy of the actions and methods implemented in the Blue Growth Incubator - NODE2. A new Open Innovation platform (Black Sea Helix) will be created as a part of the WP10 coordination. The Helix will build on and integrate Black Sea CONNECT CSA's and partners' circular economy networks. BRIDGE-BS partners that are partcicularly well connected to circular and blue economies of the region are: TEPAV (think-tank of the TOBB - all-Turkish chamber of commerce and industry), TUBITAK, Marine Cluster Bulgaria, and BSEC. The Helix acts as a support platform to promote start-ups, development of ideas with market potential and attraction of seed funding. Through the integration of the Black Sea Helix into the Crowhelix platform, BRIDGE-BS will also have access to a large number of expert partners in the circular economy field with a potential interest in participating and interacting with the project through the different programmed activities.

2.1.3 Medium term impacts mentioned in the call:

EI.5. New marine -based technologies by harnessing the Industry 4.0 for the Black Sea to promote safe and sustainable economic growth of the marine and maritime sectors, the conservation and valorisation of marine cultural heritage

BRIDGE-BS devoted a large part of its NODE2 Blue Growth Incubators towards harnessing 4.0 technologies. These include Big Data generation through biological imaging, acoustics, biogeochemical sensing, integrated with artificial Intelligence-based analysis and integration tools and wireless technologies (WP5) towards Black Sea tailored products for applications in i) valorization of culture heritage and ii) multistressors early warning (deoxygenation, sulfide and invasive species) (WPs 5, 6, 7). Moreover, BRIDGE-BS will develop eDNA approaches for rapid biodiversity assessments and molecular surveys of high-value microbial products unique to the specific anaerobic habitats of the Black Sea. The results will be discussed with industry and policy stakeholders (WP6) and accelerated as new business models (WP7). Solutions for Industry 4.0 will be prioritized in the actions within WP7 and within the Black Sea Helix to forge a link with the project outputs and


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a wide network of industrial representatives. With the Black Sea Helix, High-Tech Summits and local Living Labs, BRIDGE-BS will enable a large research-based Black Sea forum on ocean digitalization and Industry 4.0 across academia, research organizations and industry (WP7). A roadmap will be created to identify present opportunities for technology transfer delivering knowledge, transfer pathways towards ocean industry 4.0 where technical, financial and social bottlenecks are identified to inform policy makers (WP7). Cultural services such as recreation and heritage are addressed by BRIDGE-BS through their direct links to eutrophication and pollution. BRIDGE-BS focuses on reducing the hazards on cultural services in at least 2 Pilot Sites through integrated multistressors observation focusing on invasive species, sulfide. Moreover, demonstration of a ‘Proof of Idea’ for a specific observing component for underwater heritage integrating Industry 4.0 technologies (AI, Big Data, robotics, etc) at a pilot site is planned. By interaction with other already existing Helixes in sectors of interest (Digital, Cybersecurity, Manufacturing) the Black Sea Helix will exploit new synergies with the aim of developing novel innovative ideas & technologies that can embrace the I4.0 paradigm.

EI.6. Improve the professional skills and competences of those working and being trained to work within the blue economy

BRIDGE-BS in WP9 deploys an entire array of training programs from online courses to PhD mobility, and the Blue Career Centre blue professionals’ program, complemented by winter and summer schools and hand-on trainings during R/V expeditions This builds on partners' existing strengths in postgraduate-level training (METU, IO-BAS, IBER-BAS, SIO-RAS, DTU, HCMR, ULiege, EMSEA, EMB) as well as workforce upskilling (MCB, INDIGO-MED, BSEC, TUDAV). Hence, this Consortium forms a unique Education Cluster to address capacity gaps as defined in the EU 2020 Blue Economy Report, which identifies need for both MSc and PhD-level qualification, but also life-long learning and upskilling of those working in marine innovation will be needed. This need is recently analyzed and strategies are put forward in a publication on 'Training the 21st Century Marine Professional' (European Marine Board, 2018), which will feed into WP9 actions. Among this, marine graduates will be key actors as they will be driving the development of emerging Blue Growth innovations. A critical guideline towards developing such strategies is to consider the Innovative Doctoral Training Principles (IDTP). Among these seven principles, BRIDGE-BS directly contributes to 'Research Excellence', 'Interdisciplinary Research Options', 'Exposure to industry and other relevant employment sectors', and 'International networking'. The project's PhD program serving also as incubators and ideas for future start-ups (WP9) and a “Training & Learning Exchange Programme” that will support mobility actions through study visits abroad on scientific and educational topics related to the blue economy (WP9). A task on Training & Capacity Building Programmes includes establishment of a Blue career programme for mentoring for blue professionals in Black Sea capitalizing on MENTOR EU project results (WP9).

EI.7. Contribute to policymaking in research, innovation and technology

BRIDGE-BS at its core is designed to addresses national and international policy making using state of art science. WP8 is dedicated to enhancing the dialogue between research, innovation and policy makers. BRIDGE-BS delivers data and model results to support the policy indicators, delivers decision support tools and establishes programmes to support science-policy dialogue. The impact on the most important policymaking initiative, the SRIA, has already been explained in the beginning of Section 2 Impacts. Other key policies are: The Common Maritime Agenda (CMA) for the Black Sea: BRIDGE-BS will contribute to the Goal f (Healthy marine and coastal ecosystems) Goal II (A competitive, innovative and sustainable blue economy) and the Goal III of CMA (Fostering Investment in the Black Sea blue economy). Both partners SML and METU-IMS are also partners in the recently granted DG MARE tender for Phase II of the Facility for Blue Growth in the Black Sea, in an excellent position to rapidly transfer BRIDGE-BS outputs to CMA implementation. CMA is also the Black Sea basin component of the Integrated Maritime Policy. EU Green Deal: Defining a safe operating space where sustainable blue ectors can operate within limits defined by state of art science, BRIDGE-BS will set a European-level example on how BlueEconomy can support Green Deal in a regional sea. The scenario-based focus in Pilot Sites will enable to test the impact of EU-level implementation of Green Deal through sectors such as aquaculture, renewable energy and fisheries and tourism. Horizon Europe Mission for Health Seas, Oceans, Coastal and Inland Waters: BRIDGE-BS directly delivers key assesments and tools for the Black Sea to form the basis for the basin's contribution to the Mission. BRIDGE-BS also relies heavily on community-driven interactions (Living Labs, citizen outreach events) which will also provide crucial input to Mission's regional implementation through the inclusion of citizens. European Neighborhood Policy (ENP): BRIDGE-BS is based upon cooperation among EU Member States,


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non-EU countries and international organizations. Through clustering with the Black Sea CONNECT CSA as well as CMA Assistance Mechanism, BRIDGE-BS will leverage support from national ministries in the Black Sea and international agencies towards: a) building confidence and trust between different stakeholder groups, b) create trust in EU policies in the region, c) promote co-designed policy actions, d) raise awareness on environmental issues, including ecosystem resilience and ecosystem services, e) forecasting and managing risks and emergencies in the Black Sea. Partners SML, ICBSS and CPMR will particularly drive this impact. EU Bioeconomy Strategy: BRIDGE-BS improves and scales-up the sustainable use of renewable resources, to address global and local challenges such as climate change and sustainable development. EU Blue Growth Strategy: BRIDGE-BS contributes to all three components of the Blue Growth Strategy, i) to develop sectors that have a high potential for sustainable jobs and growth, ii) to provide knowledge, legal certainty and security in the blue economy and iii) to establish sea basin strategies to ensure tailor-made measures and to foster cooperation between countries. EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP): Fisheries will be investigated basin wide and in two Pilot Sites: PS2 Varna and PS6 Batumi. Several tasks complete the whole chain from fisheries data assembly to modelling of biomass and prediction of future stocks, within a safe operating space constrained via multistressors interactions. EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD): New knowledge and simulations on MSFD - GES indicators will be provided as given in detail as a part of EI.1. EU Directive for Establishing a Framework for Maritime Spatial Planning: Pilot Sites, Living Labs and the adaptive management options will contribute to the development of MSP implementation in the Black Sea and inform non-EU national policymakers on the issue of harmonious development of marine-based sectors. Energy Union and the strategic energy technology plan (SET-Plan): BRIDGE-BS will focus renewable energy in PS1 Bosphorus site contributing to the energy agenda in the seas surrounding Europe. EU Strategy for the Danube Region: BRIDGE-BS with its Danube Pilot Site elevate data readiness of land-sea interaction in this region. EU Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy: Regions of accumulation of plastics will be mapped and projected under various scenarios involving adoption of policies as well as technologies like the ones developed in the H2020 CLAIM project (booms, filtering methods and photocatalytic degradation in WWTPs). UN Decade of Oceans and SDGs: BRIDGE-BS outputs specifically address Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture; Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy; Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts; and Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES): BRIDGE-BS will assemble biodiversity data and use it to and create for the first time to a predictive tool for the assessment of ecosystem resilience and application in adaptive management strategies. International ocean governance: an agenda for the future of our oceans: BRIDGE-BS will provide information and action in all three priority areas by improving the international ocean governance framework in the Black Sea (Priority area I), create the conditions for a sustainable blue economy in the area (Priority area II) and strengthen international ocean research and data for better use and actions (Priority area III).

2.1.4 Activities will promote education and capacity building:

EI.8. Training and utilisation and transfer of technologies and knowledge for established and new marine and maritime-related jobs

Novel technologies are being constantly developed to ensure that blue economy activities are innovative and sustainable. BRIDGE-BS will advance a number of mapping, modelling, monitoring and sensing technologies that will boost greater returns and added-value (GVA and jobs) both for operators and local communities. This essential process requires a continious upgrading of the existing workforce, in accordance with market demands and the highest international educational standards. Fundamental to this is the development of effective professional education, training schemes and learning solutions for upskilling and reskilling of the regional workforce. BRIDGE-BS WP9, with the participation of an innovation cluster such as the Marine Cluster of Bulgaria, will connect industry and academia helping to break “sectoral” silos often persisting amongst the different activities in the blue economy. BRIDGE-BS addressed this expected impact throughout the Project including transfer of Technologies on sensor development, models, machine learning applications and integration of all these towards novel monitoring solutions. Also dedicated WPs (8 and 9) and tasks on Training & Capacity Building will support training towards established and new marine and maritime-related jobs. These tasks include a Blue Career Centre in the Black Sea, a Ph.D. Programme on Blue Growth, a MSc Science-Technology-Policy English language course on Blue Growth, summer schools related to the 6 Blue Growth sectors, an Ocean Literacy Network, “Science for Citizens” Campaign, and the “Responsible Consumption” and


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“From Lighthouse to Lighthouse” campaigns, that will increase the cultural heritage of the Black Sea in its citizens.

EI.9. Educational and vocational youth mobility related to the blue economy among the countries in the region

BRIDGE-BS has a dedicated task to support the “Youth Move” towards Blue Action (WP9). It will develop the “Blue Move” Activity to promote a youth mobility programme, to bring together students with scientific and industry profiles to better match current training and skills needs. In addition, the Blue Career Centre (BCC) will attract young people and to enhance the supply and demand of skillful and qualified young people in response to the high dynamics of innovation and technology developments (WP9). Regarding Young Ambassadors BRIDGE-BS will design and implement a Youth Ambassadors Scheme with direct link and building on BS CONNECT’s actions. Moreover, the summer schools are planned for University students, with courses related to the Black Sea, in the 6 Blue Growth economy sectors: living resources, transport, tourism, energy, aquaculture and biotech (WP9, WP5, WP4). Finally, young professionals will be engaged in the process related to technological readiness level increase, of in situ chemical and physical sensors tailored for the special case of the Black Sea anoxic and deep waters (WP5).

EI.10. Enhanced science-policy dialogue in formulating coastal and marine policies and programmes

BRIDGE-BS has a dedicated WP8 and an entire T8.1 within to enhance science-policy dialogue. The project will contribute to an increased science policy dialogue from its outset by building on already established links and trust of project partners with regional stakeholders (e.g. Black Sea Commission, BSEC, SEARICA) and policy fora (e.g. CMA SG, SRIA GSO) and further strengthen them in order to improve synergies and update on past efforts, avoiding unnecessary duplications and overlaps. BRIDGE-BS will also train policy-makers to use the tools delivered (Decision Support Tools, scenarios, documents, reports, regional policies etc.) in order to develop adaptive management, planning and policy implementation for targeted policies and programmes using the multi-level stakeholder participatory processes. (e.g. MSFD, BSC) (Task 8.3) (WP8, WP4, WP6). The Black Sea Helix will also serve as a “discussion fora” where proactive dialogues will be established between the different actors involved, thus contributing to policy making and implementation.

EI.11. Ocean-engaged citizens and policy-makers by providing high-level scientific output, contributing to a clean, plastic-free, healthy and productive Black Sea

BRIDGE-BS will implement a unique set of actions towards engaging citizens and deployed the whole NODE 3 towards this impact. BRIDGE-BS will develop the following specific outputs for this impact while also closely aligning itself with the Black Sea CONNECT CSA's WP 4 (see connect2blacksea.org), CMA pillar 2 and citizen-oriented EU Mission for Healthy Seas, Oceans and Inland Waters. Direct outputs are the following. The first Black Sea Ocean Literacy Network/Group and e the EMSEA Black Sea Group will be established where fostering awareness of the threat of plastic pollution and mitigation techniques will be in focus. Specific actions on gastronomy and lighthouses will contribute to sea literate citizens in cooperation with Chamber of Shipping, the Coast Guards and harbours. The creation of the “Hands-on marine research” initiative for university students from all the Black Sea countries on board of a research vessel, under the guidance of senior researchers will act as “multipliers” of research tasks by presenting their experience with pictures and a short video illustrating the techniques used on board to their classmates. (WP9, WP5). Finally, 'dive in the Black Sea' campaign will raise awareness of underwater heritage, even empower them to make their own visual and scientific data collection and analyzing outputs with machine-learning based tools (WP5).

2.1.5 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Linked to the specific objectives (Section 1) and impacts (Section 2.1), KPIs of BRIDGE-BS are the following. Table 3 Key Performance Indicators to evaluate BRIDGE-BS impacts

EI Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Expected in BRIDGE-BS and related objectives (SO - Section 1.1)

EI.1 KPI1. Number of high impacts, multidisciplinary scientific publications on the Black Sea multistressors and service dynamics

>250 total, with 20 in top journals including Nature, Science, PNAS (SO 1.1-1.4, 2.1-2.2)


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EI.1 KPI2. Number of Good Environmental Status descriptors addressed 9 descriptors addressed (SO1.1, 1.2, 1.3)

EI.1 KPI3. Number of ecosystem services parameters that are crucial with respect to climate change impact of fisheries and aquaculture

at least 3 (Fish maximum sustainable yields, tipping points and shoaling of chemocline) (SO1.2, 1.3, 1.4)

EI.1 KPI4. Number of Living Labs and local stakeholder attendance each 7 with at least 20 stakeholders each (SO2.2)

EI.2

KPI5 Steps of TRL gained for sensor technologies during BRIDGE-BS lifetime

3-4 (experimental proof of concept to lab validation) to 9 (product) (SO2.1)

EI.2 KPI6. Number of new Industry 4.0 technologies integrated into advanced monitoring and modelling of for Black Sea challenges at least 3 (SO1.4, 2.1, 2.3)

EI.2 KPI7. Basic ocean observations (MSFD indicators, essential ocean variables and essential climate variables, variables for policy needs) are performed in a cost-effective, coordinated and sustainable way

9 EOVs (SO1.1, 2.1, 3.1)

EI.2 KPI8. Level of interest from business and/or public sector on BRIDGE-BS biotech, heritage demonstrators and observing/early warning system technologies

at least 10 companies (SO 2.3)

EI.2 KPI9. Adaptive management options that benefit form data, models and machine learning

at least 3 management options in Pilot Site (SO1,4, 3.1)

EI.3 KPI10. Number of access to the Black Sea BRIDGE-BS portal at least 6000 in the first 3 years (SO1.1)

EI.3 KPI11 Types of different users of data collection template / metadata CDI at least 100 (SO1.1)

EI.3 KPI12. Intercalibration / intercomparison undertaken and evaluations produced

9 parameters in 7 Pilot Sites (SO1.1, 2.1)

EI.4 KPI13. Number of startups active in circular economy that BRIDGE-BS is collaborating 4 (SO2.3)

EI.4 KPI14. Number of high-tech summits 2 summits with over 100 participants including industry, academia, policy and investors (SO2.3)

EI.4-5 KPI15. Product demonstrators on cultural heritage and multistressor early warning system 2 (SO2.1, 2.2, 2.3)

EI.5 KPI16. Number of Pilot Sites with the cultural heritage observation demonstrator established 2 (SO2.1, 2.2)

EI.6 KPI17. Number of PhD students co-mentored (EU and Black sea) in BRIDGE-BS

At least 15 directly supported by BRIDGE-BS consortium (SO3.2)

EI.7 KPI18. Number of policies where resilience and ecosystem services concepts are considered in policy documents

At least 5 (CMA, SRIA Implementation Plan, BS Commission BSIMAP, MSFD, MSPD) (SO1.3, 1.4, 3.1)

EI.7-8

KPI19. Contribution to activities, formally endorsed by the UN-Ocean Decade 3 events (SO2.2, 3.1, 3.2)

EI.8 KPI20. Number of young people and experienced workers, fill existing skills' gaps in key Blue Growth services in the Blue Career Centre for the Black Sea in year 3

20 (SO3.2)

EI.8-9 KPI21. Establishment of the online MSc course in English language by the end of year 3

1 degree program in a Black Sea country (SO3.2)

EI.9 KPI22. Number of summer schools on BRIDGE-BS concepts 6 (SO3.2)

EI.10 KPI23. Science-policy knowledge transfer activities, one targeted to each of the Pilot Sites, promoting the use of available knowledge and technologies by the end-users

7 (SO2.2, 3.1)

EI.10 KPI24. Success stories on BRIDGE-BS activities in the 2nd year at least 30 communicated and featured in national and international media (SO3.3)

EI.11 KPI25. Number of schools and educators involved in the process. BRIDGE-BS aims on at least 1 school per Pilot Site at least 7 schools and 21 educators (SO3.3)

EI.11 KPI26. Number of citizens involved in the heritage, gastronomy and lighthouse campaigns 500 (SO3.3)

2.1.6 Barriers and framework conditions against the realization of BRIDGE-BS outputs, and ways to overcome BRIDGE-BS Consortium has identified barriers and framework conditions that could affect the level of achievement of the defined expected impacts. We also add the foreseen mitigation measures in order to avoid these obstacles. Culture of innovation is not sufficiently developed in the Black Sea basin: as mentioned by the Black Sea SRIA, research and innovation across the blue economy are key to unlock the region's growth potential and stimulate the


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transfer of knowledge from lab to market. The transfer of knowledge to innovation is currently ineffective, and emerging sectors must be promoted. R&I in novel blue biotechnologies, marine technologies, aquaculture, renewable energy, food systems and tourism are therefore a prerequisite to foster the culture of innovation at local, regional and Black Sea level. Both societal and economic benefits of innovative approaches will be demonstrated within BRIDGE-BS, though several approaches: WP5 will provide new knowledge, technologies and demonstrators to boost Blue Growth innovation potential for Black Sea via new ‘Proof of Ideas’ for emerging start-ups and future leaders of the Black Sea; whereas WP7 will stimulate collaboration among research and innovation actors to boost economically viable emerging solutions (start-ups) adapted to local needs. Finally, WP9 will develop education & training programmes related to Blue Growth for upskilling the workforce in the Black Sea as an engine for innovation and competitiveness. Investments still focused on conventional sectors: Availability of financial resources to invest in new technologies, sectors and business models is limited, even more so in the case of innovative SMEs. However, investing in non-conventional sectors has the potential for enhanced overall returns, generating greater income and higher-quality jobs within the Black Sea region. Access to finance and sustainable investment will be key to bring BRIDGE-BS solutions and services to higher TRLs and close to the market. BRIDGE-BS Consortium will through its outreach to stakeholders, industries and entrepreneurs improve the acceptance and use of the technologies & services developed during the project not only by attracting public and private funding, but also by establishing new mechanisms to attract entrepreneurs (WP7). Best practices from other EU regions will be replicated and built upon in WP8. Access to private investors, close interaction with regional/national funding agencies and authorities, and development of new proposals for European programme funding (Horizon Europe) will be also promoted. Lack of integrated strategy towards including novel education and capacity building methodologies: one of the pillars from the Black Sea SRIA is related to education and capacity building. However, there are structural and bureaucratic limitations to integrate novel tools and methodologies that can support formal and informal learning, education and training in order to fill existing skills gaps in technologies related to emerging marine and maritime sectors. BRIDGE-BS will dedicate a specific WP (WP9) to estimulate interactions and dialogue between the different actors, promote new training programmes and secure a long-term legacy for the Black Sea. This will be complemented by supporting a science-policy dialogue (WP8) and also by identifying new business models and niches related to Industry 4.0 (WP7), thus amplifying the Black Sea community in order to be able to address current and future emerging challenges. BRIDGE-BS partners will remain active during and beyond the project to act on these barriers, cooperating with stakeholders ensuring transfer of the co-generated knowledge. In this regard, the Consortium has established links via several support letters from relevant EU companies, regions and professional associations already interested and involved (see sections 4-5) and will establish links with existing interregional and EU projects and initiatives to ensure proper clustering actions and exchange of best practices. 2.1.7 Impacts not mentioned in the work programme Reducing fragmentation to raise the profile of Black Sea science: BRIDGE-BS will significantly advance our understanding and prediction of the impact on the multistressors on services (including climate change) by bringing together a fragmented research and stakeholder community. In doing so it will assess the resilience of the Black Sea ecosystems for the first time. This requires harmonization of data (on human activites, stressors, ecosystem components) and methods (statistical and numerical models, risk assessment approaches, etc.) at the basin scale and across several countries and institutes. We foresee that the effort will result in new and long-lasting collaborations across discipline and sectors which will result in novel scientific discoveries that will appear in high profile journals. This will also contribute to closing scientific capacity gaps between Western and Eastern Europe. Enhancing Innovation Capacity: BRIDGE-BS will make significant efforts to establish close collaboration with other on-going international research activities as well as with international forums related to Blue Economy. BRIDGE-BS consortium will benefit from the international academic and industrial network of all partners, getting access in the results of previous projects and collaboration opportunities with on-going projects and especially with any other awarded proposals from BG-11-2020 call. Supporting CMEMS: The improvement of the models that BRIDGE-BS proposes for the Black Sea, the new data that will be collected and the effort put in its outputs will definitely improve the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS-BS) in Black Sea Monitoring and Forecasting Center (BS-MFC). Paving the way for novel marine education programs: BRIDGE-BS will contribute to a better education while the enrolment of students, young entrepreneurs and scientists will also establish a change of culture towards Blue Growth among the new generation. It will result in a better education in technologies for the environment. Advancing Ocean Literacy: BRIDGE-BS will take stock of ocean literacy initiatives in the Black Sea region and create an online directory of past and current Black Sea ocean literacy initiatives, activities and good practices. This will provide insights as to how well the concept of ocean literacy is integrated in both research and societal behaviours


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and activities. It will create the first Black Sea ocean literacy Network/Group and establish the EMSEA Black Sea Group, to framework developed as a part of Black Sea HELIX will enable new directions in market opportunities. Reinforcing the competitiveness of Black Sea Industries, creating new market opportunities: According to the 2020 EC Blue Economy report, Black Sea have a strong position in living resources (food), tourism and port operation sectors. Food sector and tourism will be directly supported in BRIDGE-BS activities, and port operations sector will indirectly benefit of the novel results produced (risk assessment, new sensors, DSTs). Additionally, the provision of new, harmonized and compatible information and an improved science-industry-policy dialogue in BRIDGE-BS will also support these sectors. BRIDGE-BS will impact a broader spectrum of sectors and industry rather than addressing a limited number of sectors. Thus BRIDGE-BS chose to link with industry through partners such as BSEC, TEPAV, CPMR, CrowdHelix, SML and industry representatives will be actively taking part through Living Labs (WP6), high tech summits (WP7), accelerator platform (WP7), stakeholder conferences (WP8), capacity building programmes (WP9), young embassador programmes (WP9). Start-ups to be supported will belong to sectors under each selected ecosystem service (WP6). Stakeholder conferences will include sector representatives of each identified sector (WP8). 2.2 Measures to maximise impact In order to increase impact and uptake of project outputs in policy, industry and society, BRIDGE-BS will devote the last 6 months (M49-M54) to impact acceleration. All science will be delivered by M48 and then the project will focus on transforming the scientific results to outputs for the end-users. In the following sections components of the BRIDGE-BS Draft Dissemination, Communication Exploitation Plan and (Draft DCEP) is presented. 2.2.1 Dissemination Plan BRIDGE-BS dissemination plan will aim to spread project outcomes among potential users and interested target groups, thus creating a multiplier effect. Knowledge and results generated during the project will continually be transferred to the research community, industry, policymakers and main business and commercial actors. The aim will be two-fold: on one side, increase the visibility of the network and its activities; and on the other side to ensure a broad take-up of the results generated. The draft of the Dissemination Plan is presented here, which will be developed during the project through dedicated resources (WP10, T10.2) and a specific Deliverable (D10.2) corresponding to the Dissemination, Communication and Exploitation Plan (DCEP), which will be updated annually. In order to develop a comprehensive dissemination plan, a proper knowledge of the sectors, regions and value chains concerned is required, which is guaranteed given the background and expertise of BRIDGE-BS Consortium. The partners’ close contact with relevant stakeholders will be key to address target groups and key actors. Stakeholder analysis. A preliminary landscape of stakeholders and potential users for BRIDGE-BS is given here. A first approach allows us to classify the audience into three different major categories (summarised in Figure 10):

Figure 10. Stakeholder groups targeted in BRIDGE-BS dissemination activities.

This preliminary identification of the landscape of stakeholders allow us to adjust tools, instruments and measures for effective involvement of wider groups and for properly targeting dissemination & communication activities. It has been widely demonstrated that it is in broad interaction with stakeholders where innovation is more likely to take roots, thrive and lead to economically feasible outcomes. The DCEP, expected for M3 of the project, has the following objectives regarding dissemination actions:


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Figure 11. Objectives of Dissemination, Communication and Exploitation Plan regarding dissemination actions Dissemination during the project. will focus on presenting the project aims and objectives to raise awareness among all stakeholders. Following the generation of outputs, dissemination will be then more focused on the scientific community, policy makers, key organisations and industry representatives. As the project progresses, dissemination will be addressed to key players through presentations of results, validation activities, techno-economic feasibility and so forth. Finally, towards the end of the project, the focus will be oriented towards showing and demonstrating the pilots and services. The following table summarises the main activities, audiences and messages foreseen during and beyond the project. Their main objective is to maintain an ongoing dialogue with potential users and stakeholders. The creation of the Black Sea Helix, described in detail in this section, is a novel feature and innovative dissemination key action under BRIDGE-BS project: Table 4. Summary of dissemination activities planned for BRIDGE-BS project.

CHANNEL KEY MESSAGE TIME PLANNING

Indicative Targets

Black Sea Helix Project objectives, activities, partners, public documents, videos, results

by M48 at least 150 stakeholder members across Europe

BRIDGE-BS website & Social Media

Project objectives, activities, partners, public documents, videos

M1 onwards 1000 visits/month 300 followers on Twitter 100 subscribers on YouTube

Partners’ individual websites

Project objectives

M1 onwards

1 dedicated webpage per partner website

BRIDGE-BS project’s introductory and final videos

Raise awareness and encourage stakeholders’ involvement; show the results and impact of BRIDGE-BS

M3, M48 ≈ 500 total views in different media (YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter)

BRIDGE-BS annual newsletter

Disseminate project’s activities, results and impact

One per year starting M12

≈ 100 subscribers ≈ 25% open rate/newsletter

BRIDGE-BS High-Tech Summits and Living Labs

Convey the project’s objectives, main results and impact, seek cooperation from stakeholders

M1 onwards At least 50 participants per workshop

Conferences, fairs, other events

Project objectives, activities, results and expected impact. Present the cross-sectoral dimension of the project

M1 onwards

At least 12 events attended by partners

Publications in scientific and other specialised media

Showcase project results to relevant target groups using case studies, success stories and business cases

M12 onwards

At least 20 publications in specialised media

Open days/guided visits at Pilot Sites

Showcase BRIDGE-BS innovative technologies and methods

M12 onwards

At least 50 visits/year/pilot site

BRIDGE-BS Communication Kit

Showcase case studies through factsheets, brochures and landing pages

M12 onwards

At least 200 kits distributed

EU platforms Promote visibility of project results and interaction with stakeholders

M1 onwards

Periodic project announcements in at least 5 EU platforms

Dissemination via Black Sea Helix- Helix Launch and Project Clustering: The Black Sea Helix is expected to launch officially by M3 of the project and by M12, host and profile at least 50 relevant organisations, academic institutions and businesses beyond the BRIDGE-BS consortium. On M24, the target is to have roughly 150 organisational members within the Helix. The Helix will also look to integrate other funded projects, platforms and networks into its sphere of influence. Of particular relevance are the CSA Black Sea CONNECT, focusing on healthy and resilient Blue Growth within the Black Sea ecosystem; and ASTRAL, which focuses on sustainable, profitable and resilient aquaculture in the Atlantic Ocean, and which directly led to the launch of the Aquaculture Helix on the Crowdhelix platform. BRIDGE-BS will also look to cluster with the recently funded H2020 TIME4CS Project, which


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will soon facilitate the launch of the new Citizen Science Helix on the Crowdhelix platform. This Helix community and project will focus on engaging with more members of the public/general citizens and including them in the sphere of EU funded research and innovation. This is done by enhancing science-policy-industry dialogue between citizens and Helix members at all levels and presenting the opportunity to directly engage in a more accessible way. Targeted Dissemination and Helix Growth Through Machine Learning: When a new Helix is established, Crowdhelix will apply its recommender engine, which is underpinned Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing technology. This recommender engine system will dynamically suggest prospective collaborators for each opportunity or call to action posted within the Helix, drawing its data from information provided by existing users of the platform, as well as information users have chosen to import from other relevant profiles. This system will also learn as it progresses, to ensure that matches improve over time. The Figure 12 shows the composition of the Helix once established on the platform (with the BRIDGE-BS Consortium at the centre of the Helix’s activities), the main Helix actors (developers and members) and the actions expected with the creation of this Helix. Populating the Blue Growth Helix for accelerated impact for Socio-economics and Social Innovations and Accelerating ‘Industry 4.0’ business models: While consisting initially of the project consortium members, the Black Sea Helix community will be designed to expand, first by reaching out and linking with the already functioning Crowdhelix communities as outlined already, such as the Maritime and Marine Helix, Aquaculture Helix, Citizen Science Helix, etc. Existing Crowdhelix members that we will invite initially to join the Helix in its early stages include the University of Malta, University of Cyprus, University of Cape Town, University College Cork, Cardiff University, University of Utrecht, University of Leeds, and NTNU. From outside the network, organisations such as the University of Bergen, University of Athens, the National Oceanography Centre and the Plymouth Marine Laboratory in the UK, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in the US, and other prospective organisations that can contribute to the impact of the project through Helix engagement will be reached out.

Figure 12. Proposed cluster composition, main actors and actions for the Black Sea Helix.

The Black Sea Helix will ensure an enhanced project impact and the commercial continuity of the actions developed during BRIDGE-BS project, while providing strategic links to potential investors and unlock additional funds by the promotion of new networks. In addition, a targeted dissemination campaign will take place to the Helix members, which will be reached out in a number of ways to successfully disseminate the project and communicate its results. With an expected large community of stakeholders across Europe, the Helix will have an impact in the project through the following KPIs: (KPIs 27 through 32 - as a continuation of above table - linked to SO3.4) KPI27: number of organisations registered for the Black Sea Helix (target: 150) KPI28: number of additional partnerships and networks developed within the Helix (target: 3) KPI29: number of potential investors attracted and interested in BRIDGE-BS services and technologies (target: 6) KPI30: additional funding secured for BRIDGE-BS services and technologies (target: 200k€) KPI31: number of investors attracted and interested in BRIDGE-BS services and technologies (target: 6) KPI32: number of projects and initiatives clustered with BRIDGE-BS through the Helix (target: 8) Exploitation and Sustainability CHX (with BRIDGE-BS coordinator METU-IMS) will take a leading role in drafting the sustainability and exploitation for the BRIDGE-BS project, considering the Key Exploitable Results (KERs) and the foreseen foreground to be generated by the project partners. When the BRIDGE-BS project ends, the Black Sea Helix will continue to be hosted on Crowdhelix’s platform, thus the Helix will be self-sustained during


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and beyond the project’s lifetime. All the partners registered in the platform will be able to retain their accounts for free (as external organisations) after the project is finished as well as have the option for their organisations to join as full members on the network, in order to ensure a self-sustaining community and to promote a continued collaboration among the BRIDGE-BS partners and related stakeholders, network, projects and initiatives. Engagement activities will also continue between all the stakeholders that have been brought into the network and this Helix after the end of the project. 2.2.2 Exploitation Plan 2.2.2.1 Preliminary Definition of Key Exploitable Results (KERs) In order to draft a preliminary Dissemination, Communication and Exploitation Plan of project's results (draft DCEP), a first definition of the key exploitable results (KER) is provided in this section. All partners will contribute to the development of these results, varying their roles and exploitation strategies according to their background knowledge and expertise. The following table gives detail of the main partners intervening in the KER development, who may exploit them and their connection to specific industries/partners: Table 5. Key exploitable results (KER)of BRIDGE-BS

KEY EXPLOITABLE RESULTS

MAIN CONTRIBUTORS

EXPLOITED BY ADDRESSED TO

Decision support tools (DSTs). Both model and machine learning based tools will be developed for use of policy-makers. (KER 1)

DTU, CNR, METU Start ups, BSEC, BSC, ICT industry

ICT, Resource Efficiency, Aquaculture, Marine biotechnology, Fisheries, Safety & Surveillance

Fast scan electrochemical sensor for sulphide detection (KER 2)

METU Start ups, METU Technopark, municipalities, marinas, aquaculture industry

ICT, Aquaculture, Marine biotechnology, Fisheries, Safety & Surveillance

AI-based imaging analysis tools for early jellyfish detection (KER 3)

IO-BAS Municipalities, marinas, aquaculture industry

ICT, Coastal & Maritime tourism, Marine biotechnology, Safety & Surveillance

Cultural heritage observation demonstrator (KER 4)

METU, HCMR, IO-BAS

Museums, schools, start ups

ICT, Coastal & Maritime tourism, Maritime transport

Integrated multistressor early warning system component demonstrator (KER 5)

METU, HCMR, IO-BAS

BSC, ministries, companies

ICT, Aquaculture, Marine biotechnology, Fisheries, Safety & Surveillance

2.2.2.2 Partners’ common and individual exploitation strategies The Consortium as a whole will develop a common exploitation strategy initially based on the creation of a wide stakeholder community, which will be informed and invited to the foreseen project’s events. The community will be integrated by the industrial and technological networks participated by the Consortium members, which cover a full range of sectorial clusters and companies across the blue economy value chains. The objective will be to engage stakeholders and transform them into active agents for technology transfer, testers of potential applications and early adopters of the services developed. In a second phase, technology, commercial and IP surveillance activities will be carried out within and outside the Consortium network, searching for the most suitable markets and industrial sectors. IPR surveillance will ensure a strong positioning of the KERs in the initially detected application areas and sectors. An adequate IPR positioning will require a full market analysis, specifics arrangements in the Consortium Agreement, patent scouting and a careful study of the associated risks with the corresponding mitigation measures. Individual exploitation strategies. Each project partner will develop its own exploitation plan according to their different background, sectors of influence and research fields of interest. The specific backgrounds and IPR issues will be detailed and specified in the Consortium Agrement. The Exploitation Plan (EP) will be further elaborated and revised during the project as part of the Plan for Dissemination, Communication and Exploitation (WP10) considering the information gathered from research and validation/pilot activities, as well as from the inputs collected from all stakeholders in the framework of the dissemination and communication activities. 2.2.2.3 Intellectual Property (IP) and knowledge protection BRIDGE-BS partners recognise the scientific and commercial potential of their expected results. Therefore, the protection of the intellectual property (IP) generated will be a priority in the project to enable rapid uptake and upscaling as well as rapid dissemination and exploitation of results. Strategy for Knowledge Management and Protection. The knowledge management will rely on the project Steering Board (SB). A Consortium Agreement (CA) will be elaborated to manage, among others, issues related to


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IPR (e.g. ownership of results, access rights to background and results, dissemination). The principles for knowledge management, to be included in the CA, are described below: Provisions regarding Background. Provisions regarding access to background for project implementation, access to background for exploitation of results and access rights will be defined and included in the CA. The conclusions will be included in subsequent versions of the Exploitation Plan (EP) to be elaborated in WP10 as part of the PDCE. A more detailed agreement including all background needed for the project implementation and results exploitation will be included in the CA. Provisions regarding foreground knowledge and project’s results. Procedures shall be also considered in the CA in addition to GA provisions (Articles 26 to 31) for the following issues: (1) Protection. A proactive policy to protect IP arising from BRIDGE-BS will be maintained by the participating entities (patenting of technologies, copyright of software developments, etc.). Other possible protection schemes to be considered may include industrial design, trademark schemes or trade secret. (2) Dissemination: A proactive policy to disseminate the project results will be carried out by BRIDGE-BS partners. The CA will include special provisions for prior notice regarding any dissemination activity (presentations of results, publications, etc.) Open Access will be provided to peer-reviewed scientific publications as well as to research data following the Open Research Data Pilot in Horizon2020. (3) Access Rights to ensure the commercial exploitation: a) Access Results as far as needed for carrying out the project work will be on a royalty-free basis. If needed for exploitation of a partner’s own results, access rights shall be granted on fair and reasonable conditions; b) Access rights to results for internal research and education or training activities shall be granted on a royalty-free basis; other provisions regarding access rights will be defined in the CA. The final objective will be to protect the knowledge and innovation developed in the project and to coordinate IPR issues, in the framework of the IP management rules in the GA and the specific provisions in the CA. The Project Coordination Team, in collaboration with the Steering Commmittee, will be responsible of collecting the knowledge generated and defining protection strategy and the necessary access rights for results exploitation, as well as propose fair solutions to any possible conflict related to IPR. Complementarily, it will keep a permanent surveillance activity on the blocking IP or new IP generated elsewhere in the EU landscape to avoid any future exploitation and business restrictions. 2.2.3 Data Management Plan (DMP) During the project, the data generated will be collected following standardised procedures regarding databases, spreadsheets, services design and prototype design/product dossiers (to name a few). Sample templates will be provided, and standards will be implemented to establish a framework. The general procedure for knowledge management (document versioning, approval and release) will be performed through the following stages: Identify–Assess–Protect–Exploit–Disseminate. All results will be identified, and protected first, and only then exploitation, dissemination and communication will take place. For each report and deliverable, all the contributing members will be coordinated by the corresponding WP leader, generating an internal document that should be subsequently approved. This document will contain the specific information, background needed, generator of information, category and destination of information, defining the protocol in this concrete task (if any change is needed). Open Access and Open Research Data: BRIDGE-BS Consortium will deposit peer-reviewed scientific publications in the Zenodo repository set up by the OpenAIRE project using ‘green access’ as preferential model; other distribution and archive services such as EarthArxiv will be also considered. Furthermore, the Consortium will seek for opportunities to provide open access to not peer-reviewed scientific publications, such as monographs, conference proceedings, etc. In addition, BRIDGE-BS will participate in the Open Research Data Pilot according to Article 29.3 of the GA. Specifically, the project will collect different types of data: papers, technical reports, pictures, graphs, figures and videos. These research data will be made accessible for free through BRIDGE-BS web portal (open access) during and after the project for at least 5 years after the project ends. Relevant data necessary for the verification of results published in scientific journals could be made accessible on a case-by-case basis, following the relevant procedures of the CA. Research data related to industry results will not be considered in the Open Research Data activities as otherwise their competitive position for exploiting such results will be endangered. Similarly, research data in relation to anti-counterfeiting results will not be openly accessible for security reasons. The Data Management Plan (DMP) elaborated during the project (T10.2, D10.2) will include detailed data that will be generated, whether and how it will be exploited or made accessible, and how it will be curated and preserved. 2.2.4 Communication Plan In addition to the Dissemination Plan, a Communication Plan aimed to communicate in a timely, accurate and coordinated approach the project objectives and impacts to different audiences in order to engage them in the results and potential of BRIDGE-BS solutions will be also prepared. A first draft of the plan is presented here. The communication and dissemination plans will be jointly developed in the DCEP and will be updated annually (WP10, D10.4). Messages and activities will be tailored to the interest of different audience segments in order to reach the expected impacts. BRIDGE-BS communication activities will focus on three main levels. Through internal


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communication activities among BRIDGE-BS partners (lead by METU-IMS as coordinator) a proper and dynamic exchange of info at consortium level will be fostered through various channels (website intranet, meetings, other tools, Black Sea Helix, etc.). At the regional & national level, each participating institution will make an effort to communicate the results region- and nation-wide to different audiences (local communities, government institutions, industrial actors, professional associations, academia and the general public). Finally, communication at international level will be used to raise awareness about the project objectives and relevance to the sectors involved, with emphasis on the services, pilots and Living Labs. These include European institutions, networks of influence, academia, industry & NGOs. For each level, tailored communication activities, objectives, target audience and key performance indicators (KPIs) will be addressed. The following table summarises these communication actions: Table 6. Summary of communication activities planned for BRIDGE-BS project.

AUDIENCE OBJECTIVES ACTIVITIES/MATERIALS COMMUNICATION KPIs BRIDGE-BS Partners

Share of knowledge, acquisition of new skills, understand the scope and share responsibility

-Preparation of training materials, deliverables and presentations -Exchanges of information, regular meetings

-One bi-monthly online consortium meeting -Two consortium meetings per year

General Public

Dissemination of general info, communication of project relevance in regional development, social and environmental sustainability

-Articles in magazines - Interviews of project partners in local TV and radio - Video clip in social media - Open days at Pilot Sites

-At least 10.000 people reached -At least 10 articles and/or interviews during the project

Specialised Media Raise awareness about the new technologies/services developed and their potential applicability

-Press releases with technical and economic info -Interviews of project partners -Invitation to attend project events, open days and demonstrations

-At least 20 publications in specialised media (inc. 3 on Nature, Science, PNAS, etc.) -2 visits/year to Pilot Sites of interest and/or new facilities developed

General Media Raise awareness about the project relevance on sustainability, climate change, and land/sea protection and management, draw attention to the project results and impact on local economies

- Press releases - Interviews of project partners -Invitation to attend project events and demonstrations

-3 press releases/year -6 interviews on general media/year (TV/radio, podcast) -1 article every 3 months on local media -2 visits/year to Pilot Sites of interest and/or new facilities developed

Academia, S&T Community

Communication of research results, transfer of new knowledge and future collaborative research

-Presentations at key conferences and events -Invitation to attend the project’s events to foster dialogue

-Participation in at least 12 international scientific events -Attendance of at least 5 research institutions and RTOs to the project’s events -5 workshops showing results

Social Stakeholders (local communities, skills developers, etc.)

Raise awareness about the impact of Black Sea ecosystems and sustainable Blue Growth, inform about BRIDGE-BS benefits in sustainability, climate change and land/sea protection and management

-Conference presentations at key events -Distribution of project factsheets, flyers, presentations - Guided visits at Pilot Sites and Living Labs

-Participation in at least 12 international scientific & technological events -Attendance of at least 2 civil society organisations to the project’s events

Industrial Stakeholders (SMEs, clusters and associations of sectors involved)

Contact potential users of BRIDGE-BS technologies & services, inform about research and results and their business potential in the field of Blue Growth

-Presentations and meetings at international fairs, conferences and workshops -Diffusion of videos, factsheets, flyers, newsletters -Printed and online business cases from pilots, Living Labs and success stories

-A printed and online portfolio of results derived from the project outcomes -For each pilot, 1 factsheet as business case (7 in total)

Institutional Stakeholders (European institutions, local authorities, policy makers etc.)

Convey BRIDGE-BS relevance for regional & national development, spread the project’s economic, social, environmental benefits

-Presentations and meetings at key events -Invitation to attend the projects events -Guided visits at research facilities and Pilot Sites

-Participation in at least 6 major policy events -At least 3 regional, national and/or EC services representatives per project event


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3 Implementation 3.1 Work plan — Work packages, deliverables Summary of work plan and type of actions. Following the BRIDGE-BS central concept of ecosystem services, resilience and the need for a safe operation space for Blue Growth in the Black Sea, the three-NODE approach will be used as the backbone of implementation. Both basin-wide Black Sea and the 7 Pilot Sites will be subject of intensive analysis. NODE1 (WPs 1-4) will involve actions centered around data assembly, analysis, modelling and simulations. WP1 will focus on collation of data from different sources in a tailor-made Portal, and actions to increase the harmonization and compatibility. WP2 will have actions on modelling, WP3 will advance resilience analyses using WP2 outputs. WP4 will build on these via developing adaptive management tools. NODE2 (WPs 5-7) is where 'field activities' of BRIDGE-BS concentrate: here the consortium conducts at-sea research and develops technology prototypes (WP5), community engagement in Black Sea Living Labs (WP6) and co-design solutions with start-ups in dedicated Summits and accelerator competitions (WP7). NODE3 (WPs 8-9) mobilizes, engages and empowers policymakers WP8 and citizens (WP9). WP10 Coordination manages all the action and creates and operates the Black Sea Helix platform for impact acceleration, where all of stakeholder network will be maintained for legacy beyond the project. As a result, BRIDGE-BS is a highly integrated, state-of-the-art response of this Consortium to the BG-11-H2020 call, with specific outputs of WPs feeding each other, collectively co-creating with the broader linked stakeholder, projects, initiatives Blue Growth pathways for the Black Sea utilizing beyond state-of-art-science. Key milestones (full table in Section 3.2) connecting different WPs are shown below.

Figure 13 BRIDGE-BS’s PERT chart including major milestones (in boxes) that form the connections between work packages. For the complete list please see Section 2.3. Project Management related meetings (kick-off, General Assembly (GA), Advisory Board (AB)) Table 3.1a. List of BRIDGE-BS work packages

WP Work Package Title Lead Participant Person-Months

Start Month

End month

1 Knowledge base for the Black Sea 3-NIMRD 158 1 54 2 Ecosystem dynamics under multistressors 12-ULiege 140 1 42 3 Resilience for a healthy Black Sea ecosystem 14-SU 110 1 48 4 Adaptive Management 11-CNR 125 1 44

5 Smart observations and technologies for tackling multistressors, boosting innovation and supporting monitoring

1-METU 178 1 42

6 Socio-economics and social innovations 13-AUEB 141 1 44 7 Accelerating ‘Industry 4.0’ business models 18-DTU 120 1 48 8 Science-based policy making for Blue Growth 9-ICBSS 147 1 54 9 Education and Capacity Building 16-INDIGO MED 182 1 54 10 Coordination and Management 1-METU 102 1 54 Total person-months 1400

WP No 1 Lead: NIMRD / Co-lead: UkrCSES Duration:1-54 Title Knowledge base for the Black Sea Partner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 13

Name METU IO-BAS

NIMRD IBER-BAS

UkrSCES TSU GEO SIO-RAS HCMR AUEB


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PM 19.5 9 20 3 23.5 6 6 11 1 2

Partner 17 18 19 20 22 24 25 26 27 29 31

Name IEEN DTU BSEC SML TUBITAK TEPAV SUMAE TUDAV IU SNU IFREMER

PM 1.5 0.5 1 3 8.5 2 7 5.5 11.5 12 4.5

Objectives To establish methods and tools for data harmonization, increasing the data readiness level and generate the knowledge needed to assess ecosystem state, dynamics and resilience, building on the past and ongoing projects/initiatives. Specific objectives are: • Increase readiness level at Basin-wide and Pilot Site scale for assessment and prediction of ecosystem services

and resilience through assembling, integrating and making compatible data from EU data infrastructures, partners' data repositories and new observations (WP5)

• Consolidate data integration through Black Sea BRIDGE-BS Portal and make data available using FAIR protocols, support project’s modelling and analyses activities

• Support the harmonization of datasets, sampling efforts, assessment methodologies, including data integration from different sources and interoperability

• Provide aggregated socio-economic results through Blue Economy Observatories Description of work: Task 1.1. Increasing data readiness level at Basin-wide and Pilot Site Scale for assessment, analysis and prediction of ecosystem services and resilience (Lead: METU, Contributors IO-BAS, NIMRD, IBER-BAS, UkrSCES, TSU, GeoEcoMar, SIO-RAS, IEEN, IU, TUBITAK, SNU, TUDAV, SUMAE) (M1-M24) This task will assemble data on multistressors, GES indicators and services to be utilized by subsequent work packages as well as end users and initiatives that the BRIDGE-BS will cluster with. The work will build on the consortium's initial assessment of multistressor data readiness as given in section 1.2.2. (D1.1 and D1.2) Sub-task 1.1.1 Assemble and make compatible in-situ/time series data for multistressors, GES indicators, ecosystem services (Lead: NIMRD, UkrCSES, METU, IFREMER) Particularly R/V survey and observational data available in the data management and product infrastructures (SeaDataNet, EMODNET); the data generated by national/regional monitoring programmes (BSIMAP, DEKOSIM, i.e. EMBLAS, MISIS) and observational networks (Coriolis, ARGO); the data from RV surveys, and the time-series data for Pilot Sites from partners will be assembled. A 2-day online WP workshop together with other WP’s leaders will be organised within M1-3 to identify the parameters need to be considered for multistressors, GES indicators and the Black Sea ecosystem services. Data-readiness will be assessed providing be output to T2.1-T2.3, T3.1 and T5.1 to shape up the specific analysis and observation activities. Sub-task 1.1.2. Satellite products: retrieve and assemble remote sensing products (Lead: IO-BAS and ULiege) Satellite raw/low level data and verified derived products will be collated from ESA and NASA portals. Primary variables will be: chlorophyll-a, SST, PAR, particulate matter, CDOM, SSH etc. These data are freely accessible but will be compiled, harmonized, standardized and regionally verified to serve WP2 (T2.1, model-data comparison) well as WP3 (T3.1, dynamics of resilience) and WP4 (T4.1, machine-learning based adaptive management tools). These satellite products will improve spatial coverage for habitat mapping, fill in-situ data gaps, provide inputs for model validation and support long-term time series analyses. Sub-task 1.1.3. Assemble and make data compatible for boundary inputs including maritime activities (Lead: METU and GeoEcoMar) Freshwater runoff, eutrophication, atmospheric deposition as well as maritime inputs of ecosystem service-related parameters such as N, P, Si, litter will be assembled. Data will be transformed into compatible units for input to model calculations. If direct flux data is not available, available concentration data will be used and transformed into input rates based on known atmospheric deposition rates, and river water inputs. Task 1.2. Development of the Black Sea BRIDGE-BS portal (Lead: UkrSCES, Co-lead: METU, Contributors: IO-BAS, NIMRD, GeoEcoMar, TSU, SIO-RAS, IU, IFREMER, TUBITAK, SNU, TUDAV, SUMAE) (M4-M54) The web portal will concentrate knowledge about the Black Sea ecosystem. It will incorporate and enhance the Black Sea Water Quality Database developed within the EMBLAS project and integrate it with the visualization services and with the products to be developed (EMBLAS support letter in Annex). It will provide the crucial ecosystem data and modelling results in an accessible form (D1.3, D1.4 and D1.5). Sub-task 1.2.1. Setting up and maintenance of the portal (Lead: UkrSCES, Co-lead: IFREMER) This subtask will create a functional portal, allocating and preparing the dedicated server, implementing the portal interface and making portal operational. Detailed information as well as metadata will be published for each Pilot site, including data on GES indicators and stressors, ecosystem state, data inventories, ecosystem services and products. Throughout the project the portal will be upgraded with new visualization services and products. Sub-task 1.2.2. Enhancement of the Black Sea Database (Lead: UkrSCES, Co-lead: IFREMER) The Black Sea Water Quality Database will serve as the basis for Black Sea BRIDGE-BS Portal. Presently the Black Sea Water Quality Database has a limited amount of relevant ecosystem data covering the past 20 years. The BRIDGE-BS Portal will extend the database by integrating data from online data infrastructures and incorporating the existing


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and new datasets of partners and stakeholders. The data sharing and integration will be based on the SeaDataNet data management standards. Involvement of new data providers into SeaDataNet infrastructure will be facilitated and connection with SeaDataNet will be established (through SeaDataCloud Coordinator, BRIDGE-BS partner M. Fichaut/IFREMER). The access to the data will be provided via a user-friendly interface. Sub-task 1.2.3. Mapping and visualization services (Lead: METU. Co-lead: UkrSCES) The existing simple mapping functionality of the database will be expanded with the data visualization and modelling results including animations, time-series and socio-economic data in conjunction with ecosystem parameters. Effects of single and multistressors on the ecosystem state as well as the services, resilience state, ecosystem changes forecasts are the anticipated products to be visualized. Visualization services will be provided at the basin scale and for Pilot Sites. Task 1.3. Harmonizing methodologies and data to assess and mitigate the effect of the multistressors (Lead: NIMRD, Contributors: METU, IO-BAS, IBER-BAS, UkrSCES, TSU, GeoEcoMar, SIO-RAS, IU, IFREMER, TUBITAK, SNU, TUDAV, SUMAE) (M8-M33) This task will analyse and systematize existing practices on environmental data acquisition, quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC). The methodologies for sampling, analysis, and QA/QC will be harmonized and adapted to Black Sea's specific physicochemical conditions. These harmonized sampling methodologies as well as QA/QC procedures will be validated and put into practice at Pilot Sites. After validation they will be recommended for wider use within the region in order to obtain comparable data on water quality across the Black Sea. Furthermore, activities will build on the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) and FAIR data management initiatives to pool data, infrastructures and resources to develop common architecture, functionality and collaborative tools. Delivers D1.6 and D1.7. Sub-task 1.3.1. Systematizing and harmonizing the applicable standards and methodologies and publishing them at the portal (Lead: IU) Based on the experience from previous projects (SESAME, MISIS, EMBLAS) and considering the workplan of BSC, BRIDGE-BS will perform the comparison on different sampling methods for chemical and biological parameters and assess the results. Where possible different methodologies will be performed in-situ at some of the Pilot Sites for sampling comparison. Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) for chemical and biological parameters will be produced and will be recommended as part of regional QA procedures with the aim to be adopted at the Black Sea Commission (BSC) annual meeting for the purpose of BSIMAP implementation. Results of these operations will be published in the portal. Sub-task 1.3.2. Intercalibration work (Lead: NIMRD) A series of intercalibration exercises will be organized for laboratories from Pilot Sites to assess their performance and ensure comparability and high quality of produced data on marine environment that will be used for assessment and modelling during the project lifetime (in WP2-5) and beyond. In each involved laboratory the selected samples from the seven Pilot Sites will go through intercalibration (e.g. QUASIMEME) exercises for oxygen, sulfide, chlorophyll and phaeopigments in seawater, with this action will BRIDGE-BS will also perform validation of remote sensing Chl-a products against regional in-situ data on Chl pigments. WP1-WP5 participants will hold 2 dedicated workshops on i) decision on parameters that will go to intercalibration (M6) and ii) collection and processing of benthic invertebrate samples for species identification and biomass estimation in support of Pilot Site specific benthic modelling and sampling in the Pilot Sites. This subtask will feed T5.1 and T5.2 with parameters and methods to be employed. Sub-task 1.3.3. Data quality control (Lead: METU) The project, will utilize existing data harmonization standards and tools such as those elaborated by SeaDataNet, EMODnet. Moreover, it will analyse and systematize the existing best practices on data QC (considering developments of regional initiatives such as SeaDataNet, BSC, SESAME project etc.) and develop the recommendations on regionally specific QC procedures. These procedures will be published on the BRIDGE-BS Portal. The standards and tools for data harmonization will be promoted for organizing a continuous flow of QC-ed data from partners to the BRIDGE-BS database and to SeaDataNet. Task 1.4. Blue Economy Observatories (Lead: AUEB, Contributors: METU, NIMRD, HCMR, IBER-BAS, ICBSS, SML, DTU, SUMAE, TEPAV) (M1-M44) This task will develop and support an open access database as a part of BRIDGE-BS Portal, with aggregated socio-economic data, project’s results (e.g. socio-economic scenarios from WP6, business roadmaps from WP7) and policy recommendations relevant to blue economy in the Black Sea region. This will be done in collaboration with the existing and future networks (e.g. UN SDSN Black Sea, CMA assistance mechanism, Black Sea CONNECT, SEARICA, BSEC) and will fill in the current knowledge gap, increase knowledge diffusion related to Blue Growth, and support policy makers and the future of the blue industry. The Blue Economy Observatories are to be connected in the future with the Black Sea SDGs Observatory following the feasibility study by UN SDSN Black Sea. Data from different projects/initiatives related to MSP implementation) will also be considered. Close exchange with WP6 (T6.2) will be maintained. Sub-task 1.4.1 Open Access Observatory (Lead: AUEB) The observatory will be essentially an open access database for economic data for the blue economy in the Black Sea, giving access to harmonized data among countries. Project results analysis from WP6, WP7 will be included in the observatory. Under the coordination of METU, the above-mentioned entities will also develop sustainability measures for the observatory in collaboration with policy makers using the platforms and fora of WP8.


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Sub-task 1.4.2 Blue Growth Scenarios (Lead: SML, Co-Lead: ICBSS) Based on historical data analysis on multistressors performed in T1.1, and data collections of socio-economic parameters (T6.2), scenarios for strategic sectors of the blue economy will be developed at pilot site and basin level (see the preliminarily identification of prioritized sectors in Section 1 Pilot Sites). The definition of temporary detailed sectoral demands (e.g. energy in the Danube area, tourism in Odessa region), resource availability (e.g. fishery in Varna), available technologies and future innovations will allow the determination of several plausible future scenarios for sector development. Moreover, the related economic and environmental impacts (e.g. emissions, resources use) of the focused sectors will be assessed, according to the considered Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs, T6.2) or potential constraints derived from other relevant models identified. The sectoral scenarios will feed WP2 and WP3, completing WP6 socio-economic analysis of the blue economy in the Black Sea. Deliverables D1.1 Report on the data needed for WPs and PSs. (M4) D1.2 Report on assessment of data readiness at the whole BS and PS. (M9) D1.3 Report on the design of the Portal and BSDB (including web-GIS interface). (M13) D1.4 Report on developed mapping and visualization tools. (M24) D1.5 Guidelines on accessing using the products and ecosystem services at the portal. (M34) D1.6 Report of harmonized methodologies and SOP. (M28) D1.7 Report on the intercalibrations and QA/QC prodedures. (M33) D1.8 Report on the Blue Economy Observatories (objectives, data, services, sustainability). (M43)

WP No 2 Lead: ULiege / Co-lead: HCMR Duration 1-42 Title Ecosystem dynamics under multistressors Partner 1 2 3 4 8 10 11 12 18 31

Name METU IO-BAS NIMRD IBER-BAS SIO-RAS HCMR CNR ULiege DTU IFREMER

PM 28,5 3 1 15 18 24 11 23.5 6 10

Objectives WP2 will assess and predict the Black Sea state (physical, biogeochemical and ecosystem components up to and including fish), ecosystem service dynamics and crucial GES indicators under the impact of climate and non-climate stressors at a Basin-Wide and Pilot-Site scales. It builds on an ensemble of state-of-the-art basin scale and high-resolution regional modelling tools to reconstruct the past history (back to 1960), assess the current state and forecast future conditions under climate change (2100 horizon) and other anthropogenic stressors, including Blue Growth activities (10 to 20 years). Specifically, WP2 will assess, predict and project: • Black Sea physical, biogeochemical and ecosystem state under climate (warming, deoxygenation,

acidification) and non-climate (e.g. eutrophication, invasive species, fishing and selected Blue Growth activities) stressors including scenarios of changes of these stressors

• GES indicators supporting the implementation of MSFD, Bucharest Convention and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Ecosystem services under interacting multi stressors and Blue Growth Scenarios Description of work: In T2.1 a common methodology for all model runs and model validation will be prepared and three-dimensional coupled physical-biogeochemical model runs will be made (hindcast, forecast, projections under scenarios of changes of climate and non-climate stressors) at both basin and pilot scales. The results of the simulations of T2.1 are used in T2.2 to provide the analyses and input for specific modelling approaches towards the assessment of GES indicators. Then, T2.3 takes inputs from T1.4 Blue Growth scenarios, T2.1 and T2.2 to develop Pilot-Site specific simulations of services. Task 2.1. Building a Modelling Framework: Simulating Black Sea Lower trophic levels under climate and non-climate multistressors (Lead: ULiege, contributors: METU, CNR, IBER-BAS, DTU, HCMR, SIO-RAS, IFREMER) (M1-M42) Three-dimensional hydrodynamical models coupled with mechanistic biogeochemical models (also called Lower Trophic Level- LTL models Table 2) will be run at basin scale under T.2.1.2, T2.1.4 and downscaled for Pilot Sites in T.2.1.3 for hindcasting, forecasting and projecting the Black Sea physical and biogeochemical state (see Table 2 for the model list and associated Pilot Sites). These models will be extended (T2.3) to simulate the impact on state and services of scenarios of changes of Blue Growth activities shaped between WP1, WP6 and WP8 and to inform decision support tools and adaptive management in WP4. Delivers D2.1 and 2.7 (methodology) and D2.2 and 2.4 (main results). Sub-task 2.1.1. Preparing a common methodology for basin and regional model simulations and evaluation (Lead: ULiege) Here, coupled hydrodynamical and biogeochemical (LTL) models will be forced at the air-sea interface by ECMWF-ERA5 hourly products for the hindcasts and Euro-Cordex downscaled regional climate scenarios for the future projection. Water and nutrients discharge from Global NEWS (Strokal and Kroeze, 2013) will be used as river forcing for the past and Blue Growth scenarios. The capacity of the basin scale and regional


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models to simulate the history of the Black Sea state will be assessed according to the best practices for model-data comparison delivered by GODAE, OPEC and CMEMS, by comparison with in-situ and satellite observation collected and analysed in WP1 and, in particular, with BGC Argos and Sentinel 3 and 2 products. Sub-task 2.1.2. Climate-oriented basin scale ensemble simulations: (Lead: ULiege) An ensemble of coupled LTL models simulating the physics (5 models) and biogeochemistry (3 models) will be run to simulate the history of past changes (hindcasts, back to 1960) and future projections (at the 2100 horizon) under the 2.6 (representative of the Paris Agreement) and 8.5 Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) of the Black Sea physical and biogeochemical state. Black Sea ecosystem changes from past to 2100 horizon under warming, deoxygenation and acidification will be simulated. Sub-task 2.1.3 – Model Downscaling: Developing accurate forecasting capabilities for supporting adaptive management and predicting the coastal ocean under multistressors (Lead: ULiege) Basin scale models will be downscaled at all the Pilot Sites to hindcast (20 years back), forecast (from a few days up to a few weeks) and project (up to 2040) changes in the physical and ecosystem state. Assessment of hindcasting and forecasting capabilities at short (a few days) and medium term (a few weeks) will be done in T2.1.1. Sub-task 2.1.4 – Climate extremes and early warning systems (Lead: METU) The predictive runs in T2.1.2 and T2.1.3 will be used to assess the impact of climate extremes on ecosystem functioning. The aim is to support adaptation, mitigation and disaster risk-management at the Black Sea basin scale. In particular, the impact of extremes conditions (e.g. quasi-tropical cyclones, e.g. Stanichny et al., 2020) on the shoaling of the sulfidic layer will be investigated. Links to WP5 (T5.4) will support a tailored early warning system sensing component for the detection of sulphide layer. Task 2.2: Simulation of GES indicators in support of MSFD Descriptors and UN SDG Targets (Lead: HCMR, contributors: ULiege, HCMR, METU, DTU, IBER-BAS, IFREMER, SIO-RAS) (M9-M42) In this task the consequences of past and projected changes in environmental conditions (Task 2.1) on the Black Sea GES will be assessed. This task will benefit from partners' earlier work on MSFD Descriptors and GES indicators (e.g. national MSFD programmes, FP7 MEECE). With that aim, specific modelling approaches such as statistical habitat modelling, connectivity and particle tracking models, food-web models, will be developed to connect physical (e.g. temperature, currents and shear stress, salinity) and biogeochemical (e.g. biomass of phytoplankton and zooplankton, gelatinous species, inorganic nutrients, oxygen DIC, pH, turbidity) environmental conditions simulated in T2.1.2 and T2.1.3 with marine living species and charismatic habitats like seabed communities (e.g. mussels, seagrasses and macroalgae) and high trophic levels (HTLs) (e.g. main commercial fish species such as anchovy, turbot and sprat). The results will help support SDG 14 targets and indicators such as prevention of pollution, addressing ocean acidification, overfishing although these are targets for 2020, based on input from WP6 new analyses will be made towards supporting the goals. Delivers D2.3 and D2.5. Sub-task 2.2.1. Biodiversity, Ecosystem Structure and Function (Lead: ULiege, DTU) The sub-task will mostly support Descriptors 1, 2, 3 and 4 and focus on simulating GES indicators. To implement this, coupled LTL-model simulations performed in T2.1.2 and T2.1.3 are used to i) assess and interpret in terms of the resource competition theory (Tilman, 1977) and environmental niches the spatial and temporal distribution of the dominant plankton functional types (PFTs) (e.g. diatoms, dinoflagellates, small flagellates), ii) develop statistical models predicting the size structure and stoichiometry of the Particulate Organic Matter (POM) to feed a size-based model of the fish community predicting the yield and distribution of key charismatic species under different fishing and climate scenarios, iii) develop habitat suitability models (e.g. Maxent, Radom Forest, GAMs) for charismatic species (e.g. mussels, seagrass) supporting ecosystem functions (e.g. bioturbation, biofiltration). Sub-task 2.2.2. Commercial Fish and Shellfish (Lead: METU) The sub-task will support Descriptor 3 and 4 using coupled LTL models output from T2.1.2 and T2.2.2. For this, habitat suitability models (based on BIOCLIM), life cycle models based on Individual Based Models (e.g., OSMOSE) and and food web (EwE models) will be used to produce hindcasts and projections of key ecosystem components such as commercial fish stocks (e.g. sprat, turbot and anchovies), plankton, benthos (e.g. black mussel, the invasive Rapana Venosa and jellyfish) and key ecosystem functions (production, consumption, ecological efficiency and transfer). Sub-task 2.2.3. Eutrophication and water quality (Lead: ULiege) Centering around Descriptor 5, LTL models will be used to produce dynamic maps on the level of nutrients (nitrate, phosphate, silicate, ammonium), oxygen, water clarity and chl-a. Eutrophication indices developed in MSFD projects of Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey (see section 1.1 for details) will be simulated and delivered to WP4 for adaptive management scenarios. Sub-task 2.2.4. Marine Litter and noise (Lead: HCMR) Focusing at Descriptors 10 and 11 on marine litter and noise, Lagrangian particle drift models will be developed and coupled to a LTLs model to track the fate of macro-litter discharged by the Black Sea rivers and map the “hot-spot” of accumulation in connection with critical habitats (e.g. mussel beds and culture, fishes’ nurseries) and marine protected areas. Together with T5.2 it will establish a basis for better noise monitoring for the BSIMAP of Black Sea Commission and MSFD requirements.


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Task 2.3. Ecosystem services under interacting multistressors and Blue Growth Scenarios (Lead: CNR, Contributors: ULiege, METU, HCMR, DTU, IBER-BAS, IFREMER) M9-M42) This task will use the LTL simulations of the T2.1 and T2.2 and couple them to specific (e.g. redox, aquaculture, HTL) sub-models to run T1.4 Blue Growth scenarios at 10 years horizons on the environmental state and services. Runs as given in Table 2 will be specific to the sectors and services under focus for each pilot site (see Section 1 Pilot Sites, sectors in bold will be modelled in priority) and designed in WP1, WP6 and WP8 (D2.6). Sub-task 2.3.1. Pilot Sites service/sector specific scenario runs (Lead: HCMR, Co-lead: IBER-BAS) Pilot site specific downscaled regional and or 1D model runs (Table 2) will be made in this task addressing the selected services (Fig. 1.5) in each of the seven Pilot Sites, specific sectors and their effect on the specific Black Sea Dynamics. In close collaboration with the local coordinator of each Pilot Site, results of focused observations (WP5) will be used for further calibration of the regional model where needed. Based on the selected ecosystem services that will be taken as an input from WP1 and WP6 base model scenarios will be determined. The initial assessment of relevant ecosystem services in each Pilot Site are given in Fig 1.5. Services and sectors that will be addressed include (but not limited to): Services - Buffering of anoxia (RMS), climate regulation (RMS), food provisioning (PS), fish migration (PS), aquaculture including fish mariculture in certain sites (PS), habitat maintenance (RMS), water quality (CS), recreation (CS); Sectors - Renewable energy, Fisheries (including shellfish), tourism (linked to land-sea interaction, water quality, effect of jellyfish, cruise tourism), biotech (Rapana Venosa, phylophora algae), aquaculture including fish mariculture and shellfish aquaculture in certain sites, transport. Specific parametrizations due to sectoral activities that can be tested with BRIDGE-BS models may include (but are not limited to): sediment flows due to offshore wind farms introduction, eutrophication from aquaculture, introduction of of marine litter due to tourism, invasive species introduction due to transport and fishing impact on the achievement of the maximum sustainable yield, exploitation of species due to biotech. Sub task 2.3.2. Basin wide scenario runs and cumulative effects link to T4.2 (Lead: CNR, Co-lead: IFREMER) Overall effects of services and sectors defined to be important at the basin scale will be modelled and assessed and the cumulative effects will be linked to T4.2. Based on the BG scenarios new model runs will be made such as: Climate regulation: Carbon sequestration, GHG emission (e.g; N2O, CO2): The production and emission of GHG (CO2 and N2O), the amount of carbon exported to the deep sulfidic waters and buried in the north-western shelf sediments as well as basin wide benthic and water column denitrification will be quantified. The impact of the deoxygenation process (shoaling of the oxycline during the last 5 decades, reduced ventilation) combined with warming on the coupling between the carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles and possible rise of the sulfidic layer will be assessed. In particular, events of penetration of the sulfidic layer at the shelf break will be quantified. Food provisioning: Here the focus will be on food provisioning service indicators such as fish population sizes and catch. Mapping of the populations of the main commercial fishes under the BG scenarios (basin wide) will be produced using a variety of approaches from lagrangian, statistical, IBM (e.g. OSMOSE) to EwE modelling. This subtask will be tightly connected with subtask 2.3.1 and 2.2.2. Recreational services will be also assessed basin wide under the Blue Growth scenario of increasing tourism and transport: LTLs-model results will be combined with satellite SST and ocean colour (Sentinel) using machine learning in order to simulate the spatial and temporal occurrence of habitats with the potential for the occurrence of HABs blooms in the past (for the validation) and in the future under the 2.6 and 8.5 scenarios. Effect of potential invasive species introduction and sea and atmospheric pollution (parameterized through ship routes) effects due to transportation will also be assessed in a past and future climate. Additionally, changes in marine litter region of accumulation and in water transparency due to changes in SPM dynamics will be assessed. Deliverables D2.1 Report on forcing and boundary input metadata and models to be used in Pilot Sites and basin-wide (M6) D2.2 Simulation results of Black Sea ecosystem state under multistressors (M12) D2.3 GES indicators and SGD targets simulation results (M20) D2.4 Updated simulation results of Black Sea ecosystem state under multistressors (M36) D2.5 Updated GES indicators and SGD targets simulations results (M40) D2.6 Service dynamics under Blue Growth scenarios (M42) D2.7 Report on the quality assessment of the forecasting and hindcasting modelling system following community-agreed skill assessment best practices (M42)

WP No 3 Lead: SU / Co-lead: IBER-BAS Duration: 1-48 Title Resilience for a healthy Black Sea ecosystem Partner 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 18 22 27 29

Name METU IO-BAS

IBER-BAS

UkrSCES TSU GEO SIO-RAS

ULiege AUEB SU DTU TUBITAK IU SNU

PM 7 2.5 24.5 2 2 4.5 2 7 4 29 11 6 6 2


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Objectives The main objective is to assess the resilience of the Black Sea ecosystems, and identify the key functions that provide for sustainable ecosystem service (ES) production under different socio-ecological conditions. The main WP3 output is a holistic resilience assessment of the Black Sea ecosystems, as relevant for the key ES sustainability. Such assessment will identify ecosystem limits to stress and provide direct input for defining the safe operating space and planning adaptive management in WP4, as well as the designing of sustainable transition pathways for Blue Growth in NODE2 (WP6 in particular). To achieve this, WP3 will use a hierarchical resilience analysis framework to: • Test for pressure-state indicators that can be used to detect change in ecosystem functions and state affecting

the production of ecosystem services (ESs), and explore the link between multistressors and the ecosystem properties and functions that contribute towards maintaining a healthy and resilient ecosystem

• Map the resilience landscape of different Black Sea ecosystems, and proximity of current ecosystem state to potential tipping points where sufficient data is available

• Develop methods and tools to assess ecosystem resilience in data-poor systems • Use scenario studies to explore ecosystem resilience and recovery times in relation to different types of

perturbation and project future resilience landscapes Description of work Task 3.1. Dynamics of resilience (Lead: IBER-BAS, Contributions: SU, DTU, ULiege, IO-BAS, NIMRD, IBER-BAS, UkrSCES, TSU, GeoEcoMar, SIO-RAS, IEEN, IU, TUBITAK, SNU, TUDAV, SUMAE) (M1-M40) This task evaluates how ecosystem properties including environmental conditions, species and functional diversity, ecosystem structure and species interactions affect ecosystem resilience to multiple stressors (e.g., warming, hypoxia, acidification, overfishing), as relevant for sustainable production of key Black Sea ESs (food provisioning, carbon storage, clean waters, habitat maintenance). The first steps of integrated ecosystem assessment will be carried out in sub-task 3.1.1., which will test and select pressure-state indicators for resilience and study the interaction between stressors, ecosystem functions and states, both at basin scale and in Pilot Sites (PS) with sufficient data readiness (high or medium) as indicated by WP1. In sub-task 3.1.2., spatial data from WPs 1 and 2 is used to explore which environmental conditions and ecosystem functions either support, or hinder, the coexistence of different ESs. This task will provide weightings for how different stressors will affect ecosystem state, and hence the provision of different ESs, to WP4. (D3.1) Sub-task 3.1.1. Testing multistressors effects on ecosystem state and function (Lead: IBER-BAS) Methods of time-series analysis (e.g., Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Dynamic Factor Analysis (DFAs)) will be used to test the performance of existing pressure-state indicators for GES, using monitoring data (WP1) and hindcast model projections (WP2), in identifying changes in the states of Black Sea ecosystems. Indicators sensitive to changes in ecosystem and service state, are chosen to then explore the mechanisms of resilience, i.e., interactions between stressors, ecosystem functions and states, including potential thresholds, as relevant for ES production. At basin scale and in high-data readiness PSs (1-3), General Linear Models (GLM), non-additive modelling (general additive models (GAM) and threshold GAMs), artificial neural networks (ANNs) and deterministic ecosystem models (EwE) are used as appropriate. Network indicators of ecosystem functioning, health and resilience (e.g., keystones, mean trophic level, cycling, mutual information, ascendency) will be extracted from EwE models at basin scale and Pilot Sites. Sub-task 3.1.2. Multistressors effects on spatial dynamics in coastal habitats (Lead: ULiege) Where no long time-series are available or only little temporal variation in environmental variables is observed in the past, data maps (multistressors, habitats, species, ESs) produced in WP1 (T1.1) and WP2 (T2.1- 2.2) will be analysed (using e.g., GAMs, EOFs) to assess how gradients of anthropogenic and environmental pressures affect ecosystem state and key functions (identified in 3.1.1.), as relevant for resilience and production of ESs (e.g., habitat provisioning, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, filtering, food provisioning, tourism (HABs, clean waters)). In addition, where overlapping data layers for several ESs and multidrivers are available, spatial analysis (GIS) is used to identify environmental conditions under which certain ESs can be produced together (i.e., ES bundles), several ESs do not co-exist, or ES production is not supported. Together with output from CEA (WP4) this allows for preliminary identification of regions where there is potential for introducing new ESs sustainably, or regions where environmental conditions do not support production of certain ESs. Task 3.2. Resilience assessment (Lead: SU, Contributors: IBER-BAS, AUEB, DTU, ULiege, Pilot Sites) (M12-M48) This task will provide a holistic resilience assessment by combining quantitative and qualitative resilience analysis methods. Subtask 3.2.1 produces quantitative estimates of how far away Black Sea ecosystems currently are from potential tipping points. This information is crucial for estimating the safe operating space of social-ecological systems (WP4) and identifying ecosystem conditions that need to be preserved in order to realise sustainable Blue Growth (WPs 6-7). Fisheries is used as a primary case across PSs (where relevant) and Black Sea basin scale. Where sufficient data is available, also other ESs (e.g., carbon storage, water quality) are addressed as indicated relevant by local stakeholders (WP6), and where the data readiness is high (WP1). To complete the


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resilience assessment, in subtask 3.2.2 methods for analysing multistressor effects on ecosystem resilience in data-poor cases are developed and tested at Pilot Sites with low data availability. (D3.1, D3.2) Sub-task 3.2.1. Landscapes of resilience (Lead: SU) To evaluate how close the ecosystems are to a possible tipping point in relation to multistressors, folded stability landscapes of ecosystems are calculated, both, at basin scale and in PSs with high data readiness. This analysis uses as an input the selection of ES indicators (for fisheries and, e.g., carbon storage, water quality) extracted from monitoring data (WP1) and models (WP2) and the performance of which has been tested in subtask 3.1.1. A methods workshop is held for pilot site leads to facilitate knowledge exchange and analysis of local data. Sub-task 3.2.2. Developing methods for analysing ecosystem resilience in data-poor cases (Lead: SU) Several Pilot Sites are estimated to have medium, or even low, data readiness (PS4-7) meaning short time-series or single measurements. Even in PSs with high data readiness on ecosystem variables (PS1-3), socio-economical data on some essential ESs (partly defined in the Living Labs in WP 6) is sporadic and often of a qualitative nature. In this subtask a mixed methods approach is applied. A combination of methods using both quantitative and/or qualitative data (e.g., network analysis, Bayesian approaches, causal loop diagrams, stakeholder interviews) will be used to develop tools for resilience assessment in cases/locations where data is scarce. An example of a pilot case for testing data-poor methods is the M. galloprovincialis circalittoral reefs in the Western shelf (PS2) providing for commercial shellfishery, habitat and biodiversity, and a CO2 sink. Task 3.3. Resilience under future conditions (Lead: DTU, Contributors: SU, IBER-BAS, ULiege, AUEB, Pilot Sites) (M18-M48) Using input from medium (2040-horizon) and long-term (2100-horizon; basin scale) climate projections (rcp 2.6, 8.5) produced in WP2 and Blue Growth scenarios co-developed in WP1 and WP6. This task explores possible futures for ecosystem resilience and recovery (subtasks 3.3.1, 3.3.2), and hence potential for sustainable future production of ESs. The analysis is carried out at basin-scale and selected PSs. The output of this task will identify the ecosystem limits, future risks and potential for recovery translated into a useful format for Blue Growth (NODE2), and adaptive management (WP4) (subtask 3.3.3). (D3.3, D3.4) Sub-task 3.3.1. Resilience projections (Lead: DTU) Future ecosystem and ESs projections will be analysed for resilience using methods already applied and developed in Tasks 3.1 and 3.2. As an output this subtask produces future resilience landscapes based on simulated stressor and service data available (WP2). Data-poor methods developed in 3.1.3 will be applied where more qualitative future scenarios are available (e.g., as output of Living Labs in WP6) to analyse future resilience trajectories of ESs in PSs with low data readiness. This task is carried out in close collaboration with WP4 providing output to T4.3. Sub-task 3.3.2. Ecosystem recovery (Lead: IBER-BAS) Estimating ecosystem recovery times from perturbation provides crucial information about ES vulnerability to multistressors, and how fast ecosystems can be expected to respond to planned management actions (WP4). In this subtask, HTL deterministic food web models (EwE) will be used to study ecosystems’ potential to recovery after disturbances of different types (pulse, long-term, catastrophic) and under different management regimes (e.g., climate, fisheries, GES) at basin level and in selected PSs (Varna, Constanza, Odessa and Sinop). Sub-task 3.3.3. Ecosystem limits for sustainable Blue Growth (Lead: SU) In this subtask the output of resilience analysis under different future scenarios (subtasks 3.3.1, 3.3.2) will be translated into a format useful for Living Labs in a joint workshop with WP6. Deliverables D3.1 Report on the interactions between multiple stressors and indicators of resilience (M32) D3.2 Resilience assessment of Black Sea ecosystems (M36) D3.3 Report on future projections of Black Sea resilience and recovery potential (M40) D3.4 Outreach material on future ecosystem limits for Blue Growth (M40)

WP No 4 Lead: CNR / Co-lead: GeoEcoMar Duration: 1-44 Title Adaptive Management Partner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Name METU IO-BAS NIMRD IBER-BAS UkrSCES TSU GEO SIO-RAS ICBSS

PM 13 3 5 6 5.5 6 10.5 5.5 2

Partner 10 11 12 13 14 18 22 33

Name HCMR CNR ULiege AUEB SU DTU TUBITAK RTU

PM 2.5 32 2 1.5 1 14 5 10

Objectives WP4 will develop multistressor multi-service adaptive management strategies at basin and selected Pilot scales to boost sustainable Blue Growth (BG), limit human impacts on Black Sea state, preserving its core ecosystem services (ES) by maintaining a safe operating space. Specific activities include: • developing and applying risk-based assessment and Decision Support Tools (DST) to identify the key


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environmental vulnerabilities and pressure-impact linkage chains relative to multistressors • estimating the cumulative impacts and risks on Black Sea state and core ES considering future scenarios and

management decisions; • developing adaptive management strategies to underpin sustainable BG in the Black Sea; • providing tools and knowledge supporting training and capacity building. Task 4.1. Develop a Machine Learning (ML) based integrated risk-based assessment framework (Lead: DTU, contributor: METU, ULiege, one partner per Country/Pilot Site (TK/PS 1-6: METU/TUBITAK; BU/PS2: IBER/IO-BAS; RO/PS3: GeoEcoMar; UK/PS4: UkrSCES; GE/PS5: TSU; RU/PS7: SIO-RAS).– M1-M40) This Task will construct a Bayesian Network (BN) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN, supervised mode) framework for a risk based DST employing data on service specific stressors, MSFD indicators and services from the Pilot Sites. The BN and ANN will be based on ML networks using a) time series of observational data from Pilot Sites (WP1) b) simulated time series generated by predictive mechanistic tools developed in WP2 and c) a hybrid approach whereby data gaps (WP1) will be filled with scaled outputs from WP2. It is anticipated that in some Pilot Sites insufficient data will be available to train the ML tools and hence the hybrid approach will be used to overcome this problem. This framework will be employed in Subtasks 4.1.1, 4.1.2 and 4.1.3 to describe probabilistic relationships both among multistressors and multiple services while representing and understanding the cause-and-effect relationships between them. Delivers D4.1, D4.3. Sub-task 4.1.1. Implement a prototype supervised BN, ANN framework as an integrated risk-based assessment tool (Lead: DTU) BN, supervised ANNs (and mechanistic model results) will be used to predict service state-response dynamics at a data rich pilot site using existing time series (WP1 and simulated data WP2). Inputs will include indicators and multistressor drivers identified in MSFD, MSPD, CFP, SDG14, Bucharest Convention with input data from WPs 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. Here, the sub-task will use previously (WP1-6) defined individual and multistressor scenarios as well as additional scenarios identified by stakeholders as impacting ecosystem service dynamics in WP6 (T6.1 -T6.2), and WP8 (T8.1). Sub-task 4.1.2. Establishment of Basin and Pilot site DSTs to assess vulnerabilities and pressure-impact linkage chains (Lead: DTU Co-lead METU) The ANN BN integrated risk-based assessment tools developed in Subtask 4.1.1 will be implemented in all Pilot Sites and over the basin scale following the approach outlined in Task 4.1 to identify the key vulnerabilities and pressure-response linkage chains for the development of management advice and in consultation with stakeholders (WP6 T6.1 and T6.2, and WP8 T8.1). This analysis will be combined with that performed by the predictive mechanistic tools developed in WP2 and WP3 in order to reach a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between pressures impacts and services. Contributes to T4.3. Sub-task 4.1.3. Future states, developing early warning systems (Lead: METU) Climate extremes and geohazards (e.g. marine heatwaves, sulphide outbreaks, sudden changes in circulation) have major impacts on marine ecosystems and human communities. The DST will be applied to assess these hazards based on the future projections forced by BRIDGE-BS future climate and Blue Growth scenarios. The DST will utilize simulated time series (of indicators and multistressors drivers, i.e., MSFD, MSPD, CFP, SDG14, Bucharest Convention) generated by predictive mechanistic tools developed in WP2, as well as incorporating expert knowledge from relevant stakeholders (WP6 T6.1 and T6.2, WP8 T8.1), and will be developed using existing seasonal-to-decadal forecast systems (e.g. Copernicus Climate Change Service, WCRP Decadal Prediction Project) and via clustering with other projects funded in H2020. Contributes to Task 4.3, Task 4.2. Develop and implement a Geospatial Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) tool (Lead: CNR, contributor: GeoEcoMar, ULiege, one partner per Country and Pilot Area (TK/PAs 1-6: METU/TUBITAK; BU/PS2: IBER/IO-BAS; RO/PS3: GeoEcoMar; UK/PS4: UkrSCES; GE/PS5: TSU; RU/PS7: SIO-RAS), M12-M42) This task will implement a Geospatial Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) tool, based on the open source Tools4MSP modelling framework to define hotspots of cumulative stressor impacts on core ES in the Black Sea in order to generate adaptive management strategies. The activity will capitalize on input data and information from WPs 1,2,3,6,8. It will inform 4.3,7.2,8.2,8.3,9.1,9.2, and support 6.1 (especially workshop 3). (D4.2, D4.4) Sub-task 4.2.1. Establishment of CEA and assessment of cumulative effects of natural and anthropogenic pressures (Lead: CNR) The Cumulative Effect Assessment (CEA) model, to support Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP), will be applied to quantify spatially explicit driver-pressure-impact chains at the scale of the Black Sea basin and at selected PS scale. The tool will employ data from WP1, 5, and modeling outputs from WP2 (T2.2 and T2.3) and WP3. Spatially explicit pressure-effect sensitivities at different level of biological organization (i.e. species, habitat, ecosystem) will be generated based on maps of stressors from (T2.2 and T2.3). Link with core ES maps (T2.3) will be explicit and a risk-based approach applied to derive a risk score for ES delivery, accessibility and quality. An uncertainty analysis, along with a knowledge-gaps analysis, will be performed. Explicit connection with MSFD pressures and GES/Target indicators will be ensured, complementing T2.4 results. Results will be shared with stakeholders through WP6 (T6.1) and WP8 (T8.1 and T8.2), in connection with task 4.2.2. Sub-task 4.2.2. CEA-based analysis of future scenarios with changing natural and anthropogenic pressures


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(Lead: GeoEcoMar) CEA-based scenario analysis based on CC and BG future scenarios defined in WP6 (T6.2) and integrating results from T4.1, WP2 (T2.2 and T2.3.), and WP3, and inputs from stakeholders’ interaction at Black Sea and Pilot Site scale (WP6 T6.1 and WP8 T8.1). Future projections and trends of both single and multiple human activities’ derived pressures and CC combined cumulative effects on core ES delivery, accessibility and quality will be provided. The incorporation of different human use’s management measures will be tested against forecast projections to inform ecosystem-based management and policy recommendations (task 4.3), along with Subtask 4.1.3. Links with T6.1 (3rd workshop), T7.1 and T7.2, T8.2 and T8.3). Task 4.3. Recommendations for adaptive management, planning and policy implementation (Lead: GeoEcoMar, Contributors: CNR, , METU, DTU, ULiege , AUEB, SU, ICBSS, one partner per Country / Pilot Area (TK/PSs 1-6: METU/TUBITAK; BU/PS2: IBER/IO-BAS; RO/PS3: GeoEcoMar; UK/PS4: UkrSCES; GE/PS5: TSU; RU/PS7: SIO-RAS, RTU MIREA – M30-M44) Recommendations for adaptive management, planning, policy, and knowledge implementation to tackle main risks and ensure sustainable exploitation of resources will be identified based on DST outputs of T4.1-T4.2. The benefits and tradeoffs of competing or complementary service utilization will be presented to stakeholders (WP6, T6.1; WP7 T7.2; WP8, T8.2). Recommendations will be: i) area-based (i.e. Black Sea and selected PSs); ii) core ES-based taking into consideration T6.3 results; iii) based on different Blue Growth opportunities and scenarios for riparian countries and main blue economy sectors (WP6, T6.2). Management recommendations will be proposed targeting the above areas/frameworks, with both national and transboundary dimension and relevance and impact on policy implementation and planning (e.g., MSFD, MSP, CFP, SDG14, Bucharest Convention). They will contribute to policy-making in research, innovation and technology and enhancing science-policy dialogue, and will inform ongoing and future MSP processes. Their potential to trigger and sustain business opportunities, as the mechanisms and actors for a concrete deployment and exploitation (i.e. Blue Growth Incubators), will be jointly discussed with WP6, WP7 and WP8, and delivered in the framework of WP9 (Task 9.1 and 9.2). (D4.5). Deliverables D4.1 Report on the prototype supervised BN ANN frameworks as an integrated risk-based assessment tool. (M18) D4.2 Geospatial Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) tool: explanatory assessment. (M24) D4.3 Report on the future vulnerabilities and pressure-impact linkage chains at the scale of the Black Sea basin and Pilot Sites to support adaptive management and transition pathways. (M40). D4.4 Report on the Geospatial Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) tool: Assessment of future cumulative impacts on core ES delivery, accessibility and quality through scenario-based analysis of CC and BG (M40) D4.5 Report based on DST guidelines and recommendations for adaptive management, planning and policy implementation. (M44)

WP No 5 Lead: METU / Co-lead: IO-BAS Duration: 1-42 Title Smart observations and technologies for tackling multistressors, boosting innovation and

supporting monitoring Partner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11

Name METU IO-BAS NIMRD IBER-BAS UkrSCES TSU GEO SIO-RAS

HCMR CNR

PM 13.5 13.5 8 9 7.5 11 7 10 20 1

Partner 12 17 18 22 25 26 27 29 31

Name ULiege IEEN DTU TUBITAK SUMAE TUDAV IU SNU IFREMER

PM 1.5 10 3 13.5 6 15 9.5 12.5 6

Objectives: WP5 aims to provide new process knowledge to assess and predict the impacts of multistressors on the Black Sea ecosystem resilience and ecosystem services, boost innovation potential and develop a multistressors-based, Black Sea tailored observing/early warning system component”. Specific objectives will be: • Provide new process knowledge on service dynamics at BRIDGE-BS Pilot Sites to support NODE1 modeling,

resilence and DST activities • Execute basin wide process-oriented synoptic R/V expeditions to improve process understanding of stressor

and service interactions in relation to physical and biogeochemical redox processes • Advance tailored applications of new cost-effective tools for understanding of ecosystem functioning and rapid

biodiversity assessments of high innovation potential • Advance Black Sea multistressor monitoring capabilities via the development of tailored, cost-effective

sensors in support of policy implementation and early warning for citizens Description of work: This WP will focus on providing state of the art monitoring and process data on the key indicators and services identified in Node 1. Outputs of this WP will be key new knowledge of Black Sea specific features for service mapping including advanced molecular and acoustical techniques for rapid biodiversity and biomass monitoring, integrated electrochemical, microfluidic sensor and AI-based prototype technologies for


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potential Blue Growth opportunities in the BRIDGE-BS accelerator program. Task 5.1. Ecosystem Service Dynamics: Observations and Process Understanding (Lead: IBER-BAS, Contributors: METU, CNR, HCMR, IFREMER, DTU, ULiege, IU, TUBITAK, TUDAV, IO-BAS, IBER-BAS, GeoEcoMar, NIMRD, UkrSCES, IEEN, SIO-RAS, TSU, SUMAE, SNU.) (M1-M32) This task will primarily include multidisciplinary, process-oriented ship-based and remote-sensing marine smart observation targeting knowledge gaps on multistressors and Black Sea specific features as defined in the SRIA. Both basin-wide expeditions as well as process-based studies at the seven Pilot Sites will be supported to fill in these knowledge gaps. Particular emphasis will be given to land-sea coupling, inputs from the atmosphere and mesoscale vertical and lateral exchanges as these processes impact multistressors dynamics and hence their future impact on Black Sea ecosystem resilience. (D5.1, D5.3) Sub-task 5.1.1. Pilot Sites Multistressors Observations (Lead: NIMRD) This sub-task will focus on selected ecosystem services in each of the seven Pilot Sites. The observations at the Pilot Sites will be locally coordinated by a BRIDGE-BS partner with an established base. Here, emerging gaps and selected ecosystem services will be taken as an input from WP1 and focused observation activities will be deployed building on the Pilot Site leader's ongoing time-series observing activities. Key outputs will be given to WP3, 4 in assessing the service state and resilience. WP2 will use them for model validation. Advanced, existing tools will be used in Pilot Sites. In connection to T3.2, this task will also develop and implement innovative methods for the evaluation of the current state of key Black Sea benthic coastal ecosystems (e.g. macroalgal communities, seagrasses and mussel beds, bare sediments) in the selected Pilot Sites. Photo/video non-destructive sampling coupled with multiparameter sensor data, habitat modelling, and spatial data integration in GIS will be used to achive best results. A key result will be the update of our understanding of processes under cumulative multiple pressures, considering functional biodiversity and food-web interactions. input from T1.1.1 and new data to 1.1.1 and BRIDGE-BS Portal T1.2. Involved PS: All Pilot Sites with specific observation activities tailored for the chosen service T1.1. Sub-task 5.1.2. Boundary Inputs (Leads METU and IEEN) Constraining land-sea and atmospheric inputs as well as maritime activities will be a main target of this task. In collaboration with WP1, this task will fill urgent gaps in the nutrient and pollutant budgets of Black Sea's boundaries. This sub-task particularly aims to reduce uncertainty in input from aquatic boundaries: Bosporus plume and river inputs, provide atmospheric and maritime inputs in selected Pilot Sites. Work will involve smart quantification of boundary exchanges - rivers, atmosphere, including maritime inputs. Linked to T1.1.3. Involved PS: 1, 4, 6 Sub-task 5.1.3. Observing System (Simulation) Experiments Leads: ULiege and IO-BAS) and demonstration of a new observing system component towards monitoring of multistressors in connection with ARGO, EMSO, CMEMS. Observing system experiments will include the integration of existing infrastructures remote sensing (Sentinel 2 and 3), bio Euro-ARGO floats (fixed position systems) in order to deliver recommendations for future observing systems. Involved PS: 2 and 3 Task 5.2. New in situ process information on the redox interface of the Black Sea basin (Leads: METU, Co-lead: GeoEcoMar, Contributors: CNR, HCMR, IFREMER, DTU, ULiege, IU, TUBITAK, TUDAV, IO-BAS, IBER-BAS, NIMRD, UkrSCES, SIO-RAS, TSU, SUMAE, SNU) (M6-M26) This will be done with basin wide expeditions to provide key observational and experimental data. The cruises will build on Black Sea Experiments (FP7 PERSEUS project) and METU, GeoEcoMar, IO-BAS, SIO-RAS will carry out the cruises together with other Black Sea Institutes. Two joint cruises with multiple legs, with Consortium members are envisaged in the spring and winter of 2022. These cruises will target new data and contribute to (D5.1, D5.2, D5.3): Sub-task 5.2.1. Vertical and lateral redistribution of nutrients (Lead: GeoEcoMar). Basin interior vertical and lateral exchanges and mesoscale features (CIL, fronts, eddies, upwelling) and their roles in redox-dependent nutrient fluxes will be investigated. Silicate dynamics will also be studied due to its critical role in regulating the overall ecosystem processes in the Black Sea. With input from T5.1 and links and integrates all PS observations. Sub-task 5.2.2. Redox biogeochemistry (Lead: METU). New in situ and on-board measurements of redox dependent cycles of iron, manganese, sulfur and oxgen and nitrogen species across the oxic-suboxic-sulfidic interface. This will give input to WP2 T2.3.1 towards improving the 1D model representation of key services such as buffering against anoxia (the oxic-anoxic interface of the Black Sea), carbon sequestration. redox dependent metal and N cycling and 1D carbon cycle and acidification representation in the models that will be used to assess ecosystem services. Tools developed in T5.4 will be used (in situ voltammetry and pH sensors). Task 5.3. Smart observations for boosting innovation in monitoring and Blue Growth (Lead: IO-BAS, Contributors: METU, IBER-BAS, NIMRD, UkrSCES, TSU, HCMR, TUBITAK, SNU, TUDAV, SUMAE) (M4-M40) The task will advance Black Sea tailored technologies for the cost-effective surveys of biodiversity and demonstration of biotech potential. Smart observations will be used (e.g., e-DNA for fisheries and paleo-environment; acoustics for mammals) in key habitats influencing ecosystem service dynamics (climate services-carbon sequestration, tourism-preservation of cultural heritage-coastal water quality etc.) and food provisioning (fish stock dynamics). The outputs will used in WPs 6, 7 and 8 towards creating management options, business


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opportunities and policy options. High data readiness PSs will be used for testing. (D5.4, D5.5) Sub-task 5.3.1. Benthic and pelagic e-DNA (Leads: HCMR, IO-BAS) for overall biodiversity assessments (selected Pilot Sites) Application of “Next-generation” smart observations for environmental monitoring and fish stocks assessments in the Black Sea based on eDNA analyses (non-invasive genomic-based approaches); an integrated observing system (“next-generation” molecular technique, Cytosence flouorometry, remote sensing) to study the relationships between phytoplankton biodiversity, HABs development and toxicity. Benthic e-dna to evaluate rapid methods of biodiversity shifts from sediment cores. Involved PS: PS2 Sub-task 5.3.2. Microbial diversity supporting biotechnology (Leads: TUBITAK, METU) The biotech potential of Black Sea for high-value products will be screened through 16S and whole genome sequencing (selected samples). Functional genes of enzymes indicative of blue biotech functions in unique Black Sea oxic-anoxic interfaces will be surveyed. Potential functional enzyme groups will include those take part Black Sea-unique processes such as sulphide oxidation and detoxification, sulphate reduction, anammox and denitrification will be surveyed in water column and sediment samples that will be obtained during the basin-wide expeditions of Sub Task 5.1.3 and in one selected Pilot Site, selected after the screening of the past data from WP1. Involved PS: PS1 Sub-task 5.3.3. Acoustics/noise monitoring (Leads: TUDAV, IBER-BAS) For observations for noise to be used for assessment of megafauna in the Bosporus Site. Acoustical monitoring techniques will be further tested and refined in a selected area for the tailoring of this technology for a future Black Sea regular monitoring in support of MSFD and Bucharest Convention implementation. Involved PS: PS1 and basin wide during T5.2 actions. Sub-Task 5.3.4 Radioactivity monitoring (Lead: HCMR) Using smart observation tools will support services for the seawater quality and/or for the investigation of oceanographic processes (e.g. land-sea interaction) in a selected Pilot Site using key radio-tracers (137Cs, 222Rn, 226Ra, 7Be). The smart observation tool for marine radioactivity will provide key information for the trends of any potential pollution (due to industrial operations) and subsequently will support MSFD implementation though the assessment tools. Task 5.4. Advancing multistressors monitoring and integration towards innovative demonstrators (Leads: METU/IFREMER, Contributors: IO-BAS, NIMRD, IBER-BAS, UkrSCES, TSU, GeoEcoMar, HCMR, IEEN, DTU, IU, SNU, TUDAV, SUMAE) (M6-M42) (D5.6, D5.7, D5.8) Sub-task 5.4.1. Testing of new biogeochemical sensors for multistressors monitoring and assessment in selected Pilot Sites (Lead: IFREMER) Selection of a set of lowTRL sensors for multistressors relevant to Black Sea and testing in Pilot Sites towards TRL increase. Currently available systems from the partners include a novel microfluidic pH sensor (IFREMER) and an in-situ voltammetry for simultaneous detection of oxygen, iron, manganese and sulphide (METU), Sea trials at basin-wide cruises and selected Pilot Sites, and evaluation of market opportunities as a part and beyond a future observing system, to give feedback to 5.3.3 early warning systems will be outputs of this WP. Involved PS: 1, 2, 3 Sub-task 5.4.2. Demonstrator for underwater heritage experience (Leads: METU/TUDAV) The sub-task will integrate Industry 4.0 technologies (artificial Intelligence, internet of things, imaging, water quality sensors etc.) at two Pilot Site using AI-based imaging in coastal waters for underwater heritage. Involved PS: 3, 7 Sub-Task 5.4.3. First step for a multistressors early warning system (Leads: METU, HCMR, IO-BAS, DTU) We will be integrating sensors, imaging and wireless communications and big data analysis towards an early warning system demonstrator for certain multistressors threats such as deoxygenation/sulphide, invasive species or radioactivity. Electrochemical smart and “off the shelf” sensors as well as an underwater imaging system based on Time of Flight Laser cameras combined to machine learning algorithm allowing autonomous early detection of jellyfish species will be used for the integrated demonstrator. For the underwater radioactivity sensor, the data will be analysed in automated way developing machine learning methods to identify warning signals (in case of an event) of any potential pollution. The sensors will incorporate a smart algorithm that will provide analysed data (without end-user analysis) and will set up automatically the sensor operation mode. Auto-learning processes will be developed to save power achieving long term operation avoiding regular visits to the observation station. Deliverables D5.1 First report on integrated field datasets (Pilot Sites and Basin wide) and measurements for atmospheric and aquatic boundary inputs (output to WP1 BRIDGE-BS Portal and WP2/3 for model/analysis validation) (M18) D5.2 Updated process descriptions of redox interfaces, biogeochemical processes (M28) D5.3 Second updated report of Integrated field datasets, curated and developed as per EU data standards, enhanced with specific data new parametrizations for 1D models supporting services assessment and resilience (input for WP3 and WP6) (M32) D5.4 Report on assessment of different biodiversity methods and observations, cost-effectiveness and market scalability (as an input to WP7 for innovative potential and WP8 monitoring policies) (M32) D5.5 Black Sea microbial biotech potential demonstrator assessment and innovation report (M36) D5.6 Report integrating test results and also TRL analyses on new potential sensors for Black Sea (M36) D5.7 Description of the state of art multistressors early warning system demonstrator (M42)


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D5.8 Description of the state of art for the cultural heritage observation demonstrator (M42)

WP No

6 Lead: AUEB / Co-lead: TEPAV Duration: 1-44

Title Socio-economics and social innovations Partner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 Name METU IO-BAS NIMRD IBER-

BAS UkrSCES TSU GEO SIO-RAS ICBSS CNR ULiege AUEB

PM 3 5 6 3 3.5 7.5 3.5 6 1 2 0.5 31 Partner 14 15 17 18 20 22 24 26 27 29 32 33 Name SU CETM

AR IEEN DTU SML TUBITAK TEPAV TUDAV IU SNU CHX RTU

PM 2.5 1.5 4 1 1 3 31 5 4 6 1,5 8 Objectives: WP6 will aim to analyze how multi stressors and their consequences on the marine and coastal ecosystems affect local communities. In particular how changing service dynamics in the short term will affect blue economy sectors, and how social, economic and technological innovations could foster Blue Growth in the Black Sea. Coupled with socio-economic analysis, and following a holistic system innovation approach, activities will improve the understanding of local socio-economic challenges and future trends, co-identify eco-innovations and co-create participative development scenarios. The specific objectives of this WP are: • Identify local opportunities and challenges, need and priorities in a holistic perspective • Make a socio-economic impact assessment of multistressors on Black Sea ecosystems • Value the key ecosystem services to provide targeted management recommendations • Identify eco-innovations, and economic, social and governance instruments for Blue Growth • Engage local communities in a co-design process of transformative pathways towards blue economy Description of work Task 6.1. Local stakeholder engagement in Living Labs (Lead: AUEB, Contributors: TEPAV, DTU, SML, CNR, SU, ICBSS, CETMAR, IU, TUBITAK, TUDAV, IO-BAS, METU, IBER-BAS, GeoEcoMar, NIMRD, UKRSCES, SIO RAS, TSU, SNU) (M01- M44) In close collaboration with local partners from Pilot Sites, and lead partners from WP4, WP6, WP7, and WP8 will lead the local stakeholders’ engagement (involving industries, local authorities and civil society) in the Black Sea countries through Living Labs. The Living Labs will create a bridge between scientific and business communities, public and private actors, a) to design and facilitate the implementation of innovative eco-solutions for Blue Growth in the Black Sea b) raise awareness on the role of multistressors on ecosystem services and c) enhance vertical policy coherence. (D6.1 and D6.5) Sub-task 6.1.1. Living Labs definition and support (Lead: AEUB) Living Labs refer to “physical regions or virtual realities, or interaction spaces, in which stakeholders form public–private–people partnerships (4Ps) of companies, public agencies, universities, users, and other stakeholders, all collaborating for creation, prototyping, validating, and testing of new technologies, services, products, and systems in real-life contexts” (Leminen, 2013). The lead partners will coordinate and support the implementation of 7 Living Labs with the Pilot site leaders) in each of the BRIDGE-BS pilot site areas (Bosphorus and Sinop in Turkey, Varna/Burgas in Bulgaria, Constanta in Romania, Odessa in Ukraine, Gelendhzik in Russia and Batumi in Georgia). A stakeholders’ mapping at case study level, feeding the WP10 Black Sea Helix database, will be performed, to identify relevant stakeholders for the blue economy. The lead Pilot study partner will provide training sessions to local partners, online and face to face, for each activity implemented within the Living Labs (use of system innovations tools, decision support tools, system mapping, role play). Methodological guidelines, and relevant supporting materials will be given to ensure the success of stakeholders’ engagement and the consistency of results between the Living Labs. Exchange of knowledge and experiences between Living Labs will be favored via regular online meeting and linked to, and benefit from, Black Sea CONNECT CSA and other initiatives in the region. Sub-task 6.1.2. Living Lab implementation and coordination (Lead: AEUB) The Living Labs will be organized via 3 workshops in support of WP3, WP7 and WP6 tasks while benefiting from knowledge accumulated within WP1-2-3-4-5 The workshops will provide recommendations to policy (WP8): Workshops will occur in Month 06: as a starting point of a learning loop based on science-policy-industry knowledge exchange on ecosystem services and multistressors in the Black Sea (supporting tT3.2,3.3;4.1; 6.3) In Month 18: focusing on risk, innovations and co-creation of future scenarios (supporting tasks 6.4,7.2;4.2) In Month 32: co-development of Blue Growth transformative pathways (supporting tasks 3.4; 6.3;8.2) Task 6.2. Socio-economic scenarios (Lead: TEPAV Contributors: AUEB, ICBSS, CETMAR, METU local partners: IU, TUBITAK, TUDAV, IO-BAS, IBER-BAS, NIMRD, GeoEcoMar, UKRSCES, SIO-RAS, TSU, SNU) (M01-M32) Following the methodology developed in the FP7 GLOBAQUA project, Task 6.2 will build socio-economic scenarios integrating qualitative and quantitative data at country level based on the Climate Change IPCCs scenarios and Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs) to capture the main socio economic uncertainties


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(downscaling scenarios) (e.g. demographic factors, economic growth and sectoral composition (e.g. marine uses), changes in the social values and policy drivers (in relation to globalisation), natural and climate conditions and environment, coastal and maritime policies likely to affect Black Sea’s ecosystems and the development of the blue economy. The socio-economic scenarios will be presented to local stakeholders’ in the Living Lab through a co-designed process (Task 6.1) and feed WP3 and WP4, WP7, WP8. (D6.2) Sub-task 6.2.1. Data Collection (Lead: TEPAV) This subtask will collect relevant data and studies at local (pilot site) to national level on: demography, economic growth and policies. Furthermore, information on climate and social factors (IPCC and Shared Socio-economic pathways), taking into consideration local stakeholders’ knowledge (Living Lab, workshop 1) will be used for forecasting socio-economic scenarios at national level, and used to assess the impacts of present and future multistressors on coastal and marine ecosystems. Data collected will populate the Blue Economy Observatories dataset (T1.4). Sub-task 6.2.2. Scenario development (Lead: AUEB) Model development and quantitative analysis will be performed using advanced regression techniques to forecast future sectoral trends. The action will also include a validation process to detect potential statistical errors such as multicollinearity. The quantitative analysis will be combined with qualitative analysis of the shared socio-economic pathways (considering different possible futures), and information gathered in the Living Labs (local stakeholders’ knowledge) used to provide the full picture of future socio-economic trends affecting the blue economy and related multistressors to impact ecosystem services. The initial results will be subjected to experts for judgement and for validation purpose and revised if necessary based on expert advice. Task 6.3. Valuation of ecosystem services (Lead: AUEB, Contributors: TEPAV, IU, TUBITAK, TUDAV, IO-BAS, IBER-BAS, NIMRD, GeoEcoMar, UkrSCES, ICBSS, CETMAR, SIO-RAS, TSU, SNU, ULiege, SU, CETMAR, SML, METU) (M2-37) This task will focus on key marine ecosystem services at Pilot Sites level, as defined based on scientific knowledge and exchange with local stakeholders (T6.1). Total Economic Value (TEV) of ecosystem services will be quantified using state-of-the-art economic valuation methods. These will follow a mixed but complementary set of methodologies of social survey (choice experiment), identified preferences and benefit transfer. Particular attention will be put on underwater cultural heritage and the effects of future change, highlighting the cost-benefits of preserving the unique Black Sea cultural services. Integrated with WP5 hi-tech observations, the outputs will reveal potential blue opportunities. This task will cross-reference data provided by WP1, WP3 and WP 4 giving knowledge on ecosystem functioning, services and current status (T2.3) and policies. The outputs of the valuation exercise will provide to policy makers (in WP8 in Task 8.2) and a clear picture of synergies and trade-offs related to specific ecosystem management measures, while revealing potential blue opportunities (willingness-to-pay of stakeholders) feeding WP7. (D6.3) Task 6.4. Transformative pathways for Blue Growth (Lead: AUEB, Contributors: IU, IO-BAS, IBER-BAS, NIMRD, GeoEcoMar, UKRSCES, SIO RAS, TSU, SNU; DTU, SML, SU, CNR, METU, TEPAV) (M26-42) Sub-task 6.4.1. Inventory of Blue Growth transformative pathways (Lead: AEUB) A worldwide inventory research will be conducted in order to identify successful transformative pathways for the blue economy and benefits from lessons learned. Sub-task 6.4.2. Development of transformative pathways for Blue Growth in the Black Sea (Lead AEUB) Following stakeholders visions (Task 6.1) and the identification of future ecosystems status to be reached (WP3), transformative pathways at regional and/or sub-regional level will be developed, including i) economic and governance instruments to be used, ii) social, technological and industrial innovations to be implemented (task 7.2) and iii) individual and collective actions to be taken; these major agents of change will provide a pathway for a sustainable Black Sea region, contributing to the SRIA's vision, and a guideline for effective implementation of existing Blue Growth strategies (e.g. Common Maritime Agenda, SRIA). Combine with the identification of adaptive management (T4.2), it will provide policy recommendations (T4.3) to policy makers (T8.2). (D6.4) Deliverables D6.1 Methodological report for the implementation of Living Labs for Blue Growth (stakeholder mapping and methodology followed for the implementation of the Living Labs in the Black Sea countries) (M13) D6.2 Report on Socio-economic scenarios at country level (M28) D6.3 Report on Valuation of ecosystem services: including policy recommendations (M37) D6.4 Report on Transformative pathways for Blue Growth (M42) D6.5 Living Labs report: Post-training workshops report describing the participative approach implemented to foster Blue Growth in the Black Sea and including practical impacts of the Living Labs on local stakeholders as well as lesson learned and recommendations for replicability and post-project continuity. (M44)


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WP No 7 Lead: DTU / Co-lead: SML Duration: 1-48 Title Accelerating ‘Industry 4.0’ business models Partner 1 3 6 7 9 11 13 18 19 20 21 26 30

Name METU UkrSCES TSU GEO ICBSS CNR AUEB DTU BSEC SML CPMR MCB TEPAV

PM 7.5 3 7 5 4 4.5 6 20 9.5 25.5 1 21 6

Objectives WP7 will demonstrate an accelerator platform to boost ocean digitalization and innovative industry 4.0 business models towards sustainable Blue Growth in the Black Sea • Enable innovation across industry, investors and academia building upon previous experiences and

overcoming fragmentation in the Black Sea; • Identify innovative and sustainable viable business models for the blue economy in areas with high societal

and ecosystem value and in line with the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive • Accelerate the uptake of innovative 4.0 services and technologies, as developed and identified in the project

(WP1,2,5,6), by promoting greater dialogue between innovative businesses, private investors and the broader research community in the Black Sea

• Deliver a roadmap to identify present opportunities for technology and knowledge transfer pathways towards ocean industry 4.0

Description of work Task 7.1. Blue Economy High Tech 4 Black Sea (BE-HT4BS) Summit (Lead: MCB, Contributors: DTU, SML, MCB, BSEC, METU, GeoEcoMar, SUMAE, TEPAV, TSU, UkrCSES, ICBSS, AUEB, CNR, HCMR – Accelerator Panel) (M1-M32) This task will establish a large research-based Black Sea forum on ocean digitalization and Industry 4.0 across academia, research organizations, investors, industry and society at large. Two dedicated events (High-Tech Black Sea Summit) will be organised creating a supportive environment for companies, start-ups, organisations and universities to exchange, present and discuss their latest technological developments, debate the most recent discoveries, participate in matchmaking events, and generate business ideas. Both technology providers and technology users will be invited to participate. International practitioners will be also invited to illustrate the potentials of Industry 4.0 business models for innovation in the blue economy across other sea basins. The format of the summit will build on the experience gained from the DTU High Tech summit (leader of the WP) and include exhibitors stands, plenary conferences, dedicated workshops for students and practitioners, matchmaking sessions, etc. The aim of the BE-HT4BS summit is to provide a meeting point for industry and research to generate and incubate ideas for future blue economy innovative service, potentially across the various relevant economic activities for the Black Sea (ocean big data; nature-based solutions; fishing technologies for sustainable resource use; pollution monitoring for green shipping and green port activities; innovative food and use of marine resources). Examples of relevant sessions in the summit are: Big data and artificial intelligence, ocean entrepreneurship, internet of things, marine robotics, smart sensors, zero-emission waterborne transport, green and digital maritime industry and infrastructure, sustainable food. This task will benefit from the regional interactions with the Living Labs in WP6, technology development in WP5 and will link with policymakers and the broader community of local stakeholders in WP8. Main output: The forum itself and a brief report contributing to D7.3 on main outcomes and areas of innovation potentials for 4.0 business models; Main input: The outputs from WP6 in the first round of local Living Lab (setting the scene), as well as individual expertise of participants and the concrete example selected to showcase in the forum (from WPs 1 -5). Task 7.2. Identify business models for healthy and resilient Black Sea ecosystem (Lead: SML, Contributors: AUEB, TSU, MCB, BSEC, METU, DTU, GeoEcoMar, SUMAE, TEPAV, UkrCSES – selected international associated partners, Accelerator Panel) (M3-M36) Building on the results of T7.1 and based on direct input from WP1, 2, 3, 5, 6 (as discussed in the second Living Lab planned under WP6), this task will discuss, identify and short-list a number of innovative, sustainable and science-informed ‘disruptive’ business models that enable financial returns (bankable models) while ensuring societal and ecosystem sustainable development (sustainable impact). Successful business models contributing to societal and environmental sustainability will be supported by “BRIDGE-BS” via seed money) and fulfill the sustainability goals of marine and maritime sectors (i.e. conservation and restoration of key ecosystem services, contribute to a circular blue economy, sustainable food from the ocean, create quality and added-value jobs c, generate economic value for local communities, etc). International practitioners will be invited to contribute to the screening of the high-potential business models to be selected, in discussion with local practitioners and the project team. The models emerged during the T7.1 will be further discussed with local practitioners and experts in the second cycle of Living Labs (WP6) to identify those more valuable for the Black Sea. This WP will ensure a scientific and market-based ‘proof of concepts’, upon which different innovative and ‘disruptive’ 4.0 business models will be selected. The approach allows greater engagement with local enterprises and impact investors (public and private) as part of WP6. Output of the task is a compilation of innovative industry 4.0 business models applied to the blue economy (D7.1) to support Seed-funding calls (T7.3). Main output: Brief report with the identification of most promising 4.0 business models and


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related products/services for the blue economy in the Black Sea (commercially and societally); Main input: Brief report output of T7.1 and exchanges held in the second Living Labs (WP6). Task 7.3. Business Cases supporting the adoption of innovative 4.0 business models in the Black Sea (Lead: BSEC, Contributors: MCB, METU, TSU, SML, DTU, TEPAV, GeoEcoMar, ICBSS – selected international associated partners) (M12-M42) This task will support development and demonstrations of how innovative technologies and services aligned with the business models identified in T7.2 can be adopted in the Black Sea – hence providing concrete Business Cases for the bankability. Together with an ecosystem of actors along the Blue Sector value chain (e.g. incubators, clusters, Chambers of Commerce funds, venture capital, investors), this task will seed-funds and provide services to emerging start-ups, and develop and demonstrate novel technology and service solutions (TRL3 to TRL6) aligned with topics discussed with industrial sectors, policy makers and ecosystem managers (from T7.1, T7.2 and WP6). Preference will be given to activities with an innovative business case and a well-defined business model (from T7.2). Services will include training (organized via WP9) access to specific labs and equipment (organized via WP8 and WP10) as well as advice, consultancy and mentoring for innovative and sustainable business plans. Main output: Received ideas screened with: i) comments and areas of improvements; ii) mentoring for selected and most promising ones (link to WP5, 6, WP9); iii) matchmaking with investors for very mature ones (link to WP8); Main input: Relevant business ideas to be collected through a “call for proposal” (set in T7.2). Sub-task 7.3.1. Definition of the accelerator platform (Lead: DTU) This task will define procedures for implementation and monitoring of selected business cases as well as will define the guidelines in the call for proposals. Guidelines will specify: Timeline and lump sum allocation for the call; Initial review, assessment and scoring of the received business idea by the jury (assessment of strengths and weaknesses and quick provision of expert advices to improve it); Mentoring support for most promising ideas selected on the basis of their societal and commercial potentials and with support provided based on the initial screening (revision of business planning, specific training and managerial advices, finetuning of technological aspects, etc.); Match-making with potentially interested investors for further selected and most commercially mature ideas (after the training and to be showcased in regional events – e.g. WP8) This task delivers D7.2 to be used in T7.3 and T7.4. Sub-task 7.3.2. Support of innovative and sustainable business cases (Lead: BSEC and METU). This task will open two accelerator calls (M7.2, M7.4) and perform the selection procedure by engaging with the Accelerator Panel (AP) in the project. The AP includes industry, technological partners, investors, authorities, selected international practitioners and will perform the selection of supported business ideas. The AP will review and rank the proposal received (in coordination with WP5 and 6) based on concrete business ideas. Procedures for the piloting of such innovative models are also established. The task will deliver a series of “proof of business” as viable businesses initiatives supporting: habitat conservation and restoration, responsible tourism, blue biotech, climate mitigation, sustainable use of Black Sea resources and the development of a sustainable society (D7.3). Task 7.4. Roadmap for the acceleration of sustainable and innovative business models to support the blue economy in the Black Sea Region (Lead: METU, Contributors: DTU, SML, MCB, BSEC, GeoEcoMar, SUMAE, TEPAV, TSU, UkrCSES, ICBSS, AUEB, CNR, HCMR) (M30-M48) This task will summarise the experience gained in the High-Tech Black Sea Summit (T7.1) the definition of new business models (T7.2) and business initiatives (T7.3). This summary will be used to define science priorities addressing blue economy sectoral needs in the Black Sea. This task will deliver a roadmap to identify present opportunities for technology and knowledge transfer pathways where technical, financial and social bottlenecks are identified to inform policy makers. The work will also consider the maximisation of possible synergies with relevant regional initiatives, including the Black Sea CONNECT CSA and the follow-up to the Facility for Blue Growth in the Black Sea (also as a link with WP8). The roadmap will provide guidelines to maintain facilities supporting start-ups in the Black Sea, leveraging on the accelerator platform implemented in WP7. This will include guidelines to establish an open Transnational Service and Access initiatives to be linked with the network of BE observatories (WP1) and offered as services for business cases acceleration. It will also reflect on the maximisation of the potentials of private investment contribution in financing innovative business models based on the ‘Industry 4.0’ concept developed and piloted throughout this WP, so to achieve a sustainable Blue Growth (link to WP6 and WP8). This task will target policymakers for the development of the blue economy in the Black Sea (WP8), but also identify areas of gaps in terms of skills to be promoted in Industry and Academia (with WP9). Deliverables D7.1 Guidelines for the accelerator platform implementation (M6) D7.2 Collection of business models around BRIDGE-BS output (M36) D7.3 Report on BRIDGE-BS business initiatives: activities and impacts (M42) D7.4 Report and Infographics on the Black Sea roadmap for Industry 4.0 acceleration (M48)


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WP No

8 Lead: ICBSS / Co-lead: CETMAR Duration: 1-54

Title Science-based policy making for Blue Growth Partner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Name METU IO-BAS

NIMRD IBER-BAS

UkrSCES TSU GEO SIO-RAS

ICBSS HCMR CNR

PM 8.5 4.5 3.5 1.5 5.5 5.5 2.5 2 19 1.5 3.5

Partner 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Name ULiege AUEB SU CETMAR INDIGO IEEN DTU BSEC SML CPMR TUBITAK

PM 3 5.5 1.5 18 3.5 3.5 1 6 3.5 11 7

Partner 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

Name MCB TEPAV SUMAE TUDAV IU EMSEA SNU EMB IFREMER CHX RTU

PM 1.5 2.5 0.5 2.5 2.5 1.5 1.5 6.5 0.5 1 5

Objectives The overarching objective of WP8 is to ensure the uptake of BRIDGE-BS foreground produced in NODE 1 and NODE 2, by engaging the different groups of policy stakeholders from the outset of the project with a view to strengthening the science-policy nexus and contributing to science-based policy making for Blue Growth in the Black Sea. Through targeted dialogue and knowledge activities, this WP will: • Capitalise on the tailor-made science produced in BRIDGE-BS to respond to policy needs and invest on a

science-policy stream, to consolidate the science-policy interface beyond the duration of the project. • Provide timely information for the best implementation of the regional policies and blue economy (such as

MSFD, Blue Growth Initiative for R&I in the Black Sea, Common Maritime Agenda of the Black Sea). • Build on the experience of BRIDGE-BS partners and their established synergies in the region, to engage

national and international policy-makers and policy-delivery stakeholders (such as Black Sea Commission, BSEC countries).

Description of work Task 8.1. Increased Science – Policy Dialogue to support the formulation of coastal and marine policies and programmes for sustainable Blue Growth in the Black Sea (Lead: ICBSS, Contributors: IO-BAS, METU, NIMRD, IBER-BAS, UkrSCES, TSU, SIO-RAS, HCMR, CNR, ULiege, AUEB, SU, CETMAR, INDIGO MED, IEEN, DTU, BSEC, SML, CPMR, EMB, TUBITAK, TEPAV) (Μ1- Μ54) The Task increases science-policy dialogue by building on already established links by BRIDGE-BS partners with regional and national stakeholders and policy fora and further strengthen these links in order to harness synergies, and address policy-gaps, to co-develop and ultimately propose an action plan for the future. (D8.1) Sub-task 8.1.1. Supporting Science-Policy Dialogue (Lead: ICBSS) A systematic two-way communication and consultation process will be established, early in the Project, with the following policy fora and stakeholders: • Black Sea Commission; BSEC WG on Environmental Protection; WG on Cooperation in Science and

Technology; Ad hoc Working Group of Experts on BSEC – EU Cooperation • SEARICA Intergroup; EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR); Black Sea Synergy (EEAS);

EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly (European Parliament); Thematic EC DGs • Group of Senior Officials Working Group for Black Sea SRIA Implementation, H2020 Black Sea CONNECT

CSA, CMA Black Sea Assistant Mechanism (DG MARE), CMA Steering group, Black Sea Virtual Knowledge Centre (BSEC);

• Relevant Ministries/national authorities and other programme owners (e.g. agencies, research institutions, etc.) The activity will be developed in a flexible manner, combining desktop work and different tools such as online surveys, virtual meetings, structured interviews, participation of BRIDGE-BS partners in the stakeholders’ meetings, as well as any other proactive means of consultation to acquire a fully updated perspective on regional policy-related needs and priorities. Via these interactions it will create and update of a database of stakeholders (local, national, regional level; policy-entities, business, academia, civil society representative organisations) that will feed the Black Sea Helix platform (WP10) will provide input to other WPs and be available after the project ends. Two-page quarterly briefings on the progress of the dialogue and on policy developments at national and regional level will be created. A Consolidated Report of the progress of the policy dialogue activities during the BRIDGE-BS, with focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the cooperation with each policy forum will be elaborated in M54. This subtask will give input to Tasks 8.1c, 8.2 and 8.3, as well as it will support the policy involvement in WPs 4 (esp. T4.2), 6, 7. Sub-task 8.1.2. Regional Stakeholders Conference (Lead: BSEC) One regional stakeholders conference will be organized in M12 to link policy dialogue fora and existing regional initiatives with other stakeholders targeted by the project, i.e. industry, academia and civil society, to raise awareness on the project and its activities, as well as, on the role the different stakeholders are expected to play and the outcomes they are expected to be provided with across the project activities. The final purpose is to expand the common understanding of the project, from a policy


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perspective, to the different stakeholders’ groups. Sub-task 8.1.3. Establishment of Black Sea Intergroup for a “2030 Blue Roadmap for the Black Sea (Lead: CETMAR). This will be done with the participation of international and national experts, to discuss, co-design, co-create and consolidate the “2030 Blue Roadmap for the Black Sea” to propose a series of actions and measures to promote sustainable Blue Growth in the Black Sea, in connection with the three overarching themes: Multiple stressors, Adaptive management, Ecosystem Services and Resilience. To ensure co-ownership of the “2030 Blue Roadmap for the Black Sea” and the policy-stakeholders’ engagement for its implementation. To this end, the Black Sea Intergroup (BSI) will launch its deliberations involving key stakeholders from T8.1a as well as the Operational Network from the Black Sea CONNECT CSA, project placing emphasis on the following: i) the input from the dialogue and consultation process under T8.1.1; ii) the input from the Knowledge Transfer (KT) activities in T8.2.1; iii) the BRIDGE-BS results, especially from WPs 4, 6 and 7; iv) the identification of the necessary actions to promote sustainable Blue Growth in the Black Sea. v) the assessment of the governance and policy reforms and updates required at national level, to support the

implementation existing Black Sea marine and maritime policies (SRIA, CMA, MSFD, Black Sea Commission). The results of the assessment procedure will be elaborated in an Integrated Policy Review for the Black Sea (IPR-BS) in M24 to serve as the basis for T8.2 and WPs 4, 6,7.

As part of the process, links with the national funding agencies will be established to identify their interest, motivation and conditions for the establishment of a regional funding platform with the aim to ensure the implementation of the “2030 Blue Roadmap for the Black Sea”. The WP/Task Leader (ICBSS) will capitalise on its previous experience with a similar learning loop for a Black Sea Joint Call developed under H2020 Project “BLACK SEA HORIZON” (2015-2018) with the aim to build on previous experience, avoid duplications and grasp the momentum of existing cooperation patterns among stakeholders, as the best way to overcome challenges and identify opportunities. The BSI will have on line and physical meetings (3) –one to kick-off its deliberations, one to present and consolidate the IPR-BS and the first draft of the 2030 Blue Roadmap, and one to discuss and adopt the final draft of the 2030 Blue Roadmap. The final “2030 Blue Roadmap for the Black Sea” will be presented during the BRIDGE-BS Final Conference in M48. Task 8.2. Support science – policy knowledge transfer (Lead: CETMAR, Contributors: METU, IO-BAS, NIMRD, UkrSCES, TSU, GeoEcoMar, SIO-RAS, ICBSS, CNR, ULiege, AUEB, SU, INDIGO MED, IEEN, DTU, BSEC, SML, CPMR, IU, EMB, TUBITAK, SNU, TUDAV) (M18-M52) This task will showcase the possibilities for science-policy knowledge transfer, support the implementation of existing governance mechanisms (MSFD, Bucharest Convention) and of science-based knowledge to contribute to science-based policy making. (D8.2) Sub-task 8.2.1. Knowledge Transfer (KT) Activities (Leader: CETMAR). Based on the dialogue process in Task 8.1, and taking into consideration the foreground from other WPs, and particularly T6.2, 6.3, 6.4, this task will develop a minimum of six science-policy knowledge transfer (KT) activities to realise and expand the impact at all project Pilot Sites, be that through dedicated knowledge transfer activities focused on the sites individually, or through broader activities, embracing more than one specific sites within the Black Sea Region (from local to national and regional). The KT activities will follow on H2020-COLUMBUS methodology, adapting it to promote the use of available knowledge and technologies derived from BRIDGE-BS by the policy end-users (with input from WPs 1 -7). The set of KT pilots will showcase the benefits at policy level of considering environmental, socio-economic and business aspects, from WPs 1-3, 6 and 7, as well as adaptive management scenarios (link with T4.1& 4.3). An analysis of best knowledge-transfer practices from other sea-basins (e.g. ICPDR, DANUBIUS-RI, Baltic Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Area, Baltic Sea) will be performed and disseminated to inspire further action in the Black Sea basin (input to T8.3). Sub-task 8.2.2. BRIDGE-BS International Policy Brief: Reinforcing the implementation of marine EU and international policies in the Black Sea Region (Leader: EMB) In parallel to the other activities in this task, the European Marine Board will lead a process to prepare a Policy Brief for BRIDGE-BS. It will build on the outputs of the project results, such as the status of the BS ecosystems (WP1), stressors affecting the ecosystem and the services (WP2), needs to maintain the resilience of the ecosystem and the thresholds (WP3), risk-based analysis on Black Sea core Ecosystem Services (WP4), the value of the ecosystem services (WP6), the business models for healthy and resilient Black Sea ecosystem (WP7) etc.). The partnership will be engaged in a foresight exercise in relation to the expected research and its foreseeable results, policy level impacts, and, especially the links and alignment with critical EU and international policy initiatives (MSFD, MSPD, SRIA, CMA, Bucharest Convention, UN SDG-14 and OSD). The product will be subject to an international peer review process, following the usual protocols of the EMB. A translation of this policy brief will be done in order all engaged policy makers from local to international level are aware of the findings and proposals of BRIDGE-BS. Task 8.3. Upskilling policy-makers to support science-based policy- making (Task Leader: CPMR, Contributors: METU, IO-BAS, NIMRD, UkrSCES, TSU, SIO-RAS, ICBSS, HCMR, CNR, ULiege, AUEB, SU,


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CETMAR, INDIGO MED, IEEN, DTU, BSEC, SML, CPMR, TUBITAK, MCB, EMSEA) (M28-M54) (D8.6) Tailor-made training and awareness raising actions will be organised to enable the BS policy-stakeholders community to apply science-based policy-making beyond the project’s duration. Sub-task 8.3.1. Reflection Webinars (Lead: CPMR) Three online reflection webinars will be organized to generate a consolidated training manual for enhanced science-policy synergy (link to WPs 1-3, 4, 6, 7). Consultation process among project partners and key policy stakeholders will be key to the process, ensuring the compatibility of the training manual with the policy-maker’s needs. Emphasis will be placed on three overarching themes: Multiple stressors, Adaptive management, Ecosystem Services and Resilience. Sub-task 8.3.2. Consolidated Guiding Manual for enhanced science-policy synergy (Lead: ICBSS) A manual will be produced as a reference for marine and maritime-related policy stakeholders. The manual will be a living document (with 2 updates) and a flexible tool to strengthen users' capacity to utilize the knowledge generated by BRIDGE-BS for future evidence-based policy-making. It will offer guidelines that can be adapted to different administrative, economic, environmental and social contexts, as well as an index of relevant publications and tools developed under BRIDGE –BS, such as the WP4 adaptive management tools, and other relevant activities. Sub-task 8.3.3. Winter School (Lead: METU). A winter school for young policy-scientists (two representatives per riparian country) also including the BRIDGE-BS Young Ambassadors (WP9) will be held. The activity will use the results of BRIDGE-BS, converted to training materials for policy makers (input from WPs 4, 6) and will address potential issues young policy makers may encounter. Task 8.4. Final Conference and Legacy (Leader: BSEC Task Partners: All partners) (Μ42-54) (D8.3, D8.7) Sub-task 8.4.1. BRIDGE-BS Final Conference (Lead: BSEC). This subtask be responsible for holding final international high-level conference with all national, regional and international stakeholders to present the project’s results, and promote the project legacy among the wide stakeholders’ community with the presentation of the “2030 Blue Roadmap for the Black Sea”. Sub-task 8.4.2. Black Sea Blue Book: a BRIDGE to the future (Lead: ICBSS) Building on and elaborating the updated version of the 'Roadmap' of the T8.1, the subtask will focus on maintaining the momentum and reinforcing the BRIDGE-BS legacy beyond the projects duration by creating the 'Blue Book for the Black Sea'. The book will be comprised of the BRIDGE-BS outcomes, key documents and datasets, taking into account the social, economic and policy aspects that ran throughout the BRIDGE-BS, into one document “Black Sea Blue Book: a BRIDGE to the future” This book will provide a reference to connections built during the project and act as guide to foster future collaborations capacities built and pathways created to ensure the full impact of BRIDGE_BS activities. Deliverables D8.1 Consolidated Report of BRIDGE-BS Policy Dialogue (M12, M36, M54) D8.2 Integrated Policy Review for the Black Sea. (M24) D8.3 2030 Blue Roadmap for the Black Sea (M48) D8.4 Booklet on Marine Knowledge-Transfer experiences in the Black Sea (M40) D8.5 BRIDGE-BS International Policy Brief (M52) D8.6 Consolidating Guiding Manual for policy-makers (M18, M38, M50) D8.7 Black Sea Blue Book: a BRIDGE to the future (M54)

WP No 9 Lead: INDIGO-MED / Co-lead: TUDAV Duration: 1-54 Title Education and Capacity Building Partner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 13 14 15

Name METU IO-BAS NIMRD

IBER-BAS

UkrSCES

TSU GEO SIO-RAS HCMR CNR AUEB SU CETMAR

PM 7 10.5 7 1.5 8.5 11 11 2 2 3.5 4.5 3 3

Partner 16 17 18 20 21 23 25 26 27 28 32 33

Name INDIGO IEEN DTU SML CPMR MCB SUMAE TUDAV IU EMSEA CHX RTU

PM 24.5 3 1 2 2 8 1.5 31 18 7 1 8

Objectives The overarching objective of WP9 is to support the development of a cohesive, knowledgeable and literate Black Sea international community. The aim is to educate, train and stimulate interactions between the public, future generations of marine scientists towards a much better-connected Black Sea community, strengthened with a new generation of researchers, to address emerging challenges facing Black Sea marine ecosystems and their services. The specific objectives of this WP are: ● Develop education and training programmes for upskilling and ensuring the understanding of Blue Growth

services by the workforce in the Black Sea; ● Build on existing outreach and ocean literacy networks to develop ownership and stewardship for the

protection of the Black Sea; ● Support youth entrepreneurship and mobility. Description of work


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Task 9.1. Training & Capacity Building Programmes Programmes (Lead: IO-BAS, Contributors: METU, TUDAV, NIMRD, HCMR, DTU, IBER-BAS, SRSC, MCB, AUEB, CHX, INDIGO MED, CNR, SIO-RAS, GeoEcoMar, TSU, UkrSCES, SML) (M1-M54) (D9.1, D9.2, D9.3) Sub-task 9.1.1. Blue Career Center in the Black Sea (Lead: MCB) A Blue Career Centre in the Black Sea (BCC Black Sea) will be created building on the outcomes of the MENTOR project with the aim to attract young people but also experienced workers and fill existing skills' gaps by supporting activities that will increase awareness of the workforce and employability in key Blue Growth services. Blue Career Days shall be held within the Summer School and trainings envisaged in Task 9.2. The BRIDGE-BS website will host the virtual BCC to enable networking and act as a promoter, multiplier and leverage tool for all Blue Growth sectors. The promotion of summer schools, youth mobility and available courses through the Blue Career Centre activities will allow future employees to become familiar with the opportunities to acquire new skills and competences. Sub-task 9.1.2. Ph.D. Programme on Blue Growth (Lead: IO-BAS) The sub-task will support the mobility of the PhD students that will be involved with the project and align their activities under a BRIDGE-BS PhD programme. This will ensure the transfer of expertise and knowledge between regions and serving as incubators and ideas for future start-ups. The innovation here is the dual supervision from both Black Sea and Western Europe. This will not only create mobility and enhance the capacity of the Black Sea Ph.D. candidates in Blue Growth, but will provide the best matching between universities and research centers from the Black Sea with similar organisations in Europe. At least 2 Ph.D. students will be starting their Ph.D. in year 1 on a Blue Growth-related topic but the sub-task will support the mobility of a higher number of students. Sub-task 9.1.3. Establish a Science-Technology-Policy English language MSc on Blue Growth (Lead: METU) The MSc course will be linked directly with BRIDGE-BS, at a chosen University/Institute in the Black Sea, which will agree to continue the course after the duration of BRIDGE-BS. Students, with a Bachelor’s degree will have to undertake courses and prepare a Master thesis that will address concrete issues of Blue Growth, in an interdisciplinary manner using as case studies the Black sea’s natural and economic environment. Establishment of the MSc course will be done at year 3 of the project. Task 9.2. Summer Schools & Training and Learning Exchange Program (Lead: IU, Contributors: TSU, INDIGO MED, METU, IO-BAS, AUEB, TSU, CNR, GeoEcoMar, UkrSCES) (M1-M42) (D9.4, D9.5) Sub-task 9.2.1. Summer Schools (Lead: IU) Six (6) summer schools for University students from Black Sea partner countries will be organised, with courses related to the Black Sea and its 6 Blue Growth sectors: living resources, transport, tourism, energy, aquaculture and biotech. The topics and locations will be decided in consultation with the Steering Committee, with two summer schools in each of the first 3 years of the project, one to be held in each of the 6 Black Sea countries. Blue Career Days will be held in all 6 Summer schools (Task 9.1). Each school will have a scientific coordinator, preferably from the host country, to guide activities and syllabus preparation. Sub-task 9.2.2. Training & Learning Exchange Programme (Lead: IO-BAS) This Programme will target researchers, educators and academics to support mobility actions through study visits abroad on scientific and educational topics such as blue economy, marine ecosystem Science, Resilience Machine learning etc. The topics will be decided by the Steering Committee on an annual basis, based on the progress of work in the project. It is envisaged that at least 3 visits per year will take place. The aim is to transfer and allow sharing and diffusion of knowledge, expertise, technological know-how and good practices. It is foreseen that the selection process of both host centres and applicants will be implemented through an online application process. The duration of visits will be determined in consultation with the Steering Committee, and will range from a few weeks to a couple of months. The first call for applications will open after M6. Task 9.3. Support the “Youth Move” towards Blue Action (Lead: INDIGO MED, Contributors: CETMAR, IU, TSU, METU, AUEB, UkrSCES, SIO-RAS, IO-BAS, IEEN, EMSEA) (M1-M54) (D9.6, D9.7) Sub-task 9.3.1. “Blue Move” Activity (Lead: CETMAR) This subtask will promote a youth mobility programme for students to bring together students with scientific and industry profiles to better match current training and skills needs. For example, internships, international seminars, networking events, study visits and job shadowing/observation periods abroad in organisations active in Blue Growth, blue professionals mentoring programs etc will be supported contingent upon evaluation by the Steering Committee. Sub-task 9.3.2. Young Ambassadors (Lead: METU) BRIDGE-BS will design and implement a Young Ambassadors Scheme (with links and building on the H2020 CSA Black Sea CONNECT) during the first year of the project and will have representatives from all partner countries (at least one per country). The Young Ambassadors, will have a mandate to promote the connection of marine science to Blue Growth in the Black Sea. Each Ambassador will be assigned a different Blue Growth theme, e.g., aquaculture, offshore renewable energy etc. At least one of them will act as a Cultural Heritage Ambassador. Young Ambassadors will be linked with the Ambassadors from the other EU sea basins in a view to collaborate and coordinate actions. The aim is to create a generation of young people from the region that are duly connected and working together in all European basins


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and beyond, for marine science, Blue Growth and sustainability. Task 9.4. Hands-on Marine Science (Lead: TUDAV, Contributors: METU, INDIGO MED, IU, GeoEcoMar, TSU, EMSEA, IO-BAS, CPMR) (M12-M48) (D9.8) This task will consist of 3 major activities: 1. Provide hands-on activities for school children to learn about the Black Sea and the challenges it faces. This will consist of a “Marine Science & Blue Growth campaign (webinars, events on characterisation of marine litter, birdwatching, tours in the wetlands of the Black Sea) targeted for primary and secondary schools in the 6 countries of the Black Sea will take place. These activities provide knowledge on the local environment, while addressing Blue Growth issues. National competitions for children for the generation of new ideas for environmental conservation and Blue Growth will be held. A collaboration with the EU4Ocean coalition and partner’s involvement in each country will ensure the sustainability of this activity. 2. Create the “Hands-on marine research” initiative for university students from all the Black Sea countries on board a research vessel, under the guidance of senior researchers. The students will act as “multipliers” by presenting their experience with pictures and a short video illustrating the techniques used on board to their classmates. Universities will be selected on the basis of active participation in the BRIDGE-BS seagoing activities. The video will be shown, as a side event, at the final Stakeholders’ Conference, giving them the opportunity to state their experience and work. 3. Establish a one-week course “Dive in the Black Sea”, in a site of cultural and environmental importance in the Black Sea. BRIDGE-BS will provide the course to university students with a scuba diving certificate, in collaboration with the partner Universities and Research centers. The outcome of this course will be a short documentary to be shown during the Final Conference, with a view to attracting companies/funders to invest in the cultural and environmental heritage in the region. Moreover, the students taking the course will receive certificates from BRIDGE-BS project and they can contribute to the establishment of the Black Sea scientific diving network. If successful, the course could be repeated in annually, with funds for the students from local communities, contributing to project's legacy. Task 9.5. Ocean-Engaged Citizens (Lead: INDIGO MED, Contributors: GeoEcoMar, METU, IO-BAS, SIO-RAS, NIMRD, UkrSCES, EMSEA, TSU, MCB,) (M1-M54) (D9.9, D9.10, D9.11) Sub-task 9.5.1. Establish an Ocean Literacy Network (Lead: EMSEA) This subtask will take stock of Ocean Literacy (OL) initiatives in the Black Sea region, to assess the level of awareness, engagement and implementation of these activities. It will create an online directory of past and current Black Sea OL initiatives, activities and good practices. This will provide insights as to how well the concept of OL is integrated in both research and societal behaviours and activities. It will create for the first time in a coordinated way, the Black Sea OL Network/Group and establish the EMSEA Black Sea Group, to facilitate networking and knowledge exchange among Black Sea marine educators. Sub-task 9.5.2. “Science for Citizens” Campaign (Lead: INDIGO MED) will inform citizens on the need for actions towards a plastic-free and productive Black Sea. The campaign will include dedicated info-days, infographics, videos, etc. Lessons learned from other actions/projects (such as BlueMed Pilot on Plastic-Free Mediterranean) will be delivered to platforms easily accessible to citizens to inform them about new tools aiming to the reduction of plastic marine litter and ways to promote a healthy and clean sea. Sub-task 9.5.3. Responsible Consumption Campaign (Lead: TUDAV) Citizens will be introduced to marine gastronomy using regional seafood recipes which are outdated due to the changing consumption behaviours and limited fish stocks. In this way, citizens will become familiar with Black Sea’s gastronomy and the marine species biodiversity and eventually, these ocean literacy activities, will help them to make better informed choices regarding their seafood consumption. Sub-task 9.5.4. From Lighthouse to Lighthouse (Lead: TUDAV) Several historical lighthouses in the Black Sea need to be protected as part of the region’s cultural heritage. BRIDGE-BS will produce a book entitled “From Lighthouse to Lighthouse” emphasizing their history, their importance for sailors and the whole sea community, contributing to sea literate citizens, in cooperation with Chamber of Shipping, the Coast Guards and harbours. Deliverables D9.1 Report on the Blue Career Center activities (M18, M36, M52) D9.2 Launch of a New PhD programme (report) (Advertising:M10, Mid-Report M36, Final Report: M54) D9.3 Good Practices Report on Training & Learning Exchange Program (M15, M27, M39) D9.4 Synthetic Report of 6 Summer Schools (M42) D9.5 Database of OL initiatives in the Black Sea M10, M34, M52) D9.6 Implementation and Actions performed under “Blue Move” Activity (M6, M24, M48) D9.7 Young Ambassadors Reports (M54) D9.8 Report of activities from the students’ experience (“Hands-on marine science”) (M48), D9.9 Science for Citizens Campaign outcome (M6-actions, M40: report) D9.10 Responsible Consumption Campaign Report (M36) D9.11 Lighthouse Book (M49)


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WP No 10 Lead: METU Duration: 1-54 Title Coordination and Management Partner 1 2 3 4 5 7 9 10 11 12

Name METU IO-BAS NIMRD IBER-BAS

UkrSCES GEO ICBSS HCMR CNR ULiege

PM 76 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Partner 13 14 15 16 18 20 24 26 32

Name AUEB SU CETMAR INDIGO DTU SML TEPAV TUDAV CHX

PM 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 9

Objectives: create a functional mechanism that will allow effective project implementation and dissemination of BRIDGE-BS information, results and project related activities to the different levels of the society including scientific community, policy-makers, youth and others. • Coordinate all work conducted in the project, to oversee the tasks and work packages and monitor progress,

to ensure sound financial management of the project and production of deliverables, and to report to the EC • Ensure effective internal communication between the consortium partners and the EC • Strategically communicate and disseminate project-related information, findings, and results externally and

liaise with relevant stakeholders. • Coordinate the maintenance of the Black Sea Helix, the technology platform for knowledge exchange. Description of work: Task 10.1. Project management (Lead: METU, Contributors: WP leaders) (M1-M54) Participant to over 150 projects in EC framework programmes, and recently as the Coordinator of Black Sea CONNECT CSA, METU will build on existing scientific and administrative experience in managing BRIDGE-BS consortium. As the responsible for overall management, METU will a) communicate with and responding to requests by the the EU Commision b) ensure a timely flow of information within BRIDGE-BS consortium members, c) evaluate risks implement contingencies and mitigation plans, d) ensure quality assurance for project outputs, e) identify adaptive measures for unforeseen circumstances (pandemic, etc.) and f) provide suitable tools/platforms to smoothly continue the project activities. Sub-task. 10.1.1. Administrative and Financial Management (Lead: METU) In order to fulfil the contractual obligations with the EC such as periodic and technical reports, financial statements, and to ensure deliverables and reports are delivered in time, a Project Management Guide (D10.1) will be developed in M6 to define the operating procedures (reporting, deliverables, financial management, etc.) to serve as a reference document to guide the partners on day-to-day responsibilities. The guide will be based on the terms and conditions agreed under the Grant and Consortium Agreements. Sub-task. 10.1.2. Data Management and Ethics Requirements (Lead: METU Data will be collected and processed lawfully according to the GDPR. Scientific data will be collected primarily through the WP1 and 5 and archived in a collaboration with the WP’s leads. Additional personal research data will be collected through other project activities and Black Sea Helix and will be processed in line with the EU’s directives on data protection. A Data Management Plan (D10.2), will be developed detailing the handling of research data during & after the project as well as how data is collected, processed and curated (M6). The plan will be updated in M24. Data management of BRIDGE-BS will be supported by METU’s well-established office for Data Safety Unit under The Directorate of Information Technologies.BRIDGE-BS will take part in the Open Research Data Pilot of Horizon 2020 and FAIR principles. In a collaboration with WP1, a detailed data management plan will ensure BRIDGE-BS’s research data to be findable, accessible, interoperable and re-useable (FAIR) under WP10. The Projects Coordination Team (PCT) will ensure that ethical issues are handled lawfully in terms of national and EU laws. Consent procedures will be applied for personal data collection and process. Detailed information will be made available on the procedures for data collection, storage, protection, retention, and destruction. Guidelines for implementing ethical requirements will be provided in detail in the Project Management Guide. Sub-task. 10.1.3. Innovation Management (Lead: METU) This subtask will implement innovation management measures as described in 3.2. Co-coordinator for Innovation (Yucel) will work closely with partners, PCT and SC. Having many years of experience in managing IPR management and patent prosecution, METU’s office for Technology Transfer will be manage exploitable new elements from the project. The strategy will be included in the Project Management Guide. Sub-task. 10.1.4 Scientific Management (Lead: METU) Scientific progress of the project will be monitored by the Project Coordinator including the review of scientific deliverables. BRIDGE-BS WPs and tasks are specifically developed in line with Black Sea SRIA pillars and its Implementation Plan, an accountable and impactful plan to convert SRIA outputs into concrete actions. Under this sub-task, the scientific plan of BRIDGE-BS will be formed as a deliverable (D10.8) in M12 of BRIDGE-BS and feed into the final Implementation Plan that will be finalized by Black Sea CONNECT in M16 (M36 of Black Sea CONNECT) The deliverable will be updated at the end of


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BRIDGE-BS with the further outputs and made available for Black Sea Blue Growth Initiative. Task 10.2. Communication and Dissemination (Lead: METU) (M1-M54) WP10 will develop a strategic and systematic communication strategy to maximize the outreach and impact of BRIDGE-BS. The PCT will oversee the main project communication activities together with consortium members’ contributions who will also be actively disseminating project-related information, news, and more. Communication and dissemination activities will be monitored with regular internal reporting. Close collaboration with WPs 6-9 engaging public and policy-related activities will maximise project outreach. Co-Coordinator for Dissemination (Papathanassiou) will oversee the efforts. Since BRIDGE-BS addresses a wide community (science, policy, general public, business actors) a tailored Dissemination, Communication & Exploitation Plan (DCEP) will be developed earlier in the project (M3) and maintained during full project implementation. The DCEP (D10.4) provided in the proposal will be further developed and any updates will be incorporated in the periodic reports. A Project Website (D10.5) will be developed as the main source of information for project activities and results, whereas partners will dedicate specific sections in their websites with a link to the official site. A Communication Kit (D10.6) including the unique visual identity (templates, printed materials) will be developed to be used by the consortium in dissemination & communication activities. Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) profiles will be created and used for dissemination of project objectives, activities, news and events. A BRIDGE-BS Newsletter will be sent out regularly through the Black Sea Helix to keep the broad stakeholder community engaged. Workshops across different WPs will take place which will also bring visibility to the project. Open Days will be held at the Pilot Sites to showcase work on-the-ground. Other events, fairs, conferences (major policy events, forums, international, scientific events, etc.) will be actively monitored for representing BRIDGE-BS and networking opportunities. The Young Ambassadors of Black Sea will also engage in communication activities. Regarding exploitation activities, specific IPR protection agreements and measures will be carefully considered and executed to exploit project results through negotiation/drafting of bi-lateral or multi-lateral agreements. The main objectives and goals of the Exploitation Strategy within BRIDGE-BS (D10.7) include: a) Identification of Key Exploitable Results (KERs) in addition to those preliminary identified in Section 2.3.1; b) Market Analysis on the most promising business cases based on KERs to identify drivers & barriers on the business opportunities for future market uptake; c) Technology Watch & Strategic Mapping support to selected business cases. Task 10.3. Coordination of the Black Sea Helix (Lead: CHX, Contributors: METU, Pilot leaders) (M1-M54) CHX, working closely with BRIDGE-BS partners (in particular METU IMS as coordinator and the 7 pilot leaders), will create, develop and implement a virtual cluster/community called the Black Sea Helix on the Crowhelix Oepn Innovation Platform as the backbone/support for dissemination & exploitation strategies developed within T10.2 and also as a tool to secure post-project activities related to the Black Sea ecosystem. The platform will be also used to connect with other previously and currently funded projects, facilitating clustering, knowledge exchange and new collaborations. The Black Sea Helix will be set-up by M6, including a design logo, full description, (background, scope, etc.), list of participating organisations and useful resources. A communication campaign will be used to announce its launch (within the membership base and outside, e.g. social media). A total of >150 organisations (key stakeholders and end-users) are aimed to be profiled by M48, including research and technology organisations, industry actors (in particular innovative SMEs), policy makers, local communities and participants from other funded relevant projects. Organisations within the Helix may access/search for info through a search engine based on people, organizational data or expertise sought/provided. A Black Sea Helix event will be organised virtually as an official launching event. A mid-term and final Helix reports (D10.8) presenting the Black Sea Helix activities and the strategy for the rest of the project and beyond the project will be prepared, including support actions, collaborations established, impacts and completion of KPIs. The Black Sea Helix will also feed from and deliver outputs to specific WPs and Tasks within the project by: contributing to accelerating I4.0 business models and cases (WP7) through co-creation with other existing Helixes in sectors of interest; enhancing the science-policy dialogue (WP8) by integrating a wide range of stakeholder groups within the platform; and boosting the education, training & capacity building (WP9) by increasing awareness and enhancing stakeholder engagement. Finally, it will establish a close interaction with T10.2 by contributing to the dissemination & communication activities (Newsletter content, Social media engagement, Organisation of workshops and events) and the Dissemination, Communication & Exploitation Plan (DCEP). Task 10.4. Sustainability and Legacy of BRIDGE-BS (Lead: METU, all partners) (M48-M54) Black Sea Helix will ensure also the sustainability of the project after its official ending and keep alive the stakeholder community. Powered by the Black Sea Helix open platform, BRIDGE-BS results and its network will be rendered sustainable through a Virtual Network beyond the lifetime of the project. A final, integrative output of the WP10 will be establishment of the Virtual Centre of Science for a Resilient Black Sea. The Centre, in parallel with Black Sea Helix, will be an even longer-lasting framework for BRIDGE-BS legacy. The Centre will be in the form of a virtual network, supported by an office to be set up in the in one of the Black Sea partner institutes. The host


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organization will be Financial sustainability of the office will be ensured through METU IMS own resources. Deliverables D10.1 Project Management Guide (M6) D10.2 Data Management Plan (M6) D10.3 Scientific input to SRIA Implementation Plan (M12) D10.4 Dissemination, Communication and Exploitation Plan (DCEP) (M3) D10.5 Project Website (M4) D10.6 Communication Kit (M4) D10.7 BRIDGE-BS Exploitation Strategy (M54) D10.8 Black Sea Helix report (mid-term, final) (M24 M54) D10.9 Report of the description and structure of the Virtual Centre for Science for a Resilient Black Sea (M54)

Table 3.1c: List of Deliverables (R = Report, P = Prototype, D = Demonstrator, O = Other; Dissemination Level (DL): PU = Public, PP = Restricted to other programme participants (including the Commission Services), RE = Restricted to a group specified by the consortium (including the Commission Services). CO = Confidential, only for members of the consortium) (Names abbreviated - full names in WP description)

Del. No

Deliverable Name WP Lead P. TD DL Due

D1.1 Report on the data needed for WPs and PSs 1 METU R CO M4 D1.2 Report on assessment of data readiness 1 NIMRD R CO M9 D1.3 Report on design of the Portal and BSDB 1 UkrSCES R CO M13 D1.4 Report on visualisation tools 1 METU R CO M24 D1.5 Guidelines on accessing using the products and

ecosystem services at the portal 1 UkrSCES R PU M34

D1.6 Report of harmonized methodologies and SOP 1 NIMRD R PU M28 D1.7 Report on the intercalibration 1 NIMRD R CO M33 D1.8 Report on the Blue Economy Observatories 1 AUEB R PU M43 D2.1 Report on forcing and boundary input

metadata and model descriptions 2 ULiege R CO M6

D2.2 Simulation results of Black Sea ecosystem state under multistressors

2 ULiege R CO M12

D2.3 GES indicators and SGD targets 2 HCMR R CO M20 D2.4 Updated simulation results of Black Sea

ecosystem state under multistressors 2 ULiege R CO M36

D2.5 Updated GES indicators and SGD targets simulations results

2 HCMR R CO M40

D2.6 Service dynamics under Blue Growth scenario 2 CNR R CO M42 D2.7 Report on the quality assessment of the

forecasting and hindcasting modelling system 2 ULiege R CO M42

D3.1 Report on the interactions between multiple stressors and indicators of resilience

3 IBER-BAS R CO M32

D3.2 Resilience assessment 3 SU R CO M36 D3.3 Report on Future projections of Black Sea

resilience and recovery potential 3 DTU R CO M40

D3.4 Outreach material on limits for Blue Growth 3 SU R CO M40 D4.1 Report on the Prototype supervised BN ANN

frameworks 4 DTU R CO M18

D4.2 Geospatial CEA tool: explanatory assessment of cumulative impacts.

4 CNR P CO M24

D4.3 Report on the future vulnerabilities and pressure-impact linkage chains

4 CNR R CO M40

D4.4 Report on the Geospatial CEA 4 CNR R CO M40 D4.5 Report based on DST guidelines and

recommendations for adaptive management 4 CNR R CO M44

D5.1 First report of integrated field datasets 5 GeoEcomar/NIMRD

R CO M18

D5.2 Updated process descriptions of redox 5 METU R CO M28


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interfaces, biogeochemical processes D5.3 Second updated report of Integrated field

datasets 5 GeoEcomar

/NIMRD R CO M32

D5.4 Report on assessment of different biodiversity methods and observations,

5 IO-BAS R CO M32

D5.5 Black Sea microbial biotech potential demonstrator assessment

5 TUBITAK R CO M36

D5.6 Report integrating test results 5 Ifremer R CO M36 D5.7 Multistressor monitoring observing system

component 5 HCMR R CO M42

D5.8 Cultural heritage observation demonstrator 5 METU R CO M42 D6.1 Methodological report for the implementation

of Living Labs 6 AUEB R CO M13

D6.2 Socio-economic scenarios at country level 6 TEPAV R CO M28 D6.3 Valuation of ecosystem services 6 AUEB R CO M37 D6.4 Transformative pathways for Blue Growth 6 AUEB R CO M42 D6.5 Living Lab Report 6 AUEB R CO M44 D7.1 Guidelines for the accelerator platform

implementation 7 DTU R PU M6

D7.2 Collection of business models around BRIDGE-BS

7 SML R PU M36

D7.3 Report on BRIDGE-BS business initiatives: activities and impacts

7 BSEC R PU M42

D7.4 Report and Infographics on the Black Sea roadmap for Industry 4.0 acceleration

7 METU O PU M48

D8.1 Consolidated Report of BRIDGE-BS Policy Dialogue

8 ICBSS R PU M12, M36, M54

D8.2 Integrated Policy Review for the Black Sea 8 CETMAR R PU M24 D8.3 2030 Blue Roadmap for the Black Sea 8 CETMAR R PU M48 D8.4 Booklet on Marine Knowledge-Transfer

experiences 8 CETMAR O PU M40

D8.5 BRIDGE-BS Policy Brief 8 CETMAR R PU M52 D8.6 Guiding Manual for policy-makers 8 CPMR R PU M18, M38, M50 D8.7 Black Sea Blue Book: a BRIDGE to the future 8 BSEC O PU M54 D9.1 Report on the Blue Career Center activities 9 MCB R PU M18, M36, M52 D9.2. Launch of a New PhD programme 9 IO-BAS R CO M10, M36, M54 D9.3. Good Practices Report on Training & Learning

Exchange Program 9 IO-BAS R PU M15, M27, M39

D9.4 Synthetic Report of 6 Summer Schools 9 IU R PU M42 D9.5 Database of OL initiatives in the Black Sea 9 EMSEA O PU M10, M34, M52 D9.6 Blue Move Activities 9 CETMAR R PU M6, M24, M48 D9.7 Young Ambassadors Reports 9 METU R PU M54 D9.8 Report of student activities 9 TUDAV R PU M48 D9.9 Science for Citizens Campaign 9 INDIGO O PU M6, M40 D9.10 Responsible Consumption Campaign 9 TUDAV O PU M36 D9.11 Lighthouse Book 9 TUDAV O PU M49 D10.1 Project Management Guide 10 METU R CO M6 D10.2 Data Management Plan 10 METU R CO M6 D10.3 Scientific input to SRIA Implementation Plan 10 METU R PU M12 D10.4 DCEP 10 METU R CO M3 D10.5 Project Website 10 METU O PU M4 D10.6 Communication kit 10 METU R PU M4 D10.7 BRIDGE-BS Exploitation Strategy 10 CHX R CO M54 D10.8 Black Sea Helix reports (mid-term & final) 10 CHX R CO M24,54 D10.9 Report on the Virtual Centre for Science for a

Resilient Black Sea 10 METU R PU M54


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Figure 14. Project’s Gantt chart including Work Packages and Tasks. M = Milestone and D = Deliverable

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54WP 1. Knowledge Base for BS M M M M M M1.1 Data Readiness D D 1.2 BRIGDE-BS Portal D D D D1.3 Harmonizing data D1.4 BE observataries DWP2 Ecosystem dynamics M M M M2.1 Building a Modelling Framework: D D D2.2 Simulation of GES indicators D D D2.3 Ecosystem services DWP3 Resilience for a healthy Black Sea ecosystem M M M M M3.1 Dynamics of resilience D3.2 Resilience assessment D D3.3 Resilience under future conditions DWP4 Adaptive Management M M M M M4.1 Assesment framework D4.2 Geospatial CEA tool D D4.3 Recommendations for adaptive management,

planning and policy implementationD D

WP5 Smart observations M M M5.1 Service Dynamics Observations D D5.2 New In situ process information on Anoxic

interface 5.3 Smart observation D D5.4 Advancing monitoring D D DWP6 Socioeconomics M M M M M M M6.1 Living Labs D D6.2 Socio-economic scenarios D6.3 Valuation of Ecosystem Services D6.4 Transformation pathways for Blue Growth DWP7 Accelerate ‘Industry 4.0’ business models M M M M7.1 BE-HT4BS Summit D7.2 Business models D7.3 Business Cases supporting D7.4 Roadmap for business models DWP8 Science-based policy making M M M M8.1 Increased Science – Policy Dialogue D D D D D8.2 Support science – policy knowledge transfer D D D8.3 Upskilling policy-makers D D8.4 Final Conference and legacy DWP9 Education and Capacity Building M M M M M M M9.1 Training & Capacity Building Programmes for

Academic StaffD D D D D

9.2 Summer Schools & Training D D D D9.3 Support the “Youth Move” towards Blue Action D D D D9.4 Hands-on Marine Science D9.5 Ocean-Engaged Citizens Science D D D D D D DWP10 Coordination M M10.1 Project management D D10.2 Communication and Dissemination D D D D10.3 Black Sea Helix D D10.4 Sustainability and legacy D

5th Year1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year 4th Year


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3.2 Management structure, milestones and procedures 3.2.1 Management structure

The management structure for BRIDGE-BS project has been designed to ensure smooth operation of the different activities, provide effective leadership and promote cooperation between partners. The aim is the successful completion of the project through effective cooperation between project partners and with the project officer (through the coordinator METU), ensuring that no major deviations will take place, corrective measures are

being considered and activities successfully implemented in compliance with rules for H2020 projects. Project Coordination will be carried out by METU-IMS which has the necessary overview of the scientific disciplines involved, existing collaborations among partners and extensive experience in the coordination of EU

projects. METU-IMS is the coordinator of Black Sea CONNECT CSA H2020 project, a key action coordinating the activities of Black Sea experts, policymakers and stakeholders by supporting the broader Black Sea Blue Growth Initiative. METU-IMS also participates actively in other regional, national, and European projects related to the Black Sea ecosystem. METU IMS will deploy an already experienced Project Coordination Team (Figure 16) led by Prof. Dr. Baris Salihoglu, the Director of METU-IMS and the Coordinator Black Sea CONNECT CSA will be the Project Coordinator (PC) and the main contact point between the project and the EC through the assigned project

officer from DG REA (PO). The PC will be supported by the Project Coordination Team (PCT) for the strategic direction and daily coordination of the project, chairing meetings, preparation of reports, uploading deliverables financial reviews, milestone reports, cost statements, GA and CA preparation, mediate and settle disputes within the consortium. The PC will appoint a Project Manager and recruit a full-time administrative assistant to coordinate project activities, particularly focusing on work-plan completion, supervision of project activities, managing the financial aspects, milestones, deliverables; risks assessment; organisation of meetings; etc. A Communication Manager (CM) will follow up daily communication of the project. PC, PM and CM will closely work with Co-Coordinators for Innovation (Co-I) and Dissemination (Co-D) management and facilitation of WPs in each of the NODES (Figure 16). The PCT will be supported by the Legal, Administration and HR Unit of METU Offices and overall liaison will be ensured by METU Research Coordinator Dr Sara Banu Akkas, who will be supporting the non-technical aspects of the project (administrative, contractual, legal, financial, etc.) and will provide guidance on administrative issues and coordinating actions with the project manager and PC to the rest of the consortium. As the only HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) acknowledged University in Turkey, METU will ensure concrete steps are put in place to enhance working conditions for its researchers as set out in the European Charter and Code. The General Assembly (GA) is the high-level management body, taking major decisions of general nature within

Figure 16. Project Coordination Team (PCT)

Figure 15. Description of BRIDGE-BS organisation structure


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the frame of the Grant Agreement signed with the EC and the Consortium Agreement signed among all partners and administrative changes (to management, to the consortium, amendments, etc.). The General Assembly will be Chaired by the Coordinator and one representative member from each beneficiary. The first meeting will be held at the start of the project (KoM), and then once per year in parallel to regular meetings. The Steering Committee (SC) The Steering Committee is the consortium’s decision-making and arbitration board of the project. The Committee shall solve conflicts within the Consortium that could not be resolved by the other management bodies or by the Project Coordinator. Its role is to decide about the high-level management issues, including mainly technical, financial, exploitation, replication, dissemination, planning and control matters, provided that these decisions do not entail major project and/or contractual issues managed by the GA. It will be responsible for: undertaking the strategic planning and direction of the project; monitoring the project progress and the revision of its achievements; the approval of the periodic technical and financial reports, the final report and the project deliverables before submission to the EC. It will be chaired by the Project Coordinator, with members the Leaders of the WPs. They will be substituted by co-leaders when needed. The Advisory Board (AB) will give guidance and provide essential strategic advice on scientific quality, decision-making, implementation and ensure that the high-level BRIDGE-BS research, is directly relevant to stakeholders and policy makers, following the implementation of the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) of the Black Sea. The AB will be composed of 8 well known personalities with already confirmed interest. They will represent domains such as science, policy, innovation and capacity building: • Head of Unit Healthy Oceans, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission • Prof. Halil Ibrahim Sur, Director, Perm. Secretariat of the Black Sea Commission • Valentin Moldoveanu, Member of the Mission Board for Healthy Oceans, Seas, Coastal and Inland Waters • Pierre-Yves La Traon, the scientific direction of Mercator Ocean and of the CMEMS • Miguel Bernal, Senior Fishery Officer at GFCM – FAO • Mr. Panayiotis Gavras, Head of Policy and Strategy, Black Sea Trade and Development Bank • Prof Icarus Allen, is Chief Executive of Plymouth Marine Laboratory • Dr. Ana Noronha, Executive Director of Ciência Viva, Portugal Through DG RTD Head of Unit, other DGs such as MARE and ENV will be involved for specific consultation. AB members are committed to follow the project, attend the 4 annual meetings during the project’ lifetime. The AB is expected to participate in the discussions and present a summary of their evaluation after the meetings. 3.2.2 Management procedures The following procedures will be implemented at BRIDGE-BS to ensure a smooth project implementation, from the perspectives of governance, reporting and conflict resolution. Governance Meetings: A BRIDGE-BS Kick-off Meeting (KoM) will take place at the start of the project. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and any future issues, international travel will be restricted unless is totally necessary, so the possibility of combining presential and non-presential meetings will be assessed throughout the project on a case-by-case. METU-IMS has the necessary tools to support non-presential meetings. The KoM will be organised by PC METU-IMS with the rest of the meetings rotating amongst different partners. Presential meetings organised by partners nearby Pilot Sites/Living Labs will be favoured in order to arrange visits and make the most out of them. SC meetings will follow-up regular network meetings, while the GA will meet at the start of the project (KoM), and once per year in parallel to regular network meetings. Reporting: The PCT will take care of project documentation via a dedicated intranet facility on the project’s website. This intranet will enable the storage and backup of all project documents including (but not limited to): GA, CA, deliverables and technical reports as well as publications, presentations from workshops and meetings, documents from network meetings, documents related to the financial management of the project and any other strategy/policy/progress documentation of interest. The intranet will also serve as repository of project templates and for internal communication among consortium members on all project related matters. Reports will be prepared by the Project Manager in collaboration with the Coordinator for each reporting period (every 18 months), including technical and financial aspects of the project. Every 6 months, WP leaders will be responsible of providing the coordinator with a summary of the progress activities. For this task, he will assemble a small technical team with WP leaders which will meet twice a year. The technical report will include a publishable summary of the work undertaken in the entire project for communication purposes (overview of results, their exploitation and dissemination, conclusions and socio-economic impact). Financial reports will be prepared by the legal and administration departments of each beneficiary and collected by the administration team of the coordination for revision in advance of the deadline for submission. All contractual reports will have to be approved by the PC before submission. Conflict Resolution: The procedure for conflict resolution around scientific and technical activities within BRIDGE-BS will be as follows: Option a: conflicting resolutions can be resolved bilaterally at a WP level; Option b (if Option a fails): the PC and its team will act as intermediary in conflict resolution with the respective WP leader and the partners involved; This can be done through arbitration carried out by the PC or voting where necessary; Option c (if Option b fails): conflict will be discussed in the General Assembly,


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which will undertake the final binding decision. Any conflicts relating to management issues, (i.e. non-performing parties, amendment requests, change of partnership, reallocation of budget, etc.) shall be referred directly to the General Assembly through the PC for resolution. Conflict resolution details will be duly integrated into the CA, to be signed before the signature of the GA. 3.2.3 Innovation Management The Innovation co-coordinator and the SC will work in smoothing the pathway to innovation by identifying any possible barriers and proposing actions to the GA in order to maximize the opportunities for the exploitation of the project outcomes. To do so, the SC will be in charge of the management of the knowledge base portfolio, by i) Collecting information on the knowledge generated throughout the project; ii) Agreeing, with their owners, about granting access and the conditions thereof; iii) Maintaining the knowledge base portfolio according to licenses exchanged and protection made; iv) Monitoring IP landscape for early detection of possible issues regarding freedom to operate; v) Knowledge protection and access rights: Advise and support knowledge protection when required (patent, trademark, etc.). Moderate and propose fair solutions to any possible conflict related to IPR. 3.2.4 Monitoring the progress and mitigation of risks The progress will be monitored through milestones and identified risks will be tackled as in the following tables. Table 3.2 a: List of milestones

No Milestone name WP Due Means of

verification

MS1.1 Development of metadata inventory, and data readiness format at the whole BS and PSs. WP1 M3 D1.1

MS1.2 Launch of the BRIDGE-BS Portal WP1 M7 D1.3 MS1.3 Sample distribution to labs for intercalibration WP1 M12 D1.6 MS1.4 Workshop for QA/QC WP1 M18 Minutes of the meeting

MS1.5 Blue Growth scenarios developed in Pilot Sites WP1, W6 M24 D6.2

MS2.1 Workshop with WP3 and WP6 for defining priority variables, ecosystem services

WP3, WP6 M6 Minutes of the meeting

MS2.2 Workshop with WP4, WP8 for defining scenarios for adaptive management in the pilot cases.

WP1, WP4 M12 Minutes of the meeting

MS2.3 First set of simulations WP2 M24 D2.2, D2.3

MS2.4 Scenarios simulations results for WP4, WP6 WP4, WP6 M36 D2.6

MS3.1 Key indicator list and weightings for different stressors WP3 M12 1st draft of D3.1 MS3.2 Preliminary models of key coastal benthic ecosystems WP3 M15 1st draft of D3.2 MS3.3 Workshop on resilience landscape analysis WP3 M18 Minutes of the meeting

MS3.4 Suggestion for a framework for assessing resilience in data-poor systems WP3 M24 2nd draft of D3.2

MS3.5 Workshop on future narratives for Living Labs WP3 M36 Minutes of the meeting MS4.1 Development of the prototype BN ANN frameworks. WP4 M18 D4.1

MS4.2 Prediction of future states relative to climate and anthropogenic forcing WP4 M36 D4.3

MS4.3 Customization of CEA tool WP4 M24 D4.2 MS4.4 Completion of CEA scenario analysis WP4 M40 D4.4 MS4.5 Recommendations for adaptive management. WP4 M44 D4.5 MS5.1 Sampling for e-dna and biodiversity demonstrators WP5 M12 D5.5 MS5.2 Completion of joint basin wide expeditions WP5 M24 D5.3

MS5.3 Demonstrators established - e-dna, biotech, cultural heritage and multistressors early warning system WP5 M36 D5.7, D5.8

MS6.1 1. round of workshops as part of the Living Labs WP6 M8 Minutes of the meeting MS6.2 Identification of local opportunities and needs WP6 M12 D6.1 MS6.3 2. round of workshops as part of the Living Labs WP6 M19 Minutes of the meeting MS6.4 Draft version of socio-economic scenarios WP6 M21 1st draft of D6.2

MS6.5 Data collection completed for valuation of designated ecosystem services WP6 M25 D6.3

MS6.6 3. round of workshops as part of the Living Labs WP6 M34 Minutes of the meeting

MS6.7 Successful identification of innovations, economic and governance instruments WP6 M39 D6.4

MS7.1 1st High Tech Black Sea Summit WP7 M12 Minutes of the meeting, Summary

MS7.2 1st Accelerator call for 4 projects WP7 M24 The call on the website MS7.3 2nd High Tech Black Sea Summit WP7 M30 Event agenda, minutes of


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the meeting MS7.4 2nd Accelerator call for 4 projects WP7 M34 The call on the website

MS8.1 Holding of the Regional Stakeholders Conference WP8 M12 Event agenda, minutes of the meeting

MS8.2 Completion of the policymaker trainings WP8 M36 Photos and minutes of the meeting, D8.6

MS8.3 Completion of drafting of the BRIDGE-BS Policy Brief WP8 M50 The brief (hard and soft copy), D8.5

MS8.4 BRIDGE-BS Final Conference WP8 M54 Photos, agenda and minutes of the meeting

MS9.1 Call for the PhD candidates from the Black Sea WP9 M6 The call on the website, Applicants list

MS9.2 Agreement with one University in the Black Sea to establish the MSc program in Blue Growth WP9 M24 The agreement

MS9.3 Establishment of MSc course on Blue Growth WP9 M38 Curricula

MS9.4 Summer School Outline: Draft teaching material, selection of locations/universities WP9 M6,

18, 30 D9.4, Agenda, Photos

MS9.5 Good Practices on “Blue Move” Activity WP9 M6 D9.6

MS9.6 Selection of themes and Open Call for the Ambassadors WP9 M6 The call on the website, D9.7

MS9.7 Establishment of the EMSEA OL Group WP9 M12 Online directory

MS9.8 Selection of teaching material for schools and identification of schools to work with. WP9 M10 Webinar recordings, event

photos, minutes

MS9.10 Selection process and description for the University students for the Task 9.4 WP9 M24 Video to be created by

students, D9.8

MS10.1 Kick-off meeting WP10 M3 Event agenda, minutes of the meeting

MS10.2 Launch of the Website and Social Media Channels WP10 M4 Website MS10.3 Black Sea Helix Launch WP10 M4 D10.1 and the platform

3.2.5 Risk Management A Risk Management Plan will be developed to actively monitor risks associated with project activities. This plan will identify risks and provide mitigation measures to reduce their impact. The GA will evaluate risks at project meetings, presented by the PCT, integrating input from WP leaders. The Risk Management Plan will be updated periodically, with a particular focus on termination of WPs and completion of milestones. Crucial risks and proposed mitigation measures for BRIDGE-BS are detailed in Table 3.2 b. Table 3.2 b: Critical risks for implementation (L=low, M=medium, H=high)

No. Description Level WP(s) Proposed risk-mitigation measures MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION R1 One partner leaves the consortium

unexpectedly L All BRIDGE-BS partners are carefully selected to complement

expertise and activities. Remaining partners with appropriate expertise will take over the activities of the leaving partner.

R2 Delay in completion of tasks M All Regular interaction of WP leaders with the coordinator and participants via online tools

R3 Low communication among partners

L All Monthly online meetings will be organised. WP leaders will take communication flows as key responsibility.

R4 Delayed milestones and/or deliverables

H All To anticipate delays, so mitigation action can be put in place (e.g. support from steering committee, from partners if needed etc.). Information provided to the EC PO.

R5 WP resources not well balanced and lack of financial resources

M All Monitoring of the work and possible reallocation of resources. Solvency of project partners has been assessed, ensuring the financial resources during the project execution.

TECHNICAL/RESEARCH ACTIVITIES R6 Technical difficulties related to

developing the smart systems M All All system components have been carefully thought and

proposed. Most of them are already in related partner's infrastructures and no major component is to be constructed outside of project to wait for arrival.

R7 In-situ technology demonstrators not stable in Black Sea conditions

L 5 Already based on partner's existing applications and experience, and proven to work under deep, anoxic conditions.

R8 Low level of business/public sector interest in BRIDGE-BS outputs

M 5, 6, 7, 8

BRIDGE-BS will leverage connections to CMA assistance mechanism, as well as local chambers of commerce through partners such as TEPAV (Turkey), MCB (Bulgaria)

R9 Inability to access data in L 1, 2, 3, BRIDGE-BS partners are already developing data sharing


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individual countries 4 capacities as a part of EMODNET and/or Black Sea databases as a part of projects such as EMBLAS.

R10 Data are not compatible M 1 Significant resources in WP1 is allocated to compatibility with experienced participants from METU, NIMRD and UkrCSES will be in close communication from. the outsett.

R11 Due to the hierarchical structure of the modelling framework, failure of a simulation at one tier may percolate to upper tiers.

L 2 We follow an ensemble modelling approach to reduce the uncertainty. The diversity of models used in WP2 ensures that objectives of WP2 will still be achieved through different models that can be used for the completion of the simulations.

R12 Large volumes of model output may need to be transferred between institutes.

L 2 METU will host a project data server at which results of all simulations and observational data will be stored. This will be mirrored on a server hosted at ULiege.

R14 In case of large uncertainty and low skill of the machine learning tools due to insufficient data would have a strong impact on the performance of DSTs in WP4

L 4 We adopt a parallel approach of utilizing future scenario projections from complex ecosystem models from WP2 to feed into the DSTs in WP4. Also, there will additionals models that will support Machine Learning (ANNs). This risk is further reduced by concurrent approaches and world-class experts.

CLUSTERING & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT R15 Fragmented community, inability

to integrate due to language and cultural barriers

M 6 Truly interdisciplinary community, integration of past and ongoing projects/programmes, leverage form CONNECT and Black Sea HELIX. Benefit from BSEC, CPMR. Synergy between the other sea BASINS. Use of technology.

R16 Citizens are not interested in the campaigns

L 6, 9 Campaigns, courses and participation in all actions will be advertised in local/national press for active engagement.

R17 Delays in response from the policy makers

M 8 Early engagement of policy makers from the outset of the project.

R18 Difficulties for different stakeholder groups to understand the value of BRIDGE-BS actions

M 6 Tailored communication & dissemination activities and channels depending on the stakeholder group.

R19 Lack of interest in new academic degrees

L 9 Early announcement in all possible channels. Connection with different networks and announcements in social media

R20 Black Sea Helix failing to engage the expected number of stakeholders

L 10 CHX is an expert partner and Crowhelix is already hosting 23 Helixes on different themes. Best practices will be taken from other helixes to make sure a proper engagement.

DISSEMINATION, COMMUNICATION & EXPLOITATION R21 Low impact of diss/comm

activities M 10 Active engagement of partners has been agreed. A solid

dissemination & communication plan will be followed with a wide range of activities in WP9 to be widely announced in mass media and social networks.

R22 Barrier of language for schools L 9 At least one local partner from each country will be involved. R23 Leakage of IP rights M 5, 7 CA will clearly mention access rights to background,

foreground and ownership rules at Consortium level. R24 Information overload H 9, 10 Production of narratives and visual elements

3.3 Consortium as a whole BRIDGE-BS brings together 33 partners from 10 EU and 5 non-EU Black Sea countries. A good balance between leading research-performing organizations (20 partners), NGOs (2), industry, socio-economic and business related (4), policy-oriented (5) and intergovernmental organizations (1 partner), governmental (1) has been carefully considered to ensure international, intersectoral and interdisciplinary complementarities. Black Sea institutes participating in the project are leaders in the field of marine research and the European institutes complement this structure with bringing cutting edge science and innovations. Led by METU IMS, BRIDGE-BS consortium builds on the participants of the Blue Growth Initiative for Research and Innovation in the Black Sea network (active since 2017) which is currently the main network focusing on the implementation of the Black Sea SRIA. The BRIDGE-BS consortium has even a longer history collaboration: Some of the first success stories on Black Sea marine science were the projects lead by the coordinating institute METU-IMS (TR). These projects were established at the end of 1990s as a co-operation between major marine research institutions in 6 Black Sea countries. Building on this legacy, the fundamental approach of this proposal is to involve strong partners from all Black Sea coastal countries and Moldova, together with key European organizations, and cluster with a large stakeholder community with the novel platforms embedded in its integrative WP layout. The Pilot Sites are selected to represent the sub-systems where Black Sea partner institutions have an inventory of monitoring data and seagoing infrastructures. The long-Turkish coast will be studied under 2 different Pilot Sites: Bosporus site coordinated by TUBITAK MAM in cooperation with IU and TUDAV and Sinop/Bafra site coordinated by SNU and SUMAE. Western Shelf will be coordinated with the joint efforts of Bulgarian partners: IO-BAS and IBER-BAS. Russian site


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at Gelendzik site will be coordinated by SIO-RAS and RTU MIREA. The Batumi pilot site coordinated by TSU and Danube influence area, representing Romania, will be coordinated by GEOECOMAR and NIMRD. Finally, the Ukrainian (Odessa) site will be coordinated by joint efforts of UkrSCES and IEEN. The local expertise will be complemented via involvement of leading marine science institutes all around Europe: DTU (DK), SU (SE), IFREMER (FR), CNR (IT), HCMR (EL), ULiege (BE). BRIDGE-BS has been developed with the view to ensure impact on policy via involvement of major regional policy entities CPMR(FR), EMB(BE), ICBSS(EL), CETMAR(ES) as main partners working on policy. The added value of the experts involved in this project will be to ensure a solid first-hand access to economic operators in the blue economy, as well as other investors and specialised actors in the Black Sea, the Mediterranean and the EU sea basins at large. SML (FR), AUEB (EL), TEPAV (TR), MCB (BG) will engage businesses and other industry, policy and research stakeholders to identify main opportunities, challenges and needs for the transposition of identified scientific priorities into innovative, sustainable and yet profitable business practices via innovative methods (accelerator platform, Living Labs) CHX (IE) and its innovation platform Helix tailored for Black Sea will be used as a tool to systematize these stakeholder engagement efforts across different WPs. BSEC (TR) is a strong intergovernmental organization to bring together nations funding agencies towards joint projects and strengthen the project by linking the it to the wider Black Sea region as its member states include not only Black Sea coastal states but also countries like Greece and Azerbaijan. Alongside the policy level, BRIDGE-BS will also heavily adopt a bottom up approach and engage in capacity building activities with the Black Sea youth and general public via mobility programs and ocean literacy efforts with the expertise of marine science communication and outreach activities of BRIDGE-BS partners notably INDIGO-MED (EL), EMSEA (BE), EMB (BE). In addition to these, BRIDGE-BS will liaise with endusers: such as the UN-SDSN Black Sea, Black Sea Commission, SEARICA, PABSEC and a number of business organizations (Arctur, Cluster FvG, Turkish Chambers of Commerce) to ensure the link to the industry (see Support Letters in the Annex). 3.4 Resources to be committed BRIDGE-BS allocates adequate resources to all partners for the realization of BRIDGE-BS envisaged work. 35% of the total budget is allocated to Node 1: 36% (WP1,2,3,4) and Node 2 (WP 5,6,7) follows with 31%. With the allocated 22% of total BRIDGE-BS Budget, Node 3 will enhance science and policy dialogue and build/boost capacity in the region. Finally, 11% of the budget is reserved for the management to make sure that BRIDGE-BS is implemented smoothly with the best possible outcomes during the project life-cycle and beyond. The budget is distributed evenly, considering the diverse work planned (stakeholder engagement, cruises, workshops, youth programs) based on concrete tasks the partners are involved. As the Coordinator, WP 5,10 leader, and task leader in many WPs, METU has 197 PMs allocated. The cost of the mobility programme to support the BRIDGE-BS PhD students is allocated METU as the coordinator, which will be distributed among the partners based on the Ph.D. candidates to be sought. With the integrated and inter-related WP structure, most partners are involved in various WPs with their dedicated teams. This is why some partners (14) have PM ranging between 45-60. (See Table 3.4a). Certification on Financial Statements (CFS) will be obtained, at the end of the project, by relevant beneficiaries for the partners (6) that exceeds €325,000 in EU contribution. A total of €3,000 is allocated for that in the overall budget

under Other Services. Figure 17 Summary of budget allocation per partner and as a whole.

Personnel: 61% of the total BRIDGE-BS budget is allocated as the personnel. Number of person-months accounts to a total of 1400 person-months which are distributed across WP’s accordingly (WP1:9%, WP2:10%, WP3:8%,


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WP4:9%, WP5: 15%, WP6:8%, W7:8%, WP8:10%, WP9:12%, WP10:11%) in a close-to-even distribution. Person month calculation also includes efforts of Russian partners RTU MIREAand SIO-RAS who are not asking for EU contribution and will be applying to relevant Russian programmes for receiving national funding. Their combined PM’s accounts for 15% of the total PMs which they will apply for national co-funding if the project application has been successfully approved. Table 3.4 a: Summary of staff effort WP1 WP2 WP3 WP4 WP5 WP6 WP7 WP8 WP9 WP10 Total PM 1 METU 19,5 28,5 7,0 13,0 13,5 3,0 7,5 8,5 7,0 76,0 183,5 2 IO-BAS 9,0 3,0 2,5 3,0 13,5 5,0 0,0 4,5 10,5 1,0 52,0 3 NIMRD 20,0 1,0 0,0 5,0 8,0 6,0 0,0 3,5 7,0 1,0 51,5 4 IBER-BAS 3,0 15,0 24,5 6,0 9,0 3,0 0,0 1,5 1,5 1,0 64,5 5 UkrSCES 23,5 0,0 2,0 5,5 7,5 3,5 3,0 5,5 8,5 1,0 60,0 6 TSU 6,0 0,0 2,0 6,0 11,0 7,5 7,0 5,5 11,0 0,0 56,0 7 GeoEcoMar 6,0 0,0 4,5 10,5 7,0 3,5 5,0 2,5 11,0 1,0 51,0 8 SIO-RAS 11,0 18,0 2,0 5,5 10,0 6,0 0,0 2,0 2,0 0,0 56,5 9 ICBSS 0,0 0,0 0,0 2,0 0,0 1,0 4,0 19,0 0,0 1,0 27,0 10 HCMR 1,0 24,0 0,0 2,5 20,0 0,0 0,0 1,5 2,0 1,0 52,0 11 CNR 0,0 11,0 0,0 32,0 1,0 2,0 4,5 3,5 3,5 1,0 58,5 12 ULiege 0,0 23,5 7,0 2,0 1,5 0,50 0,0 3,0 0,0 1,0 38,5 13 AUEB 2,0 0,0 4,0 1,5 0,0 31,0 6,0 5,5 4,5 1,0 55,5 14 SU 0,0 0,0 29,0 1,0 0,0 2,5 0,0 1,5 3,0 1,0 38,0 15 CETMAR 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 1,5 0,0 18,0 3,0 1,0 23,5 16 INDIGO MED 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 3,5 24,5 1,0 29,0 17 IEEN 1,5 0,0 0,0 0,0 10,0 4,0 0,0 3,5 3,0 0,0 22,0 18 DTU 0,5 6,0 11,0 14,0 3,0 1,0 20,0 1,0 1,0 1,0 58,5 19 BSEC 1,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 9,5 6,0 0,0 0,0 16,5 20 SML 3,0 0,0 0,0 0,00 0,0 1,0 25,5 3,5 2,0 1,0 36,0 21 CPMR 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 1,0 11,0 2,0 0,0 14,0 22 TUBITAK 8,5 0,0 6,0 5,0 13,5 3,0 0,0 7,0 0,0 0,0 43,0 23 MCB 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 21,0 1,5 8,0 0,0 30,5 24 TEPAV 2,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 31,0 6,0 2,5 0,0 1,0 42,5 25 SUMAE 7,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 6,0 0,0 0,0 0,5 1,5 0,0 15,0 26 TUDAV 5,5 0,0 0,0 0,0 15,0 5,0 0,0 2,5 31,0 1,0 60,0 27 IU 11,5 0,0 6,0 0,0 9,5 4,0 0,0 2,5 18,0 0,0 51,5 28 EMSEA 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 1,5 7,0 0,0 8,50 29 SNU 12,0 0,0 2,0 0,0 12,5 6,0 0,0 1,5 0,0 0,0 34,0 30 EMB 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 6,5 0,0 0,0 6,5 31 IFREMER 4,5 10,0 0,0 0,0 6,0 0,0 0,0 0,5 0,0 0,0 21,0 32 CHX 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 1,5 0,0 1,0 1,0 9,0 12,5 33 RTU MIREA 0,0 0,0 0,0 10,0 0,0 8,0 0,0 5,0 8,0 0,0 31,0

Total Person Months 158,0 140,0 109,5 124,5 177,5 140,5 120,0 146,5 181,5 102,0 1400,0 Table 3.4 b: ‘Other direct cost’ items

1. METU Cost Justification Travel 76000 Travel for WP 1,3,4,5,7,9,10, Travels of Advisory Board Members Equipment 35000 Equipment for basin-wise expeditions Other Goods and Services 229500 Consumables for expedition, organizational costs for GAx 4 (5000 each),

Service procurement for website, intranet and other dissemination materials (20.000), CFS (3000)

Total 340,500

2. IO-BAS Cost Justification Travel 25000 Travel for WP1, 4,5,8,9,10 Equipment 18000 Small equipment for PS expeditions Other Goods and Services 51500 Consumables (13.500), Service procurement for e-DNA (30.000), 3 Living

Labs (8000 ) Total 94,500

3. NIMRD Cost Justification Travel 28700 Travel for WP 3,4,5,6, 8,9,10 Equipment 5000 Small equipment for PS expeditions


[BRIDGE-BS] 69

Other Goods and Services 69000 3 Living Labs (8000), Consumables for PS expeditions (10.000), NMBAQC Laboratory Reference (LR) module – Training exercise (2700 ox10labs=27000), Quasimeme exercises (3 parameters x10 labs x 750 =22500)

Total 102,700

4. IBER-BAS Cost Justification Travel 23200 Travel for WP 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,10 Equipment 5000 Small equipment for PS expeditions Other Goods and Services 20000 Consumables for biodiversity assessment and PS expeditions (10.000),

Fisheries survey (10.000 ) Total 48,200

5. UkrSCES Cost Justification Travel 24700 Travel for WP 1,3,4,5,6,8,9,10 Equipment 40000 Network equipment and software for visualization, modelling and 3D tasks (35.000 ), Small

equipment for PS expeditions (5.000 ) Other Goods and Services 36500 Consumables for PS expeditions, 3 Living Labs (8000 ) Total 101,200 6. TSU Cost Justification Travel 15700 Travel for WP 1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 Equipment 5000 Small equipment for PS expeditions Other Goods and Services 18500 Consumables for PS expeditions (10.500), 3 Living Labs (8000) Total 39,200 7. GeoEcoMar Cost Justification Travel 24200 Travel for WP 1,3,4,5,6,8,9,10 Equipment 8000 Small equipment for basin wide expeditions Other Goods and Services 44500 Consumables for operating the vessel (43.000), 3 Living Labs Total 76,700 9. ICBSS Cost Justification Travel 22500 Travel for WP8,10 Other Goods and Services 50000 Organizational costs of Regional Stakeholders Conference (35.000) Peer

Review Panel meetings (15.000) Total 72,500

10 HCMR Cost Justification Travel 23500 Travel for WP1,2,5,8,9,10 Equipment 30000 Equipment for sensor development for WP5 (30.000) Other Goods and Services 17137 Consumables and services e-DNA (14.137), CFS (3.000) Total 70,637 13. AUEB Cost Justification Travel 40000 Travel for WP 4,6,8,9,10 Other Goods and Services 10000 Service procurement for organizational costs and training materials (5.000)

CFS (3.000) Total 50,000

15.CETMAR Cost Justification Travel 11500 Travel for WP8 and 10 Other Goods and Services 30000 Costs for logistics and training material for 6 Science-policy knowledge

transfer activities (5.000 each) Total 41,500

16. INDIGO MED Cost Justification Travel 27500 Travel for WP 8,9,10 Other Goods and Services 30000 Organizational costs for Citizens campaign (5.000x2), one-week dive

(10.000), Printed materials (10.000) Total 57,500

17. IEEN Cost Justification Travel 9200 Travel for WP 5,6,8,10 Equipment 5000 Small equipment for river and atmosphere monitoring at the PS Other Goods and Services 10000 Consumables for monitoring Total 31,200 19. BSEC Cost Justification Travel 3500 Travel for WP 5,6,8,10 Other Goods and Services 60000 Seed money for start-ups (40.000 EUR), Organizational cost for BRIDGE-

BS Conference Total 63,500

21. CPMR Cost Justification Travel 10000 Travel for WP 8 and 10 Other Goods and Services 10000 Organizational costs for policy maker trainings Total 20,000 22. TUBITAK Cost Justification Travel 10700 Travel for WP 1,3,4,5,6,7,10 Equipment 8000 Small equipment for PS expeditions Other Goods and Services 23500 Consumables for PS expeditions (10.000), Service procurement for biotech

(13.500) Total 42,200

23. MCB Cost Justification Travel 9500 Travel for WP 7,8,9,10 Other Goods and Services 23000 Organizational costs for High-tech Summit (2.0000) for WP8 and Capacity

Building Activity for WP9 (3.000) Total 32,500

24. TEPAV Cost Justification Travel 15500 Travel for WP 6,8,10 Other Goods and Services 8000 Training materials cost Total 23,500 25. SUMAE Cost Justification Travel 6500 Travel for WP 1,5,8,10 Other Goods and Services 1500 Pilot site coordination Total 8,000 26. TUDAV Cost Justification


[BRIDGE-BS] 70

Travel 15200 Travel for WP 1,5,6,8,9,10 Equipment 12000 Small equipment for expeditions (acoustics) Other Goods and Services 21500 Consumables 10.000, training materials for citizens Total 48,700 27. IU Cost Justification Travel 15200 Travel for WP1,3, 5, 6, 8,9,10 Equipment 8000 Small equipment for PS expeditions Other Goods and Services 46500 Living Labs x3 (8000 total), Summer school & Campaigns (18.500),

Consumables for expeditions (20.000) Total 69,700

28. EMSEA Cost Justification Travel 13000 Travel for WP 8,9,10 Other Goods and Services 3000 Service procurement Establishing EMSEA Black Sea Total 16,000 29. SNU Cost Justification Travel 9200 Travel for WP 1,3,6,8,10 Equipment 5000 Small equipment for PS expeditions Other Goods and Services 16500 Consumables for PS expeditions (8.500), Living Labs (8000 total) Total 30,700 30. EMB Cost Justification Travel 7000 Travel for WP8, 10 Other Goods and Services 15000 Policy brief publication Total 22,000 31. IFREMER Cost Justification Travel 10000 Travel for WP 2,5,8,10 Equipment 25000 Parts for pH sensor development Other Goods and Services 10000 Consumables for sensor development Total 45,000

References [1] Akoglu, E., et al. (2015) Geoscientific Model Development, 8(8), 2687. [2] Albouy, C., et al (2013), J. Biogeogr., 40: 534-547. [3] Berov, D., et al. (2018) Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 200, pp.234-247. [4] Black Sea Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (2019) https://bit.ly/326IlhC [5] Burgas Vision Paper (2018) European Maritime Day 31.05-01.06.2018, Burgas, Bulgaria. https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/maritimeday/sites/mare-emd/files/burgas-vision-paper_en.pdf [6] BSC, 2019. State of the Environment of the Black Sea (2009-2014/5). Edited by Anatoly Krutov. Publications of the Commission on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution (BSC) 2019, Istanbul, Turkey, 811 pp. [4] Butterfield K.D., Reed R., and Lemak D.J. (2004) Business & Society 43(2):162-195 [7] Capet, A., et al. (2016) Ocean Modelling, 101, 83-100. [8] Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea (2018) https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/press/black-sea-ministers-endorse-common-maritime-agenda_en [9] Daskalov. G. M. (2003) Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser, 255, 259 [10] Daskalov G. (2013) Ecopath (EwE) coupled with LTL. In: Gregoire M., Capet A., Zavatarelli M., et al. LTL-¬HTL regional model coupling to establish E2E modeling systems and assessment of the models skill. Deliverable 4.4: Policy-oriented marine Environmental Research in the Southern European Seas Final Report (PERSEUS) (2013). Final Report, pp 86-97. [11] Daskalov G.M. (2015) Project report D 4.6 CoCoNet Project: FP7 - OCEAN.2011-4 - GA no: 287844. pp 39-69. [12] Daskalov G.M., Georgieva Y, Klain S, Karamfilov V. (2020) Ongoing project RECONNECT (2018-2020) - Regional cooperation for the transnational ecosystem sustainable development (Interreg) [13] DEKOSIM Project (National Excellence Centre for Marine Ecosystem and Climate Research – Project Code BAP-08-11-DPT.2012K120880), financed by the Ministry of Development of Turkey. [14] European Commission (2020) The EU Blue Economy Report 2020. Publications Office of the EU. Luxembourg. https://blueindicators.ec.europa.eu/published-reports_en [15] ECORYS Report (2013) Study in support of policy measures for maritime and coastal tourism at EU level https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/sites/maritimeaffairs/files/docs/body/study-maritime-and-coastal-tourism_en.pdf [16] FAO (2016) The State of Mediterranean and Black Sea Fisheries 2016 http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5496e.pdf [17] FAO (2018) The State of Mediterranean and Black Sea Fisheries 2018 http://connect2blacksea.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/14Jan-Somfi-Web.pdf [18] Fiechter, J. (2012) Ecological Modelling 242:164–179 [19] Gomoiu, M.T. (1981) Cercetari Marine 14: 109-127. [20] Grégoire, M., Raick, C. & Soetaert, K. (2008) Progress in Oceanography, 76(3), 286-333. [21] Grégoire, M. & Soetaert, K. (2010) Ecological Modelling, 221(19), 2287-2301 [22] Halpern, B. S., et al. (2019) Scientific reports, 9(1), 1-8. [23] Hatzonikolakis, Y., et al. (2017) Aquaculture Environment Interactions, 9, pp.371-383. [24] Holland, J.H. Jrl Syst Sci & Complex 19, 1–8 (2006) [25] Huettmann F. (2018) Machine Learning for Ecology and Sustainable Natural Resource Management. pp 315-333. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96978-7_16 [26] Johnson G. and Scholes, K. (2002) Exploring corporate strategy, 6th Edition: Prentice hall, New Delhi [27] Krekoukiotis D., Palacz, A.P., St. John M.A. (2016) Front. Mar. Sci., Vol3, pp:126 [28] Margolin, A.R., Gonnelli, M., Hansell, D.A., Santinelli, C. (2018) Limnology and Oceanography, 63: 1425-1443. [29] Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/EC (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32008L0056) [30] Massa, F., Onofri, L., and Fezzardi, D. (2017). Hanbook on the Economics and Management of Sustainable Oceans, Edward Elgar Publishing, pp 93–122. [31] Micheli, F., et al. (2013) PloS one, 8(12), e79889. [32] Oguz T. (2017) Frontiers in Marine Science 4, 110 [33] Palacz, A., St. John, M., Brevin, R.J.W., Hirata, T., Gregg, W.W., (2013) Biogeosciences Discussions (ISSN: 1810-6277), vol: 10, pages: 8103-8157 [34] Petihakis, G., A. et al. (2014) Fisheries and Aquaculture journal, 5:2 [35] Politikos, D., et al. (2015). Progress in Oceanography, 138, pp.399-416. [36] Rammer W, Seidl R. (2019) Front Plant Sci. 2019;10:1327. [37] Ravetz J. R. (1986) Usable knowledge, usable ignorance: incomplete science with policy implications. Pages 415–432. W. C. Clark R. E. Munn (Eds) Sustainable development of the biosphere. Cambridge University Press Cambridge [38] Rockström, J., Steffen, W., Noone, K. et al. (2009) Nature 461, 472–475 [39] Salihoglu B., Arkin S.S., Akoglu E., Fach B.A. (2017) Frontiers in Marine Science 4, 339 [40] Shiganova T., et al. (2018) Ecological Modelling, 376, 1-14. [41] Shiganova T.A., et al. (2019) Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. Volume 227 [42] SOMBEE Project (Scenarios of marine Biodiversity and Evolution under Exploitation and Climate Change), financed by Belmont Forum-BiodivERsA-EC Joint Call (2017-2018) [43] Stamataki, N., et al. (2020) Ocean Sci., 16, 927–949. [44] Tsagaraki, T., et al. (2011) Ecological Modelling, 222, 2512-2523. [45] Yucel M. et al. (2011), Nature Geoscience 4: 367-371. [46] Yucel M. (2013), Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 131: 83-92.


https://bit.ly/326IlhC

https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/maritimeday/sites/mare-emd/files/burgas-vision-paper_en.pdf


https://blueindicators.ec.europa.eu/published-reports_en

https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/sites/maritimeaffairs/files/docs/body/study-maritime-and-coastal-tourism_en.pdf

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5496e.pdf

http://connect2blacksea.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/14Jan-Somfi-Web.pdf

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96978-7_16

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32008L0056

BRIDGE-BS SECTION 4-5 H2020 BG-11-2020

BRIDGE-BS 1

Advancing Black Sea Research and Innovation to Co-Develop Blue Growth within Resilient Ecosystems

BRIDGE-BS Table of Contents SECTION 4: MEMBERS OF THE CONSORTIUM ............................................................................................. 2

4.1. PARTICIPANTS (APPLICANTS) ............................................................................................................................. 2 Participant 1 Project Coordinator: METU - Middle East Technical University, Turkey ..................................... 2 Participant 2 IO-BAS - Institute of Oceanology - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria ............................ 6 Participant 3 NIMRD - Institutul National De Cercetare-Dezvoltare Marina Grigore Antipa, Romania ............ 9 Participant 4 IBER-BAS - Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria .............................................................................................................................................. 12 Participant 5 UkrSCES - Ukrainian Scientific Centre of Ecology of the Sea, Ukraine ...................................... 14 Participant 6 TSU - Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Georgia ........................................................ 16 Participant 7 GeoEcoMar - Institutul National De Cercetare-Dezvoltare Pentru Geologie Si Geoecologie Marina, Romania ................................................................................................................................................ 19 Participant 8 SIO-RAS - P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia ...... 22 Participant 9 ICBSS - International Center for Black Sea Studies, Greece ........................................................ 25 Participant 10 HCMR - Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Greece .............................................................. 26 Participant 11 CNR - CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE, Italy ................................................ 29 Participant 12 ULiege - UNIVERSITE DE LIEGE, Belgium ............................................................................ 33 Participant 13 AUEB - Athens University of Economics and Business, Greece ............................................... 35 Participant 14 SU - Stockholm University, Sweeden ......................................................................................... 37 Participant 15 CETMAR - Centro Tecnologico Del Mar - Fundacion Cetmar, Spain ....................................... 39 Participant 16 INDIGO MED SMPC, Greece .................................................................................................... 41 Participant 17 IEEN - Institute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies, Moldova ............................ 42 Participant 18 DTU - Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Denmark ...................................................................... 46 Participant 19 BSEC - Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, Turkey .................................... 48 Participant 20 SML - Strategies Mer Et Littoral, France .................................................................................... 50 Participant 21 CPMR - Conference Des Regions Peripheriques Maritimes D Europe – Association, France... 52 Participant 22 TUBITAK - The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, Turkey ................ 53 Participant 23 MCB - Marine Cluster Bulgaria Sdruzhenie, Bulgaria ............................................................... 58 Participant 24 TEPAV - The Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey, Turkey ................................. 60 Participant 25 SUMAE - Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Turkey ............................................................ 63 Participant 26 TUDAV - Turk Deniz Arastirmalari Vakfi, Turkey .................................................................... 66 Participant 27 IU - Istanbul University, Turkey ................................................................................................. 67 Participant 28 EMSEA - European Marine Science Educators Association, Belgium ...................................... 69 Participant 29 SNU - Sinop Universitesi, Turkey ............................................................................................... 71 Participant 30 EMB - European Marine Board Ivzw, Belgium .......................................................................... 74 Participant 31 IFREMER - Institut Francais De Recherche Pour L'exploitation De La Mer, France ................ 76 Participant 32 CHX - Crowdhelix Limited, Ireland ........................................................................................... 80 Participant 33 MIREA - Russian Technological University, Russia .................................................................. 81

4.2. THIRD PARTIES INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT (INCLUDING USE OF THIRD-PARTY RESOURCES) ......................... 84 SECTION 5: ETHICS AND SECURITY ............................................................................................................... 85

5.1 ETHICS .............................................................................................................................................................. 85 5.1.1. Process of personal Data ........................................................................................................................... 85 5.1.2. Non-EU countries ..................................................................................................................................... 86

5.2 SECURITY .......................................................................................................................................................... 86 Appendix A: Letter of Commitment of End-Users……………………………………………………………... 87



BRIDGE-BS 2

Section 4: Members of the consortium 4.1. Participants (applicants) Participant 1 Project Coordinator: METU - Middle East Technical University, Turkey

Middle East Technical University (METU-IMS)

Turkey

www.metu.edu.tr

Description of the legal entity

Coordinating Organization; Middle East Technical University (METU), founded in 1956, is an international research university, which seeks excellence in serving the country, region and the world. This well-deserved reputation is partly a reflection of its leading position in terms of international scientific publications and share of research funds from national scientific research funding agencies, primarily the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), among the most prominent universities of Turkey. Moreover, METU – as an international research-intensive university – is among the leading universities in Turkey in terms of depth and breadth of international research projects and the amount of funds generated from research activities. Research revenues account for 20-25% on average of annual METU expenditures, including all payroll costs. METU has actively taken part in and managed various projects under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), especially the Framework Programmes (FP) as well as other international projects, such as COST, Erasmus, Newton-Katip Celebi Fund, etc. In this context, as of July 1, 2020, METU has 388 international projects (either signed or in Grant Agreement phase) with a total budget of 794 M€ and METU's share of 58 M€. Among these projects, 189 are supported by the EU Framework Programmes with a total budget of 704 M€ within which METU’s share of 43 M€ while 199 of METU’s international projects are funded other programs such as Erasmus, GCRF and US Embassy with a total budget of 88 M€ and METU's share of nearly 14 M€. In terms of national R&D projects, where TÜBİTAK is the leading funding agency, METU has a prominent position amongst Turkish universities with 1100+ funded projects having a total budget greater than 500 MTL (approx. 80 M€ with January 2020 conversion rates). At any given time, METU has approximately 400 R&D projects nationally funded by TÜBİTAK and various ministries and 60 R&D projects internationally sponsored, mainly by the EU Research and Innovation Framework Programmes. This record of accomplishment translates into METU bringing in about 9% of the FP-sourced research funds acquired by Turkey until now. Moreover, METU is committed to intensify and accelerate the alignment of the European Research Area (ERA) and Turkish Research Area (TARAL) based on the five ERA priorities, as one of the founding members of the Alliance of Turkish Research Universities. The ERA priorities METU is currently focusing on includes ERA Priority #3: An Open Labour Market for Researchers. In order to fulfil the requirements of this priority METU has been a EURAXESS Service Centre since 2015 and recently become the first university in Turkey to be qualified to obtain the Human Resources Excellence in Research Award in August, 2020. Coordinating Institute; Middle East Technical University has a second branch in Erdemli (Mersin), where the Institute of Marine Science (METU-IMS, https://ims.metu.edu.tr/) is located. METU-IMS is the leading international marine science institute in Turkey with a 100% English education and research. The institute is among the top-rated academic units within Turkey in terms of number of publications, citations per researcher and number of nationally and internationally funded research projects. Since its establishment METU-IMS studies have been carried out with an emphasis on combined theory and practical laboratory working three main branches: 1) Marine Geology and Geophysics, 2) Marine Biology and Fisheries and 3) Oceanography. METU-IMS offers MSc and PhD education and post-doctoral research opportunities. The long-term vision of METU-IMS is to integrate fundamental research, blue growth solutions and public outreach towards the overall goal of sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems based on excellent science. The Institute carries out research (both observational and theoretical) both on the national (the Eastern Mediterranean, the Aegean Sea, the Turkish Straits System, the Black Sea) and international waters (e.g. Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic and Southern Oceans, North Sea and Baltic Sea). Currently, the research conducted by METU-IMS covers a wide spectrum of topics interdisciplinary connected, including physical and chemical oceanography, ecosystem modelling, marine biology and fisheries, biodiversity and conservation, bioinformatics, metatranscriptomics, population genetics, evolution and geometrical morphometric, geophysics, biogeochemistry and policy making. METU-IMS has been intensively involved to numerous international large-scale projects. These included NATO projects such as TU-Fisheries, TU-BlackSea, TU-DBMS and other linkage grants in cooperation with Black Sea


https://ims.metu.edu.tr/


BRIDGE-BS 3

riparian countries. With 2000s several IAEA and European Commission projects (MAMA, ARENA, ADIOS) embarked. More recently, European support has been through Framework Programme 6, 7 and H2020 projects and programs such as MEECE, EURO-BASIN, OPEC, PERSEUS, COCONET, SUMMER. Last but not least METU-IMS is the coordinator of H2020 coordination and support action in blue growth area, named Black Sea CONNECT. As far as international projects, since its establishment the institute has been actively involved to wide range of national projects (i.e. Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, TUBITAK) as both coordinator and partner. Besides IMS, other departments will also contribute to METU's activities. One important player is the Center for Black Sea and Central Asia (KORA). KORA was established in 1992, Ankara with the aim of creating a hub for interdisciplinary research on the post-Soviet region in order to understand the new geography and conceptual frameworks. KORA was the first of its kind in Turkey, both in terms of its area of concentration on Black Sea and Central Asian states and also as a centre of regional studies. For nearly two decades, KORA has established the basis of scientific enquiry by bringing together a number of social and natural scientists possessing both the language and academic skills necessary for disciplinary and interdisciplinary research. KORA has an extensive experience in international research projects funded by European Commission FP6, FP7 and Horizon 2020 Programmes (i.e. EUBORDERSCAPES, EUBORDERREGIONS, EUDIMENSIONS, FACIT, GLOMIG) and brought the first coordinatorship to Turkey in social sciences. It cooperates with the private sector, governmental institutions, and the civil society including NATO, UN, British Council and provides consultancy for the private sector and is particularly specialized in development studies and social impact assessment.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

METU-IMS will coordinate the project (WP10) and work package leader of WP5 - Smart observations and technologies for tackling multi-stressors, boosting innovation and supporting monitoring. Moreover, it will contribute to different deliverables under all other WPs.

Key personnel involved in the project

Prof. Dr. Baris Salihoglu (male) (PhD 2005 Physical Oceanography, Centre for Coastal Physical Oceanography, Old Dominion University, VA, USA) is the coordinator of BRIDGE-BS. He is Director of the METU Institute of Marine Sciences (METU-IMS), coordinator of H2020 Black Sea CONNECT CSA, a 3.4 M € DEKOSIM project establishing a new interdisciplinary centre of excellence (Centre for Marine Ecosystem and Climate Research) funded by the Turkish Ministry of Development and also Blue Growth Center in Mersin, Turkey. As far as coordinatorship, he is partner in 5 EU funded projects. His research interests cover a variety of topics, which range from mathematical modeling of marine ecosystems to descriptive physical oceanography. His main research focus is on exploring marine ecosystem and biogeochemical dynamics via the combination of modeling and data analyses. He works on development of biogeochemical cycle models in North Atlantic, Mediterranean and the Black Seas. He published over 50 articles. He was one of the leading proponents of the preparation of the Black Sea SRIA within the framework of the Blue Growth Initiative for Research and Innovation in the Black Sea and now he is coordinator of 2 €M H2020 CSA - Black Sea CONNECT which aims to carry out the development of the Black Sea Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda and implementation plan both at national and regional level. (https://scholar.google.com.tr/citations?user=QmVhXckAAAAJ&hl=tr, https://ims.metu.edu.tr/people/salihoglu-baris-associate-prof-dr) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yucel (male) (PhD 2010, University of Delaware, USA) is the co-coordinator of BRIDGE-BS. He is a marine biogeochemist focusing on elemental cycling in oceans, particularly focusing on the deep-sea. Having been trained in USA as a chemical oceanographer, he has conducted postdoctoral research in France (UPMC) and Germany (GEOMAR). Since April 2015, he has been appointed as a faculty member in METU Institute of Marine Sciences in Turkey and currently is the Vice Director of the institute responsible with research coordination and international collaborations. Dr. Yucel has published over 40 international publications and spent a total of 13 months in deep-sea expeditions across the globe, participating in 5 dives to ocean floor with research submersibles Alvin (USA) and Nautile (France). Dr. Yucel has earned 4 Young Investigator Awards. Turkish Academy of Sciences - Distinguished Young Scientist Award (TUBA 2018) and Science Academy - Distinguished Young Scientist Award (BAGEP 2019) which were given for the first time to an oceanographer. Dr. Yucel is particularly interested in developing research and innovation approaches for emerging blue economy sectors in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Within last two years, he actively contributed to preparation of Black Sea Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda and now he is the co-coordinator of Black Sea CONNECT project which will support the Black Sea Blue Growth Initiative for Research and Innovation in the Black Sea.


https://scholar.google.com.tr/citations?user=QmVhXckAAAAJ&hl=tr

https://ims.metu.edu.tr/people/salihoglu-baris-associate-prof-dr


BRIDGE-BS 4

(https://scholar.google.com.tr/citations?user=G3qMyFcAAAAJ&hl=tr&oi=ao, http://ims.metu.edu.tr/people/yucel-mustafa-associate-prof-dr) Dr. Vangelis Papathanassiou (male) (PhD 1979, University Wales, Swansea) is co-coordinator for Dissemination, facilitator for NODE3. He retired in 2018 from Institute of Oceanography at HCMR, he has carried our many administrative responsibilities in HCMR including the directorship of the institute. Thirty years of experience in National and EU projects in the field of ecotoxicology, marine ecology and management studies. Coordinator for the marine and coastal programme of the European Environment Agency from 1996 to 1999. Coordinator, author and editor in several European and Mediterranean Reports published by the EEA and UNEP/MAP. Responsible for the organisation of the Inter-regional Forum with all major European Sea Conventions. Evaluator in several DG Research Programmes. Coordinator of the EU IASON project, coordinator of EU SESAME-IP, coordinator of EU PERSEUS. Author of more than 120 publications in international journals and symposiums. Ezgi Sahin (female) (MSc 2014, METU-IMS, Turkey) is a scientific project specialist. Since September 2017, she is responsible for coordinating the research strategy of the institute and visibility of METU-IMS activities. She was in the expert group of the Black Sea SRIA within the framework of the Blue Growth Initiative for Research and Innovation in the Black Sea and now she is responsible of Visibility and Dissemination activities of Black Sea CONNECT project. She is taking active part in the establishment of a new Blue Growth Center in METU. She is also taking an active part in developing Blue Growth-related European proposals and project application and execution stages. She will be the Communication Manager of BRIDGE-BS. Pinar Uygurer (female) (MA European Studies from Aarhus University, Denmark) is the project manager of H2020 funded Black Sea CONNECT CSA with expertise in day-to-day management and coordination of projects. Prior to METU-IIMS, she took on various project management roles including her position as International Project and Communication Coordinator at a non-governmental organization called Crossing Borders based in Copenhagen Denmark, working closely with implementation of Erasmus+ projects. She will be the project manager of BRIDGE-BS. Prof. Dr. Ayse Ayata (female) is the Chairperson of KORA and Professor of Political Science and Public Administration at METU. She has been visiting scholar in Harvard University, Oxford University, Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin, Manchester University and EHESS Paris. Her research interests include gender, migration, democratization, comparative party politics and political participation. She has been the team leader of several projects, the latest of which is ‘Re-considering the Black Sea Regionalization: Opportunities, Threats and Future’, funded by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey. She has published extensively on Eurasian politics and society, democratization, migration and provided consultancy to various UN bodies. She co-edited books on the region including Black Sea Politics: Political Culture and Civil Society in an Unstable Region, Challenges of Global Migration. EU and Its Neighborhood. Dr. Zelal Ozdemir (female) received her doctoral degree in Area Studies at METU. She has post-graduate degrees from School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and London School of Economics (LSE). Currently, she teaches at the Middle Eastern Studies Programme at METU and works as researcher at KORA. She has been the team member of the projects including ‘Re-considering the Black Sea Regionalization: Opportunities, Threats and Future’, EUBORDERSCAPES, EUBORDERREGIONS, FACIT etc. Her research interests centre on area studies, regionalization, border studies, migration and social exclusion, national identity, and civil society. She has publications in journals like Political Geography and Journal of Contemporary Central and Eastern Europe. Dr. Derya Akkaynak (female) is a mechanical engineer and oceanographer (PhD MIT & Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution ‘14) whose research focuses on problems in underwater imaging and computer vision. In addition to using off-the-shelf RGB cameras for scientific data acquisition underwater, she also uses hyperspectral sensors to investigate how the world appears to non-human animals. Derya has professional, technical, and scientific diving certifications and has conducted underwater fieldwork in the Bering Sea, Red Sea, Antarctica, Caribbean, Northern and Southern Pacific and Atlantic, and her native Aegean. Akkaynak is an honoree for the 2019 Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in physics & engineering for her post-doctoral research resolving a fundamental problem in underwater computer vision -- the reconstruction of lost colors and contrast. She currently works at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution but is co-affiliated with METU. In addition to these key persons, the following principle investigators from METU-IMS will take part in the BRIDGE BS activities and carry out research, innovation and training activities. Assistant Prof. Dr. Ekin Akoglu (male) PhD 2013 METU-IMS (Turkey), Research Interests: Network ecology, Ecological modelling, Fisheries, ecosystem-based fisheries management, Marine food webs.


https://scholar.google.com.tr/citations?user=G3qMyFcAAAAJ&hl=tr&oi=ao

http://ims.metu.edu.tr/people/yucel-mustafa-associate-prof-dr


BRIDGE-BS 5

Assistant Prof. Dr. Berkay Basdurak (male) PhD 2010 University of Florida (USA), Research Interests: Numerical Modelling, Turbulence, Estuaries, Coastal Processes. Prof. Dr. Ali Cemal Gucu (male) PhD, Marine Biology & Fisheries, METU-IMS (Turkey), Research Interests: Fisheries biology and management, marine mammals and acoustics, conservation biology and invasive species; Assistant Prof. Dr. Arzu Karahan (female) PhD 2007, Mersin Univ. (Turkey), Research Interests: Population genetics, DNA barcoding, Metagenomics, Metatranscriptomics, Genotoxicology. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kideys (male) Ph.D., Marine Biology & Fisheries U.K., University of Liverpool, (England), Research Interests: Marine Ecology, Marine Litter and Microplastics, MSFD, Invasive Species. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kocak (male) Ph.D., Chemical Oceanography, METU-IMS (Turkey), Research Interests: Aerosol Chemistry, Mineral Dust, Atmospheric Deposition, Biogeochemical Cycles. Prof. Dr. Zahit Uysal (male) Ph.D., Marine Biology & Fisheries, METU-IMS (Turkey), Research Interests: Phytoplankton Ecology & Physiology, Taxonomy, Marine Primary & Bacterial Productivity, Marine Pollution, Biodiversity. Dr. Valeria Ibello (female) PhD 2010 Napoli University (Italy) She is a biogeochemical oceanographer with combined experience on ecosystem modeling, experimental field activity and remote monitoring. Assistant Prof. Dr. Koray Ozhan (male) PhD 2014, Louisiana State Univ. (USA), Chemical oceanography, coastal management. Dr. Sinan Husrevoglu (male) Ph.D. degree from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA. His research interests are marine observation and numerical modelling of coupled marine dynamics. Dr. Yesim Ak Orek (female) PhD 2005 Ege Univ. (Turkey), Marine biology, ichthyology. Dr. Hasan Orek (male) PhD 2007 METU-IMS (Turkey), Operational oceanography, marine technology. Dr. Meltem Ok (female) PhD 2013 METU-IMS (Turkey), Fisheries oceanography; Dr. Mustafa Mantikci (male) PhD 2015 Aarhus Univ. (Denmark), Coastal biology, management. Arife Yılmaz Zenginer (female) MSc., Marine Biology and Fisheries, METU-IMS (Turkey), Research Interests: Marine Biology, Zooplankton, Science Communication and Outreach; The following principle investigators from METU Department of Statistic will take part in WP4, ANNs and BNs will be used to identify stressor-state impact pathways Dr. Baris Surucu (male) Ph.D. in Statistics, Middle East Technical University, 2003 Dr. Zeynep Kalaylioglu (female) Ph.D. Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, USA, 2002.

Up to 5 publications relevant to the content of the proposal

1. Salihoglu, B., Arkin, S.S., Akoglu, E., Fach, B.A. (2017). Evolution of future Black Sea fish stocks under changing environmental and climatic conditions. Frontiers in Marine Science.

2. Yücel M, Gartman A, Chan CS, Luther GW (2011). Hydrothermal vents as a kinetically stable source of iron-sulphide-bearing nanoparticles to the ocean, Nature Geoscience 4, 367-371

3. Salihoglu, B. Neuer, S., Painting, S., Murtugudde, R., Hofmann, E.E., Steele, J.H., Hood, R.R., Legendre, L., Lomas, M.W., Wiggert, J.D., Ito, S., Lachkar, Z., Hunt, G.L., Drinkwater, K.F., Sabine, C.L. (2013). Bridging marine ecosystem and biogeochemistry research: lessons and recommendations from comparative studies, Journal of Marine Systems, 109–110, pp. 161–175.

4. Tugrul S, JW Murray, GE Friederich, İ Salihoğlu (2014) Spatial and temporal variability in the chemical properties of the oxic and suboxic layers of the Black Sea. Journal of Marine Systems 135, 29-43

5. Guraslan C, Fach B, Oguz T (2017) Understanding the impact of environmental variability on anchovy overwintering migration in the Black Sea and its implications for the fishing industry Frontiers in Marine Science 4, 275

Up to 5 relevant previous projects, initiatives or activities led

European Projects 1. Black Sea CONNECT project aims to develop the Black Sea Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda

(SRIA) and its implementation plan both at national and regional level. The project will scientifically, technically and logistically support the broader Black Sea Blue Growth Initiative (www. connect2blacksea.org) (2019-2022) (EU H2020 CSA No 860055)

2. MERMAID project Marine Environmental targets linked to Regional Management schemes based on Indicators Developed for the Mediterranean (www.mermaid-era.eu) (2013-2015) (EU FP7 No 288710)

3. CoCoNET project - Towards COast to COast NETworks of marine protected areas (from the shore to the high and deep sea), coupled with sea-based wind energy potential (2012-2016) (EU FP7 No 287844)


http://www.mermaid-era.eu/


BRIDGE-BS 6

4. PERSEUS project - Policy-oriented marine Environmental Research for the Southern European Seas (www.perseus-net.eu) (2012-2015) (EU FP7 No 261748)

5. EURO-BASIN project - European Basin-scale Analysis, Synthesis and Integration, EU FP7 Capacities (2011-2014) (EU FP7 No 264933)

6. MyOcean and MyOcean2 projects - Development and pre-operational validation of upgraded GMES Marine Core Services and (2009-2014) (EU FP7 No 218812)

National Projects 1. DEKOSIM - Center for Marine Ecosystems and Climate Research Project (2011-2019)

(https://ims.metu.edu.tr/ecosystem-and-climate-center) 2. DekoYon - Development of ecosystem-based fishery management strategies for the Turkish Seas (2014-

2016) (TUBITAK1001 No 113Y040) 3. Effects of Climate Changes on Black Sea and Aegean Sea Ecosystem and Dynamics (2011-2014)

(TUBITAK1001 No 108Y114)

Significant infrastructure relevant to the proposed work

METU-IMS hosts modern research laboratories, sampling and computing facilities to support researches in different areas of marine sciences. The Institute owns a well-equipped research vessel called RV BILIM 2 for offshore and two small boats for coastal researches. Chemical laboratories provide infrastructure (equipment and qualified staff) for carrying out routine, advanced and experimental chemical analyses of samples from sea water, atmosphere, marine sediments and biota needed for research projects. Molecular Biology and Genetics Laboratory possesses all necessary equipment and facilities to conduct basic molecular biology and genetics techniques.

Participant 2 IO-BAS - Institute of Oceanology - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria

INSTITUTE OF OCEANOLOGY-BAS (IO-BAS)

Bulgaria

www.io-bas.bg/index_en.html


Institute of Oceanology - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IO-BAS) is a permanent research body under the auspice of Bulgarian Academy of Sciences with a mission to conduct basic and applied oceanographic research corresponding to the national priorities and the global developments. The investigations, applied science and expert activities aim towards strategy elaboration for sustainable development and management of the Black Sea Ecosystem in compliance with the regional and European regulations implementing the ecosystem approach, offering consultancy to policy and decision-makers. The priority disciplines of advanced research are marine physics, chemistry, hydrology, climatology, geomorphology, geology, marine biology and ecology, hydrodynamics and lithodynamics of the coastal zone and operational oceanography. IO-BAS is accredited in training of PhD students in 4 disciplines (Oceanology, Marine geology, Hydrobiology, Ecology and ecosystem protection). IO-BAS hosts the National Oceanographic Data Centre included in the system of the International Oceanographic Data Exchange (IODE) - IOC-UNESCO. A total staff of 105 out of which 35 academic staff, 97% hold PhD degrees, 62% are Senior scientists. IO-BAS scientists have an extensive expertise in diversity (molecular, population, species, habitat and ecosystem) and ecology of marine phytoplankton, zooplankton, phytobenthos, zoobenthos, fish and cetaceans, marine pelagic and benthic habitats, invasive alien species, development of ecological indicators for marine environmental state, marine protected areas and networks, coastal and underwater archaeological sites investigation, design, management and operation of marine observing infrastructure , collection, management and dissemination of oceanographic data and information; numerical modelling of hydrodynamic and morphodynamic processes, geological and geomorphologic sea bottom mapping in coastal and shelf zone, implementing innovative technologies to monitor marine litter on shore/shorelines and sea surface and remote sensing for oceanographic research.


http://www.perseus-net.eu/

https://ims.metu.edu.tr/ecosystem-and-climate-center


BRIDGE-BS 7

IO-BAS is the national institution responsible for Black sea monitoring, fish stock assessment, implementation of the WFD 2000/60/ЕС, the MSFD 2008/56/EC, the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, CFP, and formulation of strategies for sustainable management of marine resources and ecosystem services including global climatic impacts, development of tools for long-term prediction of coastal risk and tests disaster risk reduction strategies. IO-BAS is actively involved in important EU research infrastructures and networks (EuroARGO, EUROFLEETS, JERICO, SeaDataNet, ODINBLACKSEA, LTER, PESI, IPBES, EMODNet), a Coordinator of EMODNET Black Sea Checkpoint project, Leader of Copernicus CMEMS Black Sea-Monitoring and Forecasting Centre, a Coordinator of National Road Map, Infrastructure for sustainable Marine Science, Related to BG membership in Euro-Argo Infrastructure (2017-2023) The academic staff members are experts in various International organizations (IOC-UNESCO, GFCM-FAO, European Geosciences Union, Commission for the Protection of the Black Sea against pollution -Advisory Groups etc.) and national expert committees, consulting and advisory boards to Ministries (Ministry of Environment and Water, Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Agriculture-National Agency for Fishery and Aquaculture), Local authorities and Academic Institutions in support of better governance. IO –BAS was/is an active partner in more than 150 International Projects funded by various funding Programs and Initiatives (5, 6, 7th FP, Horizon2020, NATO, UNDP, Copernicus, EASME, Interreg Balkan-Med, CBC, EEA grants, ESA, COST actions etc.) and active player in Projects funded by the National Scientific Fund, Bilateral Academic exchange, Ministries and Industry. IO-BAS is experienced in organizing Conferences, Summer schools and Training courses, science dissemination public events (including Science Night) and networking with various stakeholders.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

In the Project IO-BAS will be a Co-Leader of WP5 Smart observations and technologies for monitoring Black Sea ecosystem services and boosting blue innovations” a Coordinator of the “Western Black Sea” pilot site and will actively contribute to Project WPs activities (The knowledge base - data management framework and harmonize methodologies), evaluation of ecosystem dynamics under multiple pressures, living labs (Socioeconomics and Social Innovation), Resilience and Ecosystem Services, stakeholders engagement (Engage Policy and Public), Adaptive Management and Education and Capacity Building.

Key personnel involved in the project (1 paragraph for each personnel)

Snejana Moncheva (female) Professor, Director of IO-BAS, graduated Sofia University, has about 40 years research experience in Black Sea plankton biodiversity and phytoplankton blooms, driving mechanisms and ecological consequences, phytoplankton life cycle, chlorophyll a, development of ecological indicators for marine health assessment (WFD, MSFD), highly qualified in marine ecology research. She is extensively involved in National, Regional and International expert groups (European Biodiversity MSFD Task group, NFP for PESI and Biodiversity Advisory Group to the Black Sea Commission, GIG-Black Sea, the Scientific council to the Minister of environment and water, expert group on GES/MSFD, Black Sea basin Directorate Council etc.). She has an extensive experience in Project coordination and networking, a coordinator of Center of Excellence for sustainable development of the Black Sea (CESUM-BS, FP5 Project) and IO-BAS partner coordinator of more than 25 Projects funded under EC FP5, FP6 and FP7, HORISON2020 (TRESHOLD, SESAME, PERSEUS, DEVOTES, MISIS, IRIS-SES, EMODnet-Biology, BS Connect etc.) and other funding schemes (Scientific leader of National road map for Black Sea Research - MASRI). She is an author of more than 120 publications. Petya Ivanova (female) Associated Prof., PhD in Genetics , with over 26 years experience in the field of marine biology, fisheries science (taxonomy, population genetics, biodiversity, data collection), environmental science, experience in marine fisheries and ecosystem research - population genetics of fish species (marine and freshwater); determination of the taxonomical identity of disputable fish species and other biota, population-genetic structure of commercial fish species in connection with accurate determination of their stocks and sustainable exploitation; application of genetic-biochemical and DNA-markers, genetical methods for rapid identification of the fillet and caviar of sturgeons. Actively involved in international and national Projects. Kremena Stefanova (female) Assoc. Prof., Head of Marine Biology and Ecology Department holds a PhD in Hydrobiology. Marine ecologist – expert in zooplankton taxonomy and ecology, non-native species, ecosystem state indicators, implementation of MSFD. Actively involved in international and national Projects (ODEMM, PERSEUS, DEVOTES, MISIS, ANEMONE etc). Member of the National Biological Diversity Council, Ministry of Environment and Water of Bulgaria. Valentina Todorova (Female) has a PhD in Hydrobiology and over 25 years of professional experience in the field of the Black Sea benthic macrofauna diversity and ecology, benthic habitats, seabed integrity, invasive alien species, ecological indicators of the marine environmental state, marine protected areas and networks, marine



BRIDGE-BS 8

environmental monitoring, developing the scientific bases for implementation of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/ЕС, the Marine strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/EC and the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. She has extensive experience as team leader and participant in national and international research projects and a record of over 60 scientific publications. Marina Panayotova (female) has a PhD in hydrobiology with more than 23 years experience in the field of fisheries science, including fish biology, ecology, biodiversity, fish stock assessments, scientific surveys, data collection for fisheries, fish conservation and scientific advice to fisheries management. Principal investigator in 17 national surveys for assessment of pelagic and demersal fish stocks under the National Data Collection Program of Bulgaria for Fisheries within DCF, expert on Descriptors 1 and 3 of MSFD. Member of the Black Sea Working groups under STECF and GFCM for assessment of exploited fish stocks. Author and co-author of more than 65 scientific publications. Participant in over 45 projects and contracts. Nina Dzhembekova (female), has a PhD in hydrobiology (early career scientist) specialized in molecular taxonomy of marine phytoplankton, molecular detection of harmful algal bloom (HAB) species, application of metagenetic approach for studying marine phytoplankton biodiversity, participated in training courses on molecular techniques for monitoring of toxic phytoplankton species in Italy, Bulgaria and Japan. She actively collaborates with national and international institutions, involved in a number of national and EU-funded projects. She has experience in public relations as a PR of the Institute of Oceanology. Asen Stefanov (male) Assoc. Prof. with extensive expertise in operational oceanography, data manager of the Bulgarian National Oceanographic Data Centre (BgODC) responsible for management of BgODC, database design and support, real time programming, web programming and GIS applications. Actively involved in many national and international projects (FP6, SeaDataNet I), FP7, SeaDataNet II, BlackSeaScene, GeoSeas, Emodnet Chemistry I, II, III, Emodnet Biuology II, SeaDataCloud I- H2020, Copernicus Project (Black Sea in Situ Tag), Emodnet Data ingestion. A member of ODINBLACKSEA.


1. Danovaro R., Carugati L., Berzano M., Cahill A., Carvalho S., Chenuil A., Corinaldesi C., Cristina S., David R., Dell'Anno A., Dzhembekova N., Garcés E., Gasol J., Goela P., Féral J., Rastelli E., Marinova V., Miller P., Moncheva S., Newton A., Pearman J., Pitois S., Reñé A., Rodríguez-Ezpeleta N., Saggiomo V., Simis S., Stefanova K., Wilson C., Martire M., Greco S., Cochrane S., Mangoni O., Borja A.. (2016). Implementing and Innovating Marine Monitoring Approaches for Assessing Marine Environmental Status. Front. Mar. Sci., 3, 1-25, DOI:https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2016.00213

2. Turan C, Ivanova PP, Raykov VS, Gurlek M, Erguden D, Yaglioglu D, Karan S, Dogdu SA, Uyan A, Ozturk B, Nikolov V, Dobrovolov I, Khanaychenko A and Giragosov V (2019) Genetics Structure Analysis of Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus, Linnaeus, 1758) in the Black and Mediterranean Seas for Application of Innovative Management Strategies. Front. Mar. Sci. 6:740. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2019.00740.

3. Dzhembekova, N., Urusizaki, S., Moncheva, S., Ivanova, P., Nagai, S.(2017) Applicability of massively parallel sequencing on monitoring harmful algae at Varna Bay in the Black Sea. Harmful Algae, 68, 2017, 40-51, DOI:10.1016/j.hal.2017.07.00

4. Shiganova T.A., Mikaelyan A.S., Moncheva S., Stefanova K., Chasovnikova V.K., Mosharov S.A., Mosharovа I.N., Slabakova N., Mavrodieva R., Stefanova E., Zaskoa D.N., Dzhurova B. (2019). Effect of invasive ctenophores Mnemiopsis leidyi and Beroe ovata on low trophic webs of the Black Sea ecosystem. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 141: 434–447.

5. Fraschetti S., Pipitone C., Mazaris A. D., Rilov G., Badalamenti F., Bevilacqua S., Claudet J., Caric´ H., Dahl K., D’Anna G., Daunys D., Frost M., Gissi E., Göke C., Goriup P., Guarnieri G., Holcer D., Lazar B., Mackelworth P., Manzo S., Martin G., Palialexis A., Panayotova M., Petza D., Rumes B., Todorova V., Katsanevakis S.(2018). Light and Shade in Marine Conservation Across European and Contiguous Seas. Frontiers in Marine Science, 5:420, Frontiers Media S.A., 2018, ISSN:22967745, DOI:10.3389/fmars.2018.00420

Products: Marine monitoring programmes in the Bulgarian Black Sea developed under the requirements of MSFD, Article 11 and amended in accordance with Commission Decision (EU) 2017/848 of 17 May 2017: https://www.bsbd.org/bg/msfd_monitoring.html


1. 2016-2018 - EASME contract – Sea Basin Checkpoints - Lo4 Black Sea (Coordinator) 2. 2012-2016 – PERSEUS Policy-oriented marine Environmental Research in the Southern EUropean Seas,

FP7, No 287600 (partner)


https://www.bsbd.org/bg/msfd_monitoring.html


BRIDGE-BS 9

3. 2018 – 2020 Assessing the vulnerability of the Black Sea marine ecosystem to human pressures (ANEMONE). CBC Black Sea. Joint Operational Programme “Black Sea Basin 2014-2020” (partner)

4. 2017-2019 MARE/2016/22 Strengthening regional cooperation in the area of fisheries data collection. Biological data collection in Mediterranean and Black Sea (STREAM) (partner)

5. 2019-2020 Bio-optics for ocean color remote sensing of the Black sea, 4000123951/18/NL/SC Black Sea Color – ESA (coordinator)

6. 2018-2023 Processes, marine environmental quality, ecosystem functions and services in the coastal zone and the Bulgarian Black Sea economic zone. National Science Program "Environmental Protection and Reduction of Risks of Adverse Events and Natural Disasters" (WP leader)


• Research vessel “Akademik” • Field Research station “Shkorpilovtzi” with a peer for in situ mooring of research instruments (Length 230

m and High 7m) • Coastal and moored stations for real time monitoring of several meteorological and oceanographic parameters • National Oceanographic data centre • CTD - Sea-Bird 911 plus; in situ fluorimeter - Minitracka and Opt. KIT - chl.a in vivo • ROV – EPRONS RB Mini 600 • Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a high-resolution camera for capturing images at nadir (90°

angle) • Laboratory complex for biological, chemical and genetic analysis and scientific equipment • pulse-shape flow cytometer with integrated imaging in-flow camera CytoScence (IFCM), CytoBuoy B.V,

The Netherlands for phytoplankton monitoring • genetic laboratory (PCR Swift MaxPro, ESCO MICRO Pte.Ltd.) • Range of benthic samplers (multicorer, grabs, dredges, trawls, racks, SCUBA) and laboratory equipment

Participant 3 NIMRD - Institutul National De Cercetare-Dezvoltare Marina Grigore Antipa, Romania

National Institute of Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa” (NIMRD)

Romania

www.rmri.ro/Home/Home.html?lang=en


NIMRD is operating under the coordination of the Ministry of Education and Research and carries out basic, applied and technological research for the knowledge, protection and management of the coastal zone and marine environment, oceanography, marine and coastal engineering, management of the marine living resources in the Black Sea, developing the Geographic Information System and the remote sensing techniques for marine environment; implementation of the international conventions for the Black Sea, research and specific studies. It is the support for solving the national and international problems regarding the Romanian marine sector and the Black Sea Exclusive Economic Zone, according to Romania’s tasks assumed under international conventions. Therefore, NIMRD insures the national, regional, and European marine strategies/plans implementation, having: • scientific responsibility for the national program of the physical, chemical, and biological national monitoring

for marine waters and for coastal erosion surveillance • national scientific responsibility for the implementation of Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) • national scientific responsibility for the collection and management of fisheries data (Data Collection

Framework (DCF). Being the technical operator of the marine monitoring network (physical, chemical and biological) and for coastal erosion survey, NIMRD hold a comprehensive volume of marine data and information, which are exchanged in the framework of several international projects. Romanian National Oceanographic and Environmental Data Centre (RoNODC) operates within the framework of NIMRD. The centre is officially recognized by the IOC/IODE and IOC/GOOS) and included in the list of world oceanographic data centres. NIMRD has been involved in many of European and regional projects: NATO - TU Black Sea, ARENA, ECOOP, ASCABOS, SESAME, Sea-Search, Black Sea SCENE, SeaDataNet & SeaDataCloud, MyOcean,



BRIDGE-BS 10

ODINBLACKSEA, PERSEUS, CoCoNet, IRIS-SES, MARSPLAN, MareFrame, MISIS. At present NIMRD is coordinating, amongst other, the JOP Black Sea CBC funded project ANEMONE (Assessing the vulnerability of the Black Sea marine ecosystem to human pressures, 2018-2020) and the national POCA (Operational Programme Administrative Capacity) – “Capacity building of the public authority in the field of marine environment in terms of monitoring, evaluation, planning, implementation and reporting requirements set out in the MSFD and for integrated coastal zone management” (2019 – 2021). NIMRD is partner in H2020 Black Sea Connect: Coordination of Marine and Maritime Research and Innovation in the Black Sea (2019-2022) and ESA founded project EO4SIBS (Earth Observation Data for Science and Innovation in the Black Sea (2019-2021). NIMRD is involved in the European Marine Observation and Data network as partner in EMODnet Ingestion, EMODnet Bathymetry, Biology and as Regional Leader for Black Sea in EMODnet Chemistry where is responsible for all chemical data aggregation, quality control and generating base-scale data products.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

NIMRD will coordinate WP1 Knowledge base for the Black Sea and contribute to harmonization of methodologies and harmonised data collection efforts based on pervious/current projects and initiatives, particularly concentrate around seven pilot study sites. Intercalibration exercises focusing on chemical and biological parameters will be performed.


Dr. Laura Boicenco (female) is biologist, senior scientist, PhD in Biology (Ecology and Environmental Protection), head of Department of Ecology and Marine Biology. Professional background: ecological studies of marine phytoplankton communities from Romanian Black Sea waters, algal blooms phenomena, evaluation of eutrophication impact on marine ecosystem; monitoring of marine water quality according to WFD and MSFD. Responsibilities: National Focal Point in the Advisory Group for Biodiversity Conservation of the Black Sea Commission since 2009, NIMRD Coordinator for MSFD implementation and responsible for Descriptor 1 at national level and expert for EEA. As research scientist she is actually the coordinator of EU-BS-CBC funded project “Assessing the vulnerability of the Black Sea marine ecosystem to human pressures” ANEMONE) and also lead another DG ENV funded project "MSFD Guiding Improvements in the Black Sea Integrated Monitoring System (MISIS)". She has been involved in several projects related to EU environmental law and policy as FP-7 PERSEUS, FP-6 REBECCA; FP-6 ELME -European lifestyles and marine ecosystems; DANUBS, BS GEF - Pilot monitoring exercise of environmental status indicators in the Black Sea; FP-6 SESAME Project: Southern European Seas: Assessing and Modeling Ecosystem Changes; FP-7 ODEMM Project: Options for Delivering Ecosystem-base Marine Management, DG Env - IRIS-SES. Dr. Valeria Abaza (female) is a biologist, senior scientist at present holding scientific director position. Her scientific background is focused on marine ecology, marine biodiversity, having experience in ecological studies related to marine macrozoobenthic communities (diversity, distribution, biomass, population condition, habitat extent) under present environmental conditions. She participated in numerous national and international projects implemented by NIMRD and the Permanent Secretariat of the Black Sea Commission, where she acted as Pollution Monitoring and Assessment (PMA) Officer (2011-2014). In this position she was member in Advisory Boards of the FP7 projects: ODEMM (Options for Delivering Ecosystem-based Marine Management – 2010-2013), CoCoNET (A Coast to Coast NETwork of protected areas: from the shore to deep sea – 2012-2015), DEVOTES (DEVelopment Of innovative Tools for understanding marine biodiversity and assessing good Environmental Status – 2012-2016), the Baltic Research programme BONUS and member in the Steering Committee in the DG ENV MISIS project (MSFD guiding Improvements in the Black Sea Integrated Monitoring System – 2012-2014). She participated in the implementation of the MSFD at European level as member of technical subgroup on marine litter (descriptor 10). Presently she is responsible for MSFD descriptor 6 at national level and member of the TG SEABED lead by DG ENV. Dr. Andra Oros (female), MSc in Biochemistry at University of Bucharest in 1994 and PhD in Ecology and Environmental Protection in 2009 at University of Constanta. Her main research interests are chemical oceanography, marine pollution, heavy metals biogeochemistry. Coordinator of the national integrated monitoring program of the Romanian Black Sea waters since 2009. She is involved in elaboration of the methodology for the assessment of ecological status on Romanian marine water bodies for chemical status, under the EU Water Framework Directive and in several studies for the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, especially in relation with initial assessment of the marine waters, determination of the good environmental status, setting of environmental targets, and the establishment and implementation of coordinated monitoring programme. She is National Focal Point for Pollution Monitoring and Assessment Activity Group (PMA-AG) of the Black Sea Commission. She is also member of MSFD Expert Network on



BRIDGE-BS 11

Contaminants, led by Joint Research Centre (JRC). She coordinated NIMRD team involved in FP6 IASON “International action for sustainability of the Mediterranean and Black Sea environment” (2005-2006) and FP-7 PERSEUS “Policy - oriented marine Environment Research for the southern European Seas” (2012-2015) and has participated in several EU multidisciplinary projects, like: DG ENV funded project "MSFD Guiding Improvements in the Black Sea Integrated Monitoring System (MISIS)"; DG ENV - IRIS - SES – “Integrated Regional monitoring Implementation Strategy in the South European Seas”; EMODnet Chemistry. Dr. Florin Timofte (male) holds an MSc in Marine Biology and a PhD in Biology (Ecology and Environmental Protection). He started his career as research assistant at NIMRD (2001) in the Marine Ecology Department studying marine mammals and zooplankton communities. He specialised in marine mammal photoidentification and population observation and, he continued the study of zooplankton community with emphasis on gelatinous plankton. In the next years he was involved in different research projects related to evaluation of zooplankton population, pelagic and benthic habitats status and marine mammal population status and distribution. He participates in several national studies for the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, especially in relation with initial assessment of the Black Sea ecosystem and establish of good environmental status. As a project coordinator he was responsible for the development and implementation of several national projects like: “Characterization of benthic and planktonic communities on the Romanian continental shelf” and “Assessment of macrophyte communities from the Romanian sea and the possibilities for the valuation of macroalgae deposits on beaches”. One of the achievements of the last-mentioned project was the publication of the “Romanian marine macrophytes Atlas” in 2011. Starting with 2012 he started the collaboration with the Offshore Oil & Gas Industry with projects covering all the development stages of the offshore projects, starting from permitting process (elaboration of AA, EIM), environmental monitoring (physical, chemical and biological) and marine mammal’s observations (during 2D, 3D and VSP seismic surveys). He acted as Head of Ecology and Marine Biology Department of NIMRD (2011-2015) and after 2015 was appointed as the Technical Director of NIMRD.


1. Boicenco L., Buga L., Zaharia T. and S. Nicolaev, 2018. Implementation of Marine Strategy Framework Directive in Romania, Journal of Environmental Protection and Ecology, 19, (1): 196–207

2. Buga L., Boicenco L., Giorgetti A., Sarbu G. and A.Spinu, 2018. EMODnet Chemistry – Data aggregation and product generations in the Black Sea, Journal of Environmental Protection and Ecology 19, (1): 300–308

3. Boicenco L., Spanu A.D., Coatu V., Beken C., Dencheva K., Filimon A., Lazar L., Moncheva S., Marin O., Oros A., Sthereva G., Stefanova K., Timofte F., Tiganus D., 2014. "Overview of the marine environmental monitoring in Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey", 47 pp. (ISBN 978-606-598-362-5)

4. Oguz T., Salihoglu B., Moncheva S., Abaza V., 2012. Regional peculiarities of community-wide trophic cascades in strongly degraded Black Sea food web. Short communication in: Journal of Plankton Research, Oxford University Press, 34, 4: 338-343

5. Oros, V. Coatu, D. Secrieru, D. Țigănuș, D. Vasiliu, H. Atabay, C. Beken, L. Tolun, S. Moncheva, L. Bat, 2016. Results of the Assessment of the Western Black Sea Contamination Status in the Frame of the MISIS Joint Cruise. Cercetări Marine 46: 61-81

6. Altukhov, D., Siokou, I., Pantazi, M., Stefanova, K., Timofte, F., Gubanova, A., Nikishina, A., E. Arashkevich, 2015. Intercomparison of five nets used for mesozooplankton sampling, Mediterranean Marine Science, 16(3), 550-561


1. EU-BS-CBC “Assessing the vulnerability of the Black Sea marine ecosystem to human pressures” (ANEMONE) (2018-2020)

2. DG MARE/EASME "Operation, development and maintenance of a European Marine Observation and Data Network - EMODnet Ingestion and safe-keeping of marine data” (EMODNET Biology) (2017 – 2021)

3. H2020-SPACE-2018-2020/H2020-SPACE-2019: Earth Observation services for Fishery, bivalves Mariculture and oysterground restoration along European COASTs (FORCOAST) (2019-2021)

4. H2020 “Collaborative land-sea integration platform” (COASTAL) (2018-2022) 5. EC/DG ENV "MSFD Guiding Improvements in the Black Sea Integrated Monitoring System" (MISIS)

(2012 – 2014) 6. EC/FP7: “Policy oriented environmental research in the southern European Seas” (PERSEUS) (2012-2015),

Project partner



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7. POCA (Operational Programme Administrative Capacity) – “Capacity building of the public authority in the field of marine environment in terms of monitoring, evaluation, planning, implementation and reporting requirements set out in the MSFD and for integrated coastal zone management” (2019 – 2021)


• National Oceanographic and Environmental Data Centre (RoNODC) (IT equipment (servers, professional storage capabilities, workstations, etc), Internet (LAN) and regional network access

• Sea level stations along the Romanian coast (Constanta, Mangalia, Sulina) • Oceanographic and sampling and analytical equipment • Oceanographic station to monitor in real time the physical-chemical parameters and the quality of marine

waters from the touristic area (Mamaia Bay) • Research vessel “Steaua de Mare 1” • Demonstrative Centre of the Aquaculture • Two conference rooms (capacity 30 people and 100 people, respectively), fitted with projection equipment,

screens, sound system, wireless Internet connection, suitable for public events, courses, workshops, etc. • Ecotoxicity testing facility • Laboratory facilities for biological samples analysis • Microbiology laboratory • Marine organism cultures facility (phytoplankton, zooplankton, macroalgae, etc) • Laboratory for physical chemical and pollutants analysis

Participant 4 IBER-BAS - Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria

Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IBER-BAS)

Bulgaria

www.iber.bas.bg


IBER-BAS is a national centre of research on biodiversity, ecosystems and sustainable use of bioresources. The Division of Functional Ecology and Bioresources of Marine and Coastal Ecosystems and the associated Laboratory of Marine Ecology (LME) are carrying out research in functional ecology and the ecosystem approach to management of marine bioresources. Main areas of expertise are fisheries research and stock assessment, ecosystem modelling, environmental monitoring and biogeochemistry of coastal zones, structure and function of benthic and microbial communities, anthropogenic impact assessments, evaluation of Marine Protected Areas. Our team has mentored several PhD and MSc students, and provide a base for field studies of visiting scientists and university students from Bulgaria and Europe. During the last years we participated in several EU funded projects such as WETLANET, KNOWSEAS, PERSEUS, COCONET, RECONNECT. Recently our team was (co)responsible for performing historical stock assessments under the DGMARE RECFISH project, and drafting guidelines for fish feeding studies in DGMARE STREAM. The lab is member of the LTER-Europe (The European Long-term Ecosystem Research Network) and coordinator of its Black sea site. Recently, our team was in charge of coordination of the first national project (FEMA) funded by EEA aimed to assess and map the state of marine ecosystem services provided in the Bulgarian EEZ. Based on existing data high resolution maps were created and provided to stakeholders and management authorities.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

IBER-BAS is a co-leader of WP3 and has a significant role in WPs 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. The IBER-BAS team will have an active role in assembling and analysing ecosystem, ecosystem services and fisheries data on the whole Black Sea as well as in critical coastal habitats in particular in the Western Shelf pilot area. They will develop dynamic food web models and run scenarios of future climate and fishing. They will analyse the health, functioning and resilience of the Black Sea ecosystem, and support building models and formulating recommendations for adaptive management. They will apply innovative methods of assessment of good environmental status and key ecosystem services.


http://www.iber.bas.bg/?q=en


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Prof. Georgi Daskalov (male), has more than 25 years of experience in ecosystem science, fisheries assessment and management, oceanography, statistics and modeling. He is an expert in ecosystem analyses and models in relation to fisheries management, fish stock assessment, and ecosystem approach to fisheries. He has developed ecosystem models of the Black, North and Caspian seas. Dr. Daskalov is one of the pioneers in revealing the mechanisms of the trophic cascades in marine environment. He is known for his work on regime shifts and trophic indicators in marine ecosystems. He studied Biology (Ichthyology, MSc) and hold a PhD in Marine environment and fisheries. He worked at the Institute of Fisheries, Varna (1989-2001), Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas 2002-2010), and IBER-BAS (2010-now), where he was promoted to professor in 2012. He is a member of the STECF since 2010, and has chaired the STECF EWG on Black Sea fisheries assessments in 2008 – 2012. He has participated in over 20 national and international research projects (most of them funded by the EC), focused on fish stock and ecosystem assessment and management, ecosystem models and climate effects on fish populations and marine ecosystems. He has (co) authored more than 90 research papers published in high impact international journals and books. His work has received over 2600 citations (h-index=18). Dr. Ventzislav Karamfilov (male) He has more than 20 years of experience in ecology of the Black Sea coastal marine ecosystems. He holds a PhD in marine ecology. Research fields: key processes in coastal ecosystems functioning, biogeochemistry, sediment-water interactions, microbial diversity within coastal marine sediments, eutrophication impact, WFD and MSFD monitoring, ecosystem services assessment and mapping. International projects: FP7-BSSCENE, WETLANET, PERSEUS, COCONET, EEA-FEMA-MARE, Interreg-RECONNECT. He has (co) authored more than 25 research papers published in high impact international journals and books. His work has received over 390 citations (h-index=10). Dr. Dimitar Berov (male) He holds a BSc in Biology, an MSc in biological oceanography and a PhD in marine ecology. His research focuses on coastal benthic ecosystems and the influence of anthropogenic pressures on their distribution, ecological state and conservational status. He has participated in EU and national projects related to the preparation and implementation of the Habitats Directive marine network and MSFD monitoring programs along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast in recent years. He is author and co-author of 8 publications in peer-reviewed journals and over 15 other papers and reports. Dr. Stefania Klayn (female) She has a MSc in marine biology and a PhD in hydrobiology (marine benthos). Since 2011, she has worked as a researcher at IBER-BAS. Her scientific interests include the biodiversity and ecology of macrozoobenthic communities in the Black Sea, the anthropogenic impacts on coastal ecosystems, the use of macrobenthic indices for quality assessment of the marine environment, fisheries and ecosystem modeling. She has participated in 7 national and international projects, with tasks focused on modeling and mapping of fish distribution, spatial ecosystem models (Ecospace), assessment of benthic diversity and health, habitat mapping in MPAs, mapping and assessment of ecosystem services in the Bulgarian Black Sea. She was served as expert in the environmental assessment of marine NATURA 2000 areas (2016-2020). She participated as expert on seagrass habitats in the 2017 MSFD assessment of the state of the Black Sea environment. Currently, she is engaged in the preparation of the Marine Spatial Plan of Bulgaria under Maritime Spatial Planning Directive. She is author and co-author of 3 peer-reviewed journal articles, and 8 other publications and reports. Dr. Yoana Georgieva (female) She studied Ecology and Environmental protection (BSc and MSc) and have a PhD on fish trophic ecology, ecosystem modeling and ecosystem approach to fisheries management. She has participated in more than 10 national and international research projects and her activities are focused on ecological and biological monitoring of commercial fish stocks. She is an Ecopath and Ecosim (EwE) certified expert as well as an expert in stock assessment. In the last five years, she participated in the Black Sea stock assessment working groups – STECF and GFCM. She has published 3 journal articles and 8 other papers.


1. Berov, D., S. Klayn, 2020. Microplastics and floating litter pollution in Bulgarian Black Sea coastal waters. Marine pollution bulletin 156, 111225.

2. Opdal AF, Brodeur RD, Cieciel K, Daskalov GM, Mihneva V, Ruzicka JJ, Verheye HM & Aksnes DL, 2019. Unclear associations between small pelagic fish and jellyfish in several major marine ecosystems. Scientific Reports 9, 2997

3. Berov, D., Todorova, V., Dimitrov, L., Rinde, E. and Karamfilov, V., 2018. Distribution and abundance of phytobenthic communities: Implications for connectivity and ecosystem functioning in a Black Sea Marine Protected Area. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 200, pp.234-247.



BRIDGE-BS 14

4. Daskalov, G. M., Boicenco, L., Grishin, A. N., Lazar, L., Mihneva, V., Shlyakhov, V. A. and Zengin, M. 2017. Architecture of collapse: regime shift and recovery in a hierarchically structured marine ecosystem. Glob Change Biol. 23 (4) 1486–1498,

5. Daskalov GM, Grishin A, Rodionov S, and Mihneva V. 2007. Trophic cascades triggered by overfishing reveal possible mechanisms of ecosystem regime shifts. Proceeding of National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) 104: 10518-10523, doi 10.1073/pnas.0701100104


1. KNOWSEAS 2009-2013 Knowledge-based Sustainable Management for Europe’s Seas, 7FP EC 2. PERSEUS 2012- 2016 Assessing and predicting the combined effects of natural and human-made pressures

in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea in view of their better governance, 7FP EC 3. COCONET 2012 – 2016 Knowledge-base and tools for regional networks of MPAs, integrated management

of activities together with assessment of wind energy potential in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, 7FP EC

4. FEMA (Marine ecosystem services) 2016-2017 - Freshwater ecosystem services mapping and assessment in Bulgaria, EEA

5. RECONNECT 2018-2020 - Regional cooperation for the transnational ecosystem sustainable development, Interreg.


The laboratory’s field and experimental equipment can fully support field work and data analysis. LME has a small research vessel which is used in coastal water surveys, a fully equipped scientific diving team (scuba equipment, photo and video for underwater work, drop cameras). Our staff routinely collects fisheries and biological samples from fishing vessels on a regular (weekly, monthly) basis, and has the possibility and necessary equipment to perform fish biology and feeding sampling at sea on a rented fishing vessel. LME runs a marine chemistry lab (marine waters and sediments nutrients analysis) and in-situ sampling and instrumental measurements equipment (multiparameter probes – T, salinity, Chl-a, oxygen, turbidity), and carries out long-term monitoring of chemical and biological parameters of coastal waters (nutrients, suspended particulate matter, Chl-a). LME conducts regular monitoring sampling of hard and soft-bottom coastal ecosystems and evaluation of changes in ecological state and spatial distribution of key habitats. The research staff is competent in statistical (R, GAM, MARSS), stock assessment (a4a, SAM, CMSY, SS3), mapping (ArcGIS), and ecosystem modelling tools (EwE). Five members of the lab (3 male and 2 female) will be involved in the project.

Participant 5 UkrSCES - Ukrainian Scientific Centre of Ecology of the Sea, Ukraine

The Ukrainian Scientific Center of Ecology of the Sea (UkrSCES)

Ukraine

www.sea.gov.ua/?lang=en


The Ukrainian Scientific Center of Ecology of the Sea (UkrSCES), Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural resources of Ukraine (UkrSCES) was founded in January in 1992 on the basis of the Odessa Branch State Oceanographic Institute. It is the main institution of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Ukraine in the field of marine ecological researches. UkrSCES – is a unique institution of all state ecological systems of monitoring within the Black and Azov Seas, which provides a whole complex of tasks of the ecological monitoring. From 1993 UkrSCES is the International Regional Activity Center for Pollution Monitoring and Assessment (RAC PMA) of the Black Sea Commission. As the Regional Activity Centre within the Project titled Environmental monitoring of the Black Sea for nutrients referred as Baltic2Black, supported by the European Commission, is implemented by BSC PS under the Grant Agreement No 7.0204/2010/580913/SUB/D2 of DG ENVIRONMENT since January 2011 UkrSCES had developed the REGIONAL DATABASE ON POLLUTION (RDB-P http://rdbp.sea.gov.ua/database.php). RDB-P is one of the components of the Black Sea Information System. It contains data on pollutants in water, sediments and biota collected in countries in the process of implementation of the BSIMAP and annually reported to the BSC. The data on nutrients constitute the major part of the database.


http://rdbp.sea.gov.ua/database.php


BRIDGE-BS 15

The Ukrainian Scientific Centre of Ecology of the Sea (UkrSCES) has been designated as an IODE Associate Data Unit (ADU) on 15 July 2014. From February 2016, UkrSCES is accredited as the Black Sea OBIS node. The main task of UkrSCES is scientific and practical providing of realisation of public policy of Ukraine in relation to the protection, rational use and rehabilitation of natural resources of the Black and Azov Seas basin, and also providing implementation of international obligations of Ukraine (WFD, MSFD), in relation to marine aspects. The basic directions of work: Monitoring of the marine water areas in Ukraine; elaborating programs for environmental monitoring and protection, sustainable use of nature resources and providing environmental safety to territories and aquatic areas; carrying out studies on the nature processes in marine ecosystems, coastal ecosystems and factors influencing them; development and support online databases, interactive mapping systems, websites; assessment and drawing up standards for anthropogenic loads on the environment; scientific-ecological expertise of programs, scientific and technical elaborations of ecological situations of water areas and coastal territories , action of facilities in the limits of these territories; doing ecological audit; elaborating and applying economic mechanisms in nature use; providing scientific and practical insurance against ecological risks; working out, improving and applying novel methods, and methods of analysis and evaluation of the state of the nature environment, anthropological loads, meteorological provision of analytical measurements; conducting arbitrage (expert) analyses; scientific substantiation and elaboration of projects for creating and organising facilities and territories of the nature conservation fund of Ukraine; organising conferences, symposiums, courses, seminars, lectures, practical lessons and other forms of advancing the qualification of specialists in the field of environmental protection, use of nature resources, providing ecological safety, management of nature protection activity, providing specialists with high scientific qualification; practical activity in the protection of nature environment, sustainable use of nature resources; participating in checking adherence to nature conservation legislation required by the Ministry and its structural divisions, as well as enterprises and others; publishing, polygraph, advertising and information activity.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

Co-leadership in the WP1 - Knowledge base for the Black Sea of the Project. This WP will make data available for the rest of WPs as well as beyond the lifetime of the project, especially on crucially needed data on inputs from rivers, atmospheric deposition, and maritime sectors. In addition to co-leadership of WP1; UkrSCES will actively contribute to other WPs. Moreover, UkrSCES is a responsible party for the activity in the Northwestern Black Sea (Odessa Bay) Pilot Site of the Project.


Viktor Komorin (male) Director of UkrSCES. PhD in Geography. Member of Advisory Group of Pollution monitoring and assessment of the Black Sea (PS BSC). Project manager, coordination and leading of the personnel; organizational aptitudes (preparation and coordination of scientific activities in the field and in the laboratories) – experience based on the past/present positions of manager, projects coordinator and international scientific conferences. Yuri Denga (male) Head of Department of Analytical Research and Monitoring Organization. Member of the Advisory Group on Pollution Monitoring and Assessment of the Black Sea Commission (AG PMA BSC). Laboratory procurement for GC, GC/MS, AAS, Spectrofluorometry and basic hydrochemistry instrumentation, QA/QC laboratory procedures. Pavlo Gol’din (male) PhD in Biology. Scientific researcher in the Marine Environment Department. Comparative anatomy and ontogeny of marine mammals, Paleontology of marine mammals, Populations of marine mammals: dynamics, morphology, mortality factors, Age, growth, and life history of mammals, Conservation of marine and coastal areas. Karina Vishnyakova (female) PhD in Biology. Scientific researcher in the Geoinformation Analysis Department. Populations of marine mammals: dynamics, morphology, mortality factors including by-catch, Fisheries science (fish stock assessment), Marine mammals of the Azov and the Black Seas. Oleksandr Neprokin (male) Head of Information Support for the Scientific Researches Department, Ukrainian Scientific Centre of Ecology of the Sea (UkrSCES), Odessa, Ukraine. Manager of the Black Sea OBIS Node. Integrated coastal management, maritime spatial planning, marine data management and GIS technologies. Artem Kruhlov (male) Head of Information System Development Sector, Information Support for the Scientific Researches Department, Ukrainian Scientific Centre of Ecology of the Sea (UkrSCES), Odessa, Ukraine. Server hardware and software administration (MS Windows Server, MS SQL Server, ArcGIS Server), DB development and administration, IT-security configuration.



BRIDGE-BS 16


1. J. Slobodnik, B. Alexandrov, V. Komorin, A. Mikaelyan, A. Guchmanidze, M. Arabidze, A. Korshenko, S. Moncheva (eds.), National Pilot Monitoring Studies and Joint Open Sea Surveys in Georgia, Russian Federation and Ukraine, 2016, Final Scientific Report, EU/ UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS Project: Improving Environmental Monitoring in the Black Sea – Phase II (EMBLAS-II), ENPI/2013/313-169, December 2017

2. J. Slobodnik, B. Alexandrov, V. Komorin, A. Mikaelyan, A. Guchmanidze, M. Arabidze, A. Korshenko (eds.), National Pilot Monitoring Studies and Joint Open Sea Surveys in Georgia, Russian Federation and Ukraine 2017, Final Scientific Report, EU/ UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS Project: Improving Environmental Monitoring in the Black Sea – Phase II (EMBLAS-II), ENPI/2013/313-169, February 2019

3. Chehida, Y. B., Thumloup, J., Vishnyakova, K., Gol’din, P., & Fontaine, M. C. (2020). Genetic homogeneity in the face of morphological heterogeneity in the harbor porpoise from the Black Sea and adjacent waters (Phocoena phocoena relicta). Heredity, 124(3), 469-484.

4. Gladilina, E. V., Vishnyakova, K. A., Neprokin, O. O., Ivanchikova, Yu. F., Derkacheva, T. A., Kryukova, A. A., Savenko, O. V., Gol’din, P. E. 2017. Linear transect surveys of abundance and density of cetaceans in the area near the Dzharylgach Island in the north-western Black Sea. Vestnik zoologii, 51(4): 335–342.

5. GONCHAROV, O. Yu. Variation of rivers runoff as an important factor of nutrient regime of the Black Sea. Transboundary Dniester River Basin Management, 2017, 62-64.

6. Goncharov, O. Y., Ukrainskiy, V. V., & Tityapkin, A. S. (2018). Influence of Dniester River runoff on dynamics of chlorophyll in the Dniester Estuary and adjacent sea area. BIODIVERSITY AND FACTORS INFLUENCING ECOSYSTEMS OF THE DNISTER CATCHMENT AREA, 57.


1. FP7 Project “Towards COast to COast NETworks of marine protected areas (from the shore to the high and deep sea), coupled with sea-based wind energy potential (CoCoNET)” (2012-2016).

2. “Improving Environmental Monitoring in the Black Sea” (EMBLAS II) (2015-2018). 3. “The European Marine Observation and Data Network” (EMODnet) (2013-2019). 4. SeaDataCloud project, grant agreement 730960, EU H2020 programme (2016-2020) 5. "Improving online public access to environmental monitoring data and data tools for the Black Sea Basin

supporting cooperation in the reduction of marine litter - MARLITER", BSB 138, funded by the Black Sea Basin 2014-2020 Operational Program.


• Department of analytical research and organization of monitoring. The chemical laboratories of UkrSCES are included in the international list of laboratories participating in intercalibration on a permanent basis (IAEA, Monaco and the Central Office of the IAEA in Vienna and the European Intercalibration Center in Kwazimeme, Netherlands). The department consists of a certified laboratory of radioecological research with the ability to identify natural and artificial radionuclides in environmental objects.

• Interactive Database of "Indicators of pollution of the Black and Azov Seas" SeaBase", which contains data on 345 parameters of the state of marine waters during the period 1910-2018. Currently, according to the decision of the Advisory Group on Monitoring and Pollution Assessing of the Black Sea (AG PMA) and the Provisional Secretariat of the Black Sea Commission (BSC PS), the Regional Data Base with interactive software for all Black Sea countries has been developed and maintained.

• Licensed server equipment, certified system and application software, high-speed communication channel, local area network.

• The team of experienced specialists with many years of experience in marine research and the creation of interactive analytical and cartographic systems.

• Research vessel "Vladimir Parshin". • The website www.sea.gov.ua, which contains a series of cartographic interactive systems that are accessible

to users and contain analytical and cartographic materials. Participant 6 TSU - Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Georgia

Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU)


http://www.sea.gov.ua/


BRIDGE-BS 17

Georgia

www.tsu.ge/en/


Iv. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU), Tbilisi, Georgia (https://www.tsu.ge/), was established in 1918. Most of the existing higher educational institutions were founding and afterwards separated from Tbilisi State University. The TSU successfully collaborates with Academy of Science of Georgia, the major part of real academy members are professors of the University or active members of joint scientific works. There are about 22 000 students and 5000 personal working at the university. The process of education includes 2 stages: the first gives general university and special education and the second stage gives M.D. in concrete branches of science. Intensive postgraduate study is under way at the university faculties and at its research institutes and scientific laboratories. TSU is completely integrated in the European educational environment and the concepts of Bologna Process and its practical implementation. The Department of Geography, the Institute of Oceanography and Hydrology (with integrated Oceanographical data centre - DNA/ADU /IOC/IODE/UNESCO) of the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences are strongly involved in the research of the wide range of marine environmental and ecological problems. The Department of Human Geography of the Faculty of Social and Political Studies has a considerable experience in conducting research and policy implementation projects in different fields of urban development and modern economics. The named departments have been working in synergy in number of international projects for several years.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

Following the principles of the Vision Paper and SRIA, TSU, as a partner, will contribute to the definite tasks all 3 objectives, that serve the implementation of SRIA, in particular: took a part in comprehensive analysis of the present state and resilience of Black Sea ecosystems, develop the capacity building, provide support to start-ups to stimulate Blue Growth, train and educate the future generation of ocean resource managers and researchers with a holistic understanding of the multi-pressure constraints on Black Sea marine ecosystems. Particularly, TSU will actively contribute to different tasks under the other WPs significantly WP4 - Adaptive Management, WP5 - Smart observations and technologies for tackling multi-stressors, boosting innovation and supporting monitoring, WP7 - Accelerate ‘Industry 4.0’ business models, WP8 - Enhancing science-policy dialogue. Besides, it is responsible partner of Eastern Black Sea (Batumi) pilot site.


Kakhaber Bilashvili (male), Ph.D., Assoc. Prof., Director of the Institute of Oceanography and Hydrology (IOH) of the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences of Iv. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU), Head of ADU of IODE/IOC/UNESCO of TSU. Expertise and know how on marine environmental and ecological research, ICZM, oceanography, education and raise of public awareness, blue growth. Local coordinator and Team leader of more, than 20 projects, including FP6, FP7, Horizon 2020 and other EU funding projects, as follow: MedarMedatlas, ARENA, Sea-Search, ASCABOS, SEADATANET I/II, Black Sea Scene I/II, SESAME, PERSEUS, BS Tourism Net, EMODnet I/II/III, EMODnet Ingestion, EMBLAS 1/ II/EMBLAS Plus, SeaDataCloud (Horizon 2020), Black Sea Checkpoint , RedMarLitter (ENI CBC Black Sea Basin Programme 2014-2020), Black Sea Connect (Horizon 2020) etc. Co-Chairman of NOC. Author of 104 scientific publications and manuals. Fields of research interest: beach stability, coastal zone management, pollution, climate change impact, blue growth issues, data management, operational observation systems and infrastructure. Irine Baramidze (female), Ph.D., Associate Professor of Maritime Faculty in Batumi State Maritime Academy, Exact and Natural Sciences Department with more than 20 years research and teaching expertise. Subjects are “Marine Pollution Prevention” and “Industrial Chemistry” on bachelors’ level and “Environmental aspects of shipping” on masters’ level. The lecture of The Faculty of Natural Sciences in Batumi State university on masters’ level on Ecological educational program. More than 10 years member of Environmental Pollution Monitoring Department of National Environmental Agency in a different position from analyst to Head of laboratory. More than 10 years participation in National Monitoring Program of aquatic environment – marine, surface and ground water. Participation in environmental expeditions. Co-author of several national Environmental reports. Fields of research interest: Environmental monitoring program, chemical analytical methods of determination of water parameters. She participated in a number of EC and UNDP projects, as follows: FP7 project” PERSEUS”, “EMBLAS”, EMODnet, EUWI+ - “The European Union’s Water Initiative Plus”, EMBLAS Plus” etc. Took a



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part in more than 10 international Conferences, more than 40 scientific meetings and training. Has about 20 publications. Valerian Melikidze (male), Ph.D., Assoc. Prof., Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Deputy Head), founder-co-director of Sustainable Development and Policy center. With more than 30 years research and teaching expertise. Co-author of 5 Human Development Reports of Georgia, co-author of UN Millennium Development Goals for Georgia – environmental component. He was Fulbright Research Scholar at Boston University and International Policy Fellow at Open Society Institute, Budapest. Member – Board of Editors, “Caucasian Geographical Review” journal. At various times served as national expert in project as Caucasus Environment Outlook (CEO) 2002 Project, UNEP, Policy and Institutional Analysis – Land Degradation/Desertification, National Capacity Needs Self-Assessment for Global Environmental Management in Georgia, SESAME IP – EC FP7, Black Sea Connect (Horizon 2020) etc. Fields of research interest: environmental policy implementation, stakeholder analysis, environmental and decision-making support modeling, environment and development, human development, activities conducted in raising public awareness in the economic and environmental benefits. Has about 40 scientific publications. Mr. Vazha Trapaidze (male), Ph.D., Assoc. Prof., Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences (Deputy Dean of Sciences) of Iv. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Department of Hydrology, Oceanology and Meteorology,graduated from the same department in 1997, Ph.D. made at TSU in 2005. Head of BSc program In Ecology. Scientific advisor of MSc and PhD students, scientific worker of more than 15 projects, including EU FP6, EUFP7, EU Horizon 2020, UNDP and Rustaveli national Foundation, as follow: SEADATANET I/II, Black SeaScene I/II, SESAME, PERSEUS, BS Tourism Net, EMODnet I/II/III, EMODnet Ingestion, EMBLAS 1/ II. EMBLAS Plus, SeaDataCloud (HORIZON 2020), Black Sea Checkpoint, Kura ½, Black Sea CONNECT. Fields of research interest: Hydrology, Climate change impact, Integrated Water Resources management, Coastal processes, Monitoring of marine environment. Has about 80 publications.


1. The MEDAR Group C. Maillard, M. Fichaut, G. Maudire, C. Coatanoan,, K.Bilashvili, Z.Savaneli et.al. “A Mediterraneanand and Black Sea oceanographic database and network”, An Intern.Journal of Earth Sciences, Vol. 46, n.4, December 2005, pp. 329 – 344, Italy, 2005.

2. David Castilla Espino, Juan José García del Hoyo, Maia Metreveli, Kakhaber Bilashvili “Fishing Capacity of Georgian anchovy”. Journal of Marine Systems, Volume 135, 2014, pp.160-169.

3. M. Golumbeanu, M.Nenciu, M. Teohareva, N. Goriup, A. Gilca, K. Bilashvili. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM WITHIN THE BLACK SEA REGION, Journal of environmental protection and ecology, 01/2014, 15(2):574-579.

4. Bilashvili K., Melikidze V. Potential application of the AMP Toolbox for designing and implementing adaptive policies in the Eastern Black Sea in the light of EU-Georgia Association Agreement. Proceedings of EU funded project PERSEUS Final Scientific workshop, Brussels, 2015.

5. N. Machitadze, K.Bilashvili , V.Trapaidze. MONITORING OF BEACH, MARINE AND RIVERINE FLOATING LITTER WITHIN GEORGIAN BLACK SEA COASTAL AREA. Journal of Environmental Protection and Ecology 19, No 2, 583–591 (2018); http://www.jepe-journal.info/journal-content/vol-19-no-2-1; https://docs.google.com/a/jepe-journal.info/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=amVwZS1qb3VybmFsLmluZm98amVwZS1qb3VybmFsfGd4OjcyNTI5ZmRiMDRjOTAxMDc


1. FP6 - SESAME - Southern European Seas: Assessing and modelling ecosystem changes Start date: 2006-11-01, End date: 2011-04-30.

2. FP7- PERSEUS - Policy-oriented marine Environmental Research in the Southern EUropean Seas. Start date: 2012-01-01, End date: 2015-12-31.

3. Horizon 2020 - SeaDataCloud - Further developing the pan-European infrastructure for marine and ocean data management/; Duration: 2016- 2020;

4. EC/UN funded project EMBLAS I/II and EMBLUS Plus - Improving Environmental Monitoring of the Black Sea (ongoing)

5. Horizon 2020 - Black Sea Connect; Duration: (ongoing)



http://www.jepe-journal.info/journal-content/vol-19-no-2-1

https://docs.google.com/a/jepe-journal.info/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=amVwZS1qb3VybmFsLmluZm98amVwZS1qb3VybmFsfGd4OjcyNTI5ZmRiMDRjOTAxMDc



http://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/81284_en.html

http://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/102043_en.html

http://cordis.europa.eu/programme/rcn/700803_en.html

http://cordis.europa.eu/programme/rcn/700803_en.html


BRIDGE-BS 19

Equipment: Chromate-Mass-Spectrometer TRACE DSQ; Atomic-Absorption Spectrometer Analyst 800; Gamma-Spectrometer with Semi-Conductor Detector GC2020; Portable Laboratory Complete Set DREL/2400 Water Quality Laboratory; Microwave Pressure Digestion Lab station MWS-3+; Water Quality Multifunction Analyzer, Water Quality Checker U-10 (2M); Electronic Radon Detector RAD7. Vessels: The survey and training vessels of the State Hydrographic service of Georgia and Batumi State Maritime Academy are provided to TSU during the field works (in accordance with the official signed memorandums and agreements with the named organisations).

Participant 7 GeoEcoMar - Institutul National De Cercetare-Dezvoltare Pentru Geologie Si Geoecologie Marina, Romania

Institutul National de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Geologie si Geoecologie Marina (GeoEcoMar)

Romania

www.geoecomar.ro/website/en/


GeoEcoMar is a research-development institute established in 1993, under the coordination of the Romanian Ministry of Education and Research. GeoEcoMar represents the focal point of national excellence in research and consultancy on marine, coastal, river and lacustrine geology, geophysics and geoecology, as well as a reference centre for Marine and Earth Sciences. Due to its technical capabilities and scientific performance achieved in a short period of time, the centre has become since 1996 an “Institute of National Interest”, its main research goal being the complex study of the Danube River-Danube Delta-Black Sea macro-geosystem. The main scientific activities and expert services of GeoEcoMar are: geology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, palaeontology, geochemistry, mineralogy, grain size analysis; coastal researches and integrated management, geophysics (seismo-acoustics, 2D marine seismics, magnetometry, gravimetry, electrometry), environmental quality investigations (hydro-chemistry, gas chromatography, eco-toxicology, greenhouse gas emissions), real time monitoring and study of marine geo-hazards, geo-archaeology and geological mapping of the Romanian Black Sea continental shelf. The institute started its international cooperation at the beginning of the 1990s with the first environmental assessment of the River Danube – Danube Delta – under the coordination of the Cousteau Team, followed by the active participation in different Framework Programmes of the European Union since the days of FP4. In the 5th Framework Programme it coordinated for the first time an EC DG R&I Project, when it became an “European Centre of Excellence” (Euro-EcoGeoCentre Romania). In Horizon 2020 GeoEcoMar was the General Coordinator of SUST BLACK (The Sustainable Development at the Black Sea Conference organized under the auspices of the Romanian Presidency of the EU Council – for the Launch of the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda at the Black Sea) and DANUBIUS-PP. GeoEcoMar is partner in other H2020 projects, such as BLACK SEA CONNECT, CERTO, MICS, EUROFLEETS+, NAIAD, MONOCLE, HYDRALAB+, EMSO Link and EMSO DEV. In the 7th Framework Programme GeoEcoMar was involved in 13 projects such as DANCERS (overall coordination), ARCH, CLIMATEWATER, HYDRALAB IV, PERSEUS, EUROFLEETS-1, EUROFLEETS-2, COCONET, CGS EUROPE, UP-GRADE BLACK SEA SCENE, FAST, RISES-AM and HYPOX. In earlier Framework Programmes GeoEcoMar participated in numerous projects, such as: EROS 2000 (1995-1998); EROS 21 (1996-1999); ASSEMBLAGE - (2003-2006); CRIMEA - (2003-2006); METROL - (2003-2006); SESAME - (2006 – 2010); IASON (2004 – 2006); EU- Geo-Capacity (2006 – 2010), CONSCIENCE (2007 – 2010) and many others. GeoEcoMar has a very successful activity in the Romanian – Bulgarian Cross Border Cooperation Programme (Projects MARINEGEOHAZARD, HERAS) and in other projects funded by DG REGIO, DG ENV and DG MARE. The institute was also involved in numerous consultancy contracts with major private companies and administrations, performing environmental studies and/or dedicated works for resources in the Danube – Delta – Black Sea. During the last years, GeoEcoMar had a significant contribution to the main EU Directives (MSFD, MSP, etc) implementation in Romania. Thus, GeoEcoMar developed the national Plan of Measures for the GES achievements according to the MFSD requirements and presently the institute is involved in the developing the National Maritime Spatial Plan within the MARSPLAN II project.



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Currently GeoEcoMar is general coordinator of the ESFRI pan-European research infrastructure DANUBIUS-RI – the International Centre for Advanced Studies on River-Sea Systems, accepted on the ESFRI Roadmap in 2016.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

GeoEcoMar will co-lead (together with CNR) the WP4, where they will contribute to the development of the management tools to guide and estimate the impacts and risks of management decisions relative to multi-stressors for the development and adaptive management of Blue Growth activities at basin and pilot site scale. GeoEcoMar will also contribute to the achievements of the objectives of other WPs. In WPs 1 and 5, GeoEcoMar will bring data on multistressors and boundary inputs using its own databases from existing and past initiatives/projects, cruise reports and unpublished historical datasets either at local or basin level. GeoEcoMar will also contribute to filling the knowledge gaps on the ecosystem functioning and services and the occurrence and impact of multi-stressors by participating to basin-wide cruises as well as by performing process-based studies at the regional level. In WP 6, GeoEcoMar will contribute to the stakeholder mapping and engagement at the pilot site level, to create living labs. In WP7, the GeoEcoMar’s contribution will consist of promoting the dialogue and identification of innovative solutions, at the pilot site level, for formulating new business models based on economic viability, ecosystem resilience, the circular economy and value of Black Sea services.


Dan-Lucian VASILIU (male) has started his research activity since 2006 at the National Institute for Marine for Research and Development “Grigore Antipa”, Constanta, acting as hydro-chemist within the Physical-Chemical Analyses Lab. Since 2011, he has continued his research in the Geochemistry Lab of NIRD GeoEcoMar. Starting with 2016, he run as head of the Geochemistry Lab, then in 2018 he was appointed Director of the Constanta branch of GeoEcoMar. In that quality, he is dealing with the coordination of the research activity of the Geochemistry, Biology-Ecology and Mineralogy-Grain Size Labs. Throughout his career, Dan-Lucian Vasiliu was involved either as coordinator or collaborator (mainly in the chemistry field) in numerous national and international (MERCURO, PERSEUS, SESAME, HYPOX, MISIS, etc) projects. The main areas of competence are the evaluation of the eutrophication phenomenon in the Black Sea and coastal lakes, the study of heavy metal pollution in the marine and freshwater environment (water, sediment), and the study of the major and minor components in the marine sediments. He has been also involved in the implementation of the European Directives (MSFD, MSP) in Romania, acting as coordinator of GeoEcoMar team in related projects (MARSPALN II) and contracts (Technical support for the MSFD joint implementation in Romania and Bulgaria and the development of the national “Plan of Measures according to the MSFD requirements”). Dan Vasiliu has a PhD degree in Biology. Currently, he is member in the Steering Committees of EurOcean and EurAqua organisations. Adrian TEACA (male) He has more than 15 years’ experience in research of the Black Sea biodiversity, in particular the benthos ecology. PhD in ecology and taxonomy of marine hard bottom communities. Throughout his career, Adrian Teaca was involved either as coordinator or collaborator (mainly in the biology and ecology field) in national and international projects (PERSEUS, HYPOX, MISIS, COCONET, EMODnet, HYDRALAB IV, EASME EuSeaMap, EMBLAS, etc). The main areas of competence are the Black Sea ecosystems biodiversity, focused on the benthic ecology and taxonomy, invasive species, environmental impact and risk assessment, marine protected areas conservation (conservation of Natura 2000 habitats). He has been involved in several projects on topics related to response of benthic populations to eutrophication, extreme events implying oxygen depletion in shallow waters, experimental studies involving benthic fauna influence on biogeochemical fluxes (in situ-controlled conditions using lander flux chamber). He worked on assessment of environmental status of the Black Sea benthic habitats and led the international intercomparison exercises on methodology and taxonomical analysis of macrozoobenthos (MISIS, EMBLAS). He regionally coordinated (Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine) the designation of benthic habitats according to EUNIS classification (EMODnet). Mirela Dinicoiu (female) has a background in international economics, specialized in international trade and negotiation, with a Master degree in European economic and financial affairs, being major in communication in European projects, attending post-graduate studies in communication and public relations. For more than 20 years she has been involved in many projects for different companies and NGOs, alternating her implication in financial aspects or being responsible for internal and external communication. Since 2015 she has started working at GeoEcoMar, being the financial officer for many projects. She is also responsible for planning and coordinating the implementation of communication and dissemination activities in different projects H2020 projects: EMSODEV, EMSO-Link, SUST-BLACK, GeoEcoMar being in some of them the leader of this specific work package. Her involvement in the communication and dissemination activities contributed to increasing the



BRIDGE-BS 21

visibility towards the scientific community, the policy makers and business communities, as well as to the general public of the above mention projects. She was involved in organizing or assisting the organizing team at the "Sustainable development at the Black Sea-SUST-BLACK international conference; Hydralab Plus final event- Bucharest conference and EMSODEV final conference. Mrs. Dinicoiu is part of Communication Service Group, representing the Black Sea facility of EMSO-ERIC pan-European research infrastructure, participating to different international conferences and exhibitions. Vlad RADULESCU (male) is an Operational Geophysicist within excess of 18 years diverse hands-on operational experience in the Geoscience, Oil & Gas, Mining/ Minerals and the Alternative Energy Sectors. He possesses extensive commercial expertise gained through technical project management for numerous terrestrial and marine surveys, often acting as party chief or company representative. Specialist at achieving tangible results, with a proven track record on the most demanding and challenging projects. EMSO ERIC advisory representative for Romania and Regional Team Leader for EMSO ERIC Black Sea node, and also responsible of the National Center for Monitoring and Alerting of Natural Marine Hazard – EMSO EUXINUS.


1. Bucse, A., Vasiliu, D., Balan, S., Parvulescu, O. C., Dobre, T. 2020. Heavy Metals Spatial Distribution and Pollution Assessment in the Surface Sediments of the North-Western Black Sea Shelf, Revista de Chimie, 71 /4, 155-170.

2. van de Velde, S., Jorissen, E. L., Neubauer, T. A., Radan, S., Pavel, A. B., Stoica, M., Van Baak, C. G. C., Martínez Gándara, A., Popa, L., de Stigter, H., Abels, H. A., Krijgsman, W., and Wesselingh, F. P. 2019. A conservation palaeobiological approach to assess faunal response of threatened biota under natural and anthropogenic environmental change, Biogeosciences, 16, 2423-2442.

3. Lenstra W.K., Hermans M., Séguret M.J.M., Witbaard R., Behrends T., Dijkstra N., van Helmonda N.A.G.M., Kraal P., Laan P., Rijkenberg MJA., Severmann S., Teacǎ A., Slomp C. P. 2018. The shelf-to-basin iron shuttle in the Black Sea revisited. Chemical Geology, 511, 314-341.

4. Best, MMR Favali, P; Beranzoli, L; Blandin, J; Cagatay, NM; Cannat, M; Danobeitia, JJ; Delory, E; de Miranda, JMA; Fernandez, JD; de Stigter, H; Gillooly, M; Grant, F; Hall, POJ; Hartman, S; Hernandez-Brito, J; Lanteri, N; Mienert, J; Oaie, G; Piera, J; Radulescu, V; Rolin, JF; Ruhl, HA; Waldmann, C. 2016. The EMSO-ERIC Pan-European Consortium: Data Benefits and Lessons Learned as the Legal Entity Forms. Marine Technology Society Journal. 50-3, 8-15.

5. Vasiliu, D., Boicenco, L., Gomoiu, M-T., Lazar, L., Mihailov, M-E., 2012, Temporal variation of surface chlorophyll a in the Romanian near-shore waters, Mediterranean Marine Science, 13/2, 213-226


1. H2020 Black Sea CONNECT (Coordination of Marine and Maritime Research and Innovation in the Black Sea’ (WP Leader) – ongoing activity

2. H2020 SUST-BLACK (Sustainable Development in the Black Sea Conference for the Launch of the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for the Black Sea under the Romanian Presidency of the EU Council), 2019, (Overall GeoEcoMar coordination)

3. H2020 DANUBIUS-PP (Preparatory Phase for the Pan-European Research Infrastructure DANUBIUS-RI “International Centre for Advanced Studies on River-Sea Systems”, 2016-2019 (Overall GeoEcoMar coordination)

4. Contract no. 3/16.02.2017 (Ministry of Environment): Developing the National Program of Measures for Good Environmental Status achievement in the Black Sea according to the art. 13 of MSFD, 2017

5. DG Env MISIS (Marine Strategy Framework Directive Guiding Improvements in the Black Sea Integrated Monitoring System), 2012 – 2014, WP leader (Conservation and protection of the Black Sea through establishment of new MPAs with focus on transboundary MPAs and MPAs networking)


GeoEcoMar possesses necessary facilities and infrastructure to accomplish the activities of this project. The main components of its research infrastructure consist of: • R/V Mare Nigrum – equipped with Seabird SBE CTD, gravity corer, multicorer MARK II, box corer,

planktonic nets, microplastic net, grab samplers, Multibeam Elac Seabeam 1050D, Side scan sonar Klein System 3900 and single beam Ceeducer BRUTTOUR International for bathymetric measurements, Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler system SONTEK – Mini ADP (1500 kHz), etc. R/V Mare Nigrum is member of the European Fleet of Research Vessels (the H2020 EUROFLEETS+ and FP7 EUROFLEETS 1 & 2 I3s),



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participating in numerous international missions for governmental or private projects around the entire Black Sea;

• EUXINUS Center - operational since June 2013, when the implementation of MARINEGEOHAZARD project ended. In 2014, the environmental landmark research infrastructure, EMSO-EUXINUS, became a national interest issue, included in GD no. 786/2014 regarding the list of installations and special objectives of national interest approval. Starting with 2016, EMSO-EUXINUS Center is the Node of the Pan-European Research Infrastructure - EMSO - ERIC as the representative of Romania and founding member. The EMSO ERIC Black Sea consists of 3 offshore moored observatories and one Coastal Gauge in the Romanian Black Sea waters and are moored approximately 120 km from the Romanian Black Sea coast in water depths of between 75 and 90 m. The Coastal Gauge is installed in front of Mangalia city at 15m water depth. The buoys are equipped with real-time, bidirectional data communication provided by the Operational Data Centre located in Romania (GeoEcoMar - Constanta Branch), which allows management from onshore. The system began operation in June 2013, and records and communicates hourly oceanographic data (water current speed and direction, seawater temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity and fluorescence) and meteorological data (wind speed and direction, temperature, and pressure).

• fully equipped laboratories (chemistry, grain size and mineralogy, biology, bathymetry, hydrology, etc.), computing equipment, accessories and specialized software.

Participant 8 SIO-RAS - P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia

Shirshov Institute of Oceanology Russian Academy of Sciences (SIO-RAS)

Russian Federation

ocean.ru/en/


P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of Russian Academy of Sciences (department of Earth Sciences) was established in 1946. The SIO RAS research activities are carried out by the four departments of Marine Biology and ecology, which includes laboratory of hydro- and biochemistry, Hydrophysics, Marine geology including chemistry lab, Marine instruments. It is a multi-profile institute, which performs comprehensive research of the physics, chemical, geological and biological parameters of the World Ocean and seas for creation of scientific basic for understanding their state and forecasting of their changes under climatic and anthropogenic impacts, conservation of marine biodiversity and commercial resources. SIO RAS has five regional branches: Southern branch (Gelendzhik) at the Black Sea coast, Saint-Petersburg's branch (Saint-Petersburg) and Atlantic branch (Kaliningrad) at the Baltic Sea coast, North-western branch (Arkhangelsk) at the White Sea coast, Caspian branch (Astrakhan) at the Caspian Sea coast. SIO RAS is working in cooperation with Universities, first of all with Moscow State University; there are students and PhD students in staff. Institute is funded by Academy of Sciences and national and international programs of Ministry of Science and High Education. Institute is involved in many large-scale international programs and projects on ocean and seas observations of many regions of the World Oceans including Arctic and Antarctic areas. The high scientific level and recognition of SIO RAS has been confirmed by the participation in to more than 50 international and EU- funded programs. SIO RAS has National Oceanographic Data Centre for marine data and projects.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

SIO-RAS will actively take part in WPs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9 and is responsible partner of Northeastern Black Sea (Gelendhzik) pilot site. In more detail, key researcher from SIO-RAS will contribute to BRDIGE-BS as follows; Shiganova T.A. To continue performance of expeditions in Gelendzhik area along transect from coastal waters to the depth 500 m and work in lab with definite research with inclusion in process-based studies at the 6 pilot sites to fill the knowledge gaps on ecosystem functioning and services and the occurrence and impact of multi-stressors. Special attention will be paid on climate warming effect on pelagic ecosystem, invasive species. Head of one of the programs of scientific research with a vessel of Southern branch. Rent vessel is supported by the program of Ministry of high Education and Sciences. Modelling assessment of impact gelatinous plankton both native and invasive on the Black Sea ecosystem



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Gulev S.K. Contribute to the development of configuration of the circulation model of the Black Sea based on NEMO modelling system as well as to the development of high-resolution atmospheric forcing function using regional setting of the non-hydrostatic WRF model. This will allow for the long-term model integrations aiming on the simulation of long-term dynamics of the Black Sea and its ecosystems. Alekseenko E. Contribute to the development of Jellyfish models that can be coupled online and offline to the models of hydrodynamics at the basin and regional scale of the Black Sea in order to predict the areas of jellyfish blooms and establishment. Two types of jellyfish models are available for this purpose: mechanistic biogeochemical model and demographic model considering different age classes. Climatic and anthropogenic impacts on the food webs and jellyfish habitats can be assessed using these models. Ostrovskii A.G. Research interests are in application of the original profiler data for multidisciplinary oceanography of the European and Asian Seas with focus on regional oceanography of the Black Sea and the Japan/East Sea. Participant of regular expedition in the Black Sea since 2005, focusing on maintenance and upgrade of the Aqualog profiler moored observatory since 2011.


Tamara A. Shiganova (female) chief research scientist, Doctor of Sciences, author of 120 papers and 4 books. Lab. plankton communities’ structure and dynamics. Head of long-term monitoring program on study of hydrophysical, biological, hydrochemical parameters along transect from the Blue Bay and in addition since 2016 large cruises in the most of north-eastern Black Sea. Expert of panel of Living Marine Resources of the program GOOS (IOC) (1998-2000) Expert of SCOR, working group N 115 (plankton methodology) (2001-2006) Member of Advisory group in Caspian Environmental program 2001-2006 Consulter of Caspian Environmental program 2005-2006 Consulter of CASPECO -2011-2012 Consulter and lector of Global Invasive species program 2006, 2011 Associated Editor of Journal of Aquatic invasions Member of Editorial board of Russian Journal of Biological Invasions Member of Editorial board of Journal Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment Focal point of Russian Federation in CBD of the Black Sea commission since 2008; Focal point in Aliens1, 2, OSPAR in HELCOM since 2012; Chair of CIESM session Biodiversity and Living resources 2014-2017 Member of the International Scientific Committee of the Fish Forum 2018 and permanent member of Organizer Committer of biannual International Symposium “Alien Species in the Holarctic” Representative of Russia in CIESM since 2019 Participate and participated in 15 projects EC Elena V. Alekseenko (female) senior researcher at Laboratory of plankton communities structure and dynamics SIO RAS, PhD in physical and mathematical sciences, with an experience in modelling and data analysis for ecosystem and climate research at regional and global scales, author of more than 16 papers in peer-reviewed journals, a researcher - modeler of hydrodynamical and biogeochemical processes in the ocean (3 postdocs in the French laboratories, such as IFREMER-Brest, MIO-Marseille, M2P2-Marseille, LSCE-Paris). Alekseenko previously worked in development, improving and application of well-known model packages such as MARS3D, NEMO, ECO3M, PISCES, MBd. Sergey K. Gulev (male) lab head Sea-air interaction and climate laboratory at Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, RAS, and Professor of oceanography and meteorology at Moscow State University. He has a strong background in large-scale and regional climate variability and change. He developed analyses of ocean wave variability, ocean circulation dynamics, atmospheric modeling in high resolution for different ocean regions. He also developed long-term reconstructions of surface ocean characteristics, wind waves, storminess and related atmospheric phenomena, including cyclone activity for different ocean regions. He is author or co-author of more than 100 peer reviewed publications is top international journals and several books and book chapters. Alexander G. Ostrovskii (male) PhD, Leading Scientist and Head of Laboratory of Ocean Acoustics of Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences. Education: M.Sc. Moscow State University (1979), Post-graduate, Moscow State University (1979-1982), Ph.D. Moscow State University (1983),. Employment history: Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russia (1982-1990), Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, University of Tokyo, Japan (1990-1991), Research Institute for Applied Mechanics of Kyushu University, Japan (1991-1999), Japan Marine Science and Technology Center, Japan (1999-2001), Centre Mediterrani d'Investigacions Marines i Ambientals, Spain (2002-2003), Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russia (since 2003). Academic major is technology of underwater moored profiles (crawlers, winch-driven, and buoyancy-driven). Co-founder



BRIDGE-BS 24

of Aqualog Ltd. (Russia). Research interests are in application of the original profiler data for multidisciplinary oceanography of the European and Asian Seas with focus on regional oceanography of the Black Sea and the Japan/East Sea. Participant of regular expedition in the Black Sea since 2005, focusing on maintenance and upgrade of the Aqualog profiler moored observatory since 2011. (ORCID ID: 0000-0002-5906-0361. Scopus Author ID: 7006130192. Researcher ID: E-4315-2014), Alexander F. Shchepetkin (male) PhD, lead scientist at P. P. Shirshov Institute of oceanology. Author of 38 papers, 1 book chapter. Primary developer of Regional Oceanic Modeling System (ROMS) code. 20+ years of experience in numerical oceanic modeling, numerical simulation of turbulent flows; high-performance computing, code development, parallel algorithms. Roman Sedakov (male) PhD, postdoc at P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology. Laboratory of land-ocean interactions and the anthropogenic impact. Scientific interests are in developing regional high-resolution circulation model of Black Sea and Azov Sea in NEMO, study of water exchanges in offshore areas of Black Sea.


1. Shiganova T.A., Alekseenko E., Moskalenko L., Nival P. Modelling assessment of interactions in the Black Sea of the invasive ctenophores Mnemiopsis leidyi and Beroe ovata // Ecological Modelling. 2018. Vol. 376. P. 1-14. DOI:10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2018.02.008

2. Shiganova T.A., Mikaelyan A.S., Moncheva S., Stefanova K., Chasovnikov V.K., Mosharov S.A., Mosharova I.N., Slabakova N., Mavrodieva R., Stefanova E., Zasko D.N., Dzhurova B. Effect of invasive ctenophores Mnemiopsis leidyi and Beroe ovata on low trophic webs of the Black Sea ecosystem // Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2019. Volume 141. Pages 434-447. DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.02.049

3. Alekseenko E., Baklouti M., Carlotti F., 2019. Main factors favoring Mnemiopsis leidyi individuals growth and population outbreaks: A modelling approach. Journal of Marine Systems, in press.

4. Ostrovskii A. G., Zatsepin A. G., Solovyev V. A., Soloviev D. M. The short timescale variability of the oxygen inventory in the NE Black Sea slope water // Ocean Science. 2018. Vol. 14. P. 1567–1579. DOI: 10.5194/os-14-1567-2018

5. Shchepetkin, A. F. and J. C. McWilliams: The regional oceanic modeling system (ROMS): A split-explicit, free-surface, topography-following-coordinate oceanic model // Ocean Modelling, 2005, vol. 9, no. 4, pp. 347-404, doi:10.1016/j.ocemod.2004.08.002 Zavialov I., Osadchiev A., Sedakov R., Barnier B., Molines J.-M., Belokopytov V. Water exchange between the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea through the Kerch Strait, Ocean Sci., 16, 15–30, 2020, doi.org/10.5194/os-16-15-2020Shiganova T.A.


International Projects 1. EU funded project - EMODnet I and II (partner, completed) 2. EU funded project - PERSEUS (partner, completed) 3. EU funded project - CoCoNET (partner, completed) 4. EU funded project - EMBLAS-1; 2 (partner, completed) 5. EU funded project - Sea data Cloud-2 (partner, ongoing) 6. EU funded project - EmodNet 3 chemistry (partner, ongoing) 7. EU funded project - Emodnet ingestion (partner, ongoing) 8. EU funded project - EMBLAS plus (partner, ongoing) 9. Several research grants under guidance of Prof. McWilliams. "Development of Advanced Numerical

Algorithms and Physical Parameterizations within the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS)" funded by Office of Naval Research (ONR) (co-PI)

National Projects 1. Russian Fund for Basic Research #19-05-00459 Short-period variability in the aerobic zone and its influence

on the oxygen inventory in the Black Sea slope water, PI, 2019-2021, 2. Russian Fund for Basic Research #19-45-230012 Hypoxia in the shelf waters of the north-eastern Black Sea,

PI, 2019-2021, 3. Russian Fund for Basic Research #18-05-60124 Development of scientific and technical foundations of an

automated operational system for monitoring ice cover, the near-ice layer of air and the active layer of the ocean in the Arctic, 2019-2021.

4. RFBR funded "Dangerous phenomena in the ocean" project.



BRIDGE-BS 25


Scientific research with a vessel of “Ashamba” with own ship equipment: nets, CD probe and others equipment for field work in pelagic layer. Vessel is Located in the Southern branch. Have equipped laboratory with microscopes, binoculars etc. for samples processing and experimental work.

Participant 9 ICBSS - International Center for Black Sea Studies, Greece

International Centre for Black Sea Studies (ICBSS)

Greece (INTL)

www.icbss.org


Founded in 1998 as a non-profit organisation, the International Centre for Black Sea Studies (ICBSS) has since fulfilled a dual function a) as an independent research and training institution focusing on the wider Black Sea region, and b) as a related body of the Organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) serving as its acknowledged think-tank. The ICBSS capitalises on its dual role to advance multilateral cooperation among the countries of the Black Sea region, and with international partners, through policy-oriented research and advocacy. ICBSS’ diverse activities include the elaboration and publication of research papers and studies, the organisation of a variety of scientific events, the dissemination of information and data, as well as networking activities. Special focus lies on fostering relations between the EU and the Black Sea region; in particular, in its capacity as Coordinator of the Ad hoc Group of Experts on BSEC-EU Interaction. ICBSS has successful experience in implementing EU funded multi-country projects (Black Sea, Eastern European, Central Asian and South Caucasus countries) with local and regional stakeholders (such as State institutions, civil society and local authorities, research and academic institutions, industry) aiming at enhanced policy-dialogue and closer cooperation between the EU and its neighbours to the East. At the same time, the ICBSS invests in research and policy recommendations in fields of acute interest for the wider Black Sea region, inter alia, tourism, culture, blue growth, education, transport, energy, environment, good governance, science, technology and innovation. The ICBSS is governed by an international Board of Directors consisting of Senior Officials from the 12 BSEC Member States, and other international personalities.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

The ICBSS is leader of WP8 on policy dialogue and increased science-policy cooperation. In this capacity, the ICBSS will be responsible for a continuous interactive communication with policy-makers, at national and regional level, throughout the whole duration of the Project. Furthermore, as regional policy entity and research centre, the ICBSS will participate in WPs 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10, with a view to supporting policy-related activities and capacity building for the youth. Finally, ICBSS will support the envisaged dissemination and visibility activities of the project through its communication channels, events and other regional activities; the Centre has a database of approx. 5500 entries.


Georgios MITRAKOS (male) is Director General of ICBSS. He holds an MSc in Politics and Communication from the London School of Economics (L.S.E.) and a BSc in Political Science and Public Administration from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Mr. Mitrakos has worked as Advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic and as Special Advisor at the Ministry of Regional Development, Competitiveness and Shipping and the Ministry of State and Strategic Investments. Furthermore, he was junior



BRIDGE-BS 26

researcher at the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). Research expertise: Multilevel governance, international and European politics, Black Sea governance and diplomacy, cross-border regional development, public communications. Georgia CHANTZI (female), Research and Policy Development Manager at ICBSS, with expertise in regional cooperation and policies, BSEC-EU relations, and inclusive growth. As project manager in ICBSS, she has worked on the scientific and financial implementation of several research projects (H2020, FP7, BSEC HDF). Prior to joining ICBSS in 2010, she worked as junior researcher at the Centre of Russia, Eurasia and SE Europe, in Athens. She holds an MA in Terrorism, International Crime and Global Security from Coventry University, UK and a BA in International and European Studies from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Greece. Scientific coordinator: International Black Sea Symposium, BSEC Month of Culture


1. Matteo Bocci, Frédérick Herpers, Thanos Smanis, Christophe Le Visage Thodoros E. Kampouris, Andrew Kennedy, Nataliia Korzhunova, Emmanouil Nikolaidis, Natalia Zubchenko. “Blue Growth as a driver for regional development”, Xenophon Paper No. 16, Athens:ICBSS, October 2018 http://icbss.org/media/1597_original.pdf

2. Ivan Aidarov, Aleksey Zavalin, “Black Sea Region’s ecological problems.” Research Paper No. 1, Athens: ICBSS, September 2018 http://icbss.org/media/1549_original.pdf

3. Gulcin Bilgin Turna, Bratislav Dordevic, Francesco Frangialli, Dionyssis Gangas, Rania Georgiadou, Willis Hughes, Vicky Katsoni, Gabriela Korcheva, Zeta Korda, Geogria Miloni, Savina Nedyalkova-Rupelieva, Dimitrios Rapidis. “Perspectives on Tourism in the Black Sea Area”, Xenophon Paper No. 14, Athens: ICBSS, February 2015 http://icbss.org/media/1243_original.pdf

4. Dimadama, Z., Chantzi, G. “A New Era for Tourism in the Black Sea Area” International Journal of Cultural and Digital Tourism, Volume 1, Number 2, pp. 23-29, Autumn 2014, IACuDiT https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279841144_A_New_Era_for_Tourism_in_the_Black_Sea_Area

5. Amb. David Kereselidze “A Perspective on Tourism in the BSEC”, ICBSS Policy Brief, No. 27, Athens: ICBSS, March 2013 http://icbss.org/media/1116_original.pdf


1. Online Workshop “How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected Blue Economy in the Black Sea region? Potential response actions”, by ICBSS, BSEC and DG MARE (16 June 2020) http://icbss.org/index.php?pid=1128

2. Regional Conference “Green Energy & Blue Growth: drivers for development across the Black Sea”, co-organised with the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Athens, Greece (14 October 2019) http://www.icbss.org/index.php?pid=1085

3. International High-level Conference “Inter-basin Cooperation on Marine Litter: a focus on the Danube River and the Black Sea (ICML)”, co-organised BSEC PERMIS, Sofia, Bulgaria (4 April 2019) http://www.icbss.org/index.php?pid=1053

4. 9th International Black Sea Symposium “Blue Growth as a driver for regional development”, (Athens, March 2018) http://www.icbss.org/index.php?pid=990

5. Partner, HORIZON 2020 INT-INCO Project “Black Sea Horizon” Contract 645785, 2015-2018 https://blacksea-horizon.eu/


N/A

Participant 10 HCMR - Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Greece

Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR)

Greece

www.hcmr.gr/en/



http://icbss.org/media/1597_original.pdf



https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279841144_A_New_Era_for_Tourism_in_the_Black_Sea_Area


http://icbss.org/index.php?pid=1128

http://www.icbss.org/index.php?pid=1085



https://blacksea-horizon.eu/


BRIDGE-BS 27

The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) is a governmental, highly active research organization operating under the supervision of the General Secretariat for Research and Technology (GSRT) of the Ministry of Development and Investments. The HCMR comprises three Research Institutes: The Institute of Oceanography (IO), the Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC) and the Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters (IMBRIW). It aims to carry out research, technological and experimental development in all fields of the aquatic environment, whilst it emphasises in the dissemination of knowledge and implementation/ adoption of produced results by the scientific community and the public/ end-users. Its participation in European Networks of Excellence such as MARBEF, Marine Genomics, Euroceans and Esonet, among others, has provided HCMR with the ability to strategically place itself among the leading Research Centres in Europe. Furthermore, networks such as COST, ERA-NET, MedCLIVAR and I3 networks build support and strengthen cooperation among the different areas of Europe with the HCMR adequately representing the Mediterranean. The Centre is an active member of EuroGOOS & MedGOOS by operating and continuously upgrading POSEIDON System -a national monitoring and forecasting network covering the Adriatic and Eastern Mediterranean Seas. It has been significantly involved in all the EU framework programmes, having participated in numerous cooperative projects as coordinator or a partner (e.g. CLAIM, PERSEUS, SESAME, OPEC, FAIR, AIR, MAST, Environment, QoL, Interreg, MyOcean, ECOOP, EuroSITES, EuroARGO, JERICO, PELAGOS MED etc.). HCMR operates the 61.5m R/V Aegaeo, the 26.1m R/V Filia, four ROVs, the manned submersible THETIS, as well as two aquariums in Crete and Rhode Islands. IO has developed and operates since 2000 the monitoring and forecasting system POSEIDON which employs а network of scientific infrastructures and platforms, as well as а specialised operational center for data processing and forecasts production. The POSEIDON field network consists of both coastal and open sea Fixed Multiparametric Stations (buoys), FerryBox, Gliders, Deep Sea plаtforms аnd vаrious R/Vs continuously recording the physicаl, biologicаl аnd chemicаl pаrаmeters of the Greek seаs. Those dаtа аre trаnsmitted to the operаtionаl center where they аre sorted аnd fed into forecаsting models. POSEIDON system is аn infrаstructure аt the leаding edge of modern oceаnogrаphy in Europe аnd а unique plаnning tool in the endeаvor for the protection of the mаrine environment. It also provides а competitive аdvаntаge for the development of business аctivity, disаster prevention аnd sаfeguаrding of humаn life.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

HCMR will take part in activities within most of the work packages (WPs 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10). HCMR has a strong interest for macro and microplastic pollution and technologies for their elimination and reduction in the marine environment. Through the experience gained in the CLAIM project and the technologies and modelling tools developed, as well as in the Meltemi, INDICIT I & II and Plastic Busters MPAs projects, additional demonstration of novel technologies and modelling tools for ecosystem services is the next step. BRIDGE-BS is the ideal platform for applying these tools and knowledge and demonstrate that these technologies can work in the combat to reduce plastic litter from the marine environment of the Black Sea. The HCMR Benthic Ecology Lab will be involved in the quality assessment of the benthic ecosystem using traditional benthic quality indices and compared to other innovative approaches, such as the use of eDNA metabarcoding in order to develop rapid assessment techniques. This could potentially be incorporated into legislative frameworks (e.g. Marine Strategy Framework Directive). HCMR will support the design, development and application of smart technological solutions for fully autonomous operation of sea platforms and long-term monitoring capabilities. More specifically, a) will develop a smart in-situ underwater sensor for direct isotope resolved measurements of radioactivity at the marine environment quantifying key radionuclides (such as 134,137Cs), and b) will develop monitoring strategies and intercommunication sensor protocols for providing adequate power for operating efficient fixed platforms for long term monitoring avoiding the regular maintenance.


Dr. George Triantafyllou (male), is a Research Director of the Institute of Oceanography at HCMR. He has a PhD in Oceanography (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), after his MSc in Oceanography and BSc in Mathematics (National & Kapodistrian University of Athens). He is currently the Coordinator of the H2020 CLAIM project (774586, H2020-BG-2017-1), while he was national coordinator or Principal Investigator in fifteen (15) EU and national research projects (6) and scientific responsible or task leader in 14 EU projects and 6 national projects. His research interests include development and implementation of numerical schemes and management tools of coastal and oceanic marine areas through hydrodynamic – ecological models, data assimilation and operational marine ecosystems modelling, marine ecosystem management, marine pollutant



BRIDGE-BS 28

models, nonlinear prediction, climate dynamics, development, application of individual based models (IBM) and study of marine ecosystems dynamics through coupled ecological (ERSEM, BFM) and hydrodynamic models. He has published more than 80 peer-reviewed articles whereas he has attracted 20,665,096 Euros of funding in his research career. He will be the WP3 Co-Leader. Dr. Sofia Reizopoulou (female), is a Research Director at the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research. She holds a PhD in Marine Biology and is an expert on benthic ecology, biotic and functional indices, environmental management and impact assessment in coastal and transitional waters. She is involved in several National and International projects concerning ecological studies and surveys, undertaking WP responsibility, or as project coordinator. She is responsible for the WFD implementation in coastal and transitional waters in Greece. In the framework of MSFD implementation in Greece she is responsible for the descriptors D1/Biodiversity and D6/Seafloor integrity. She has published 53 papers in international journals. Dr. Christos Tsabaris (male), is a Research Director of the Institute of Oceanography at HCMR and expert in marine radioactivity and sensor technology. He holds o PhD in Nuclear Physics from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Greece, in collaboration with the Institute for Reference Material and Measurements (IRMM-JRC), Belgium. A highlight in Dr. Tsabaris’ research career in HCMR was the development of ΚΑΤΕRΙΝΑ, an Autonomous Underwater in-situ Radioactivity Sensor. Dr. Tsabaris has also set-up the marine lab at HCMR which got an operational license from the Greek Atomic Energy Commission as a research laboratory and became a member of the “XENOKRATIS” Network and of ALMERA IAEA Network in 2010. He has over 70 publications in international journals and conferences, of which 60 peer-reviewed, with over 810 citations. He has participated in 26 projects (8 national and 16 international) either as HCMR coordinator or principal investigator and he has presented works in 32 international conferences, workshops and meetings. He has been several times an invited speaker in technical meetings of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as well as universities and national authorities, a reviewer in the international journals, and an evaluator of proposals. Mr. Kostas Tsiaras (male), is a Research Scientist of HCMR / Institute of Oceanography since 2001. He holds an MSc in Physical Oceanography from the University of Athens (2000) and a BSc in Physics (1995), and has contributed to the development of numerical models, hydrodynamic and biochemical processes. He is an active participant in many multidisciplinary European and national programs (e.g. CLAIM, MFSTEP, POSEIDON-II, INSEA, SESAME, ECOOP, MEECE, OPEC, SEAMAN etc). His research interests focus on the development of numerical models of biochemical processes and hydrodynamics, in conjunction with biophysical IBMs of high trophic level, the land-sea interactions and the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. His participation in published work includes twenty-seven (27) publications in international journals. Dr. George Triantaphyllidis (male), is a Senior Expert at HCMR. He holds a PhD in Applied Hydrobiology from the University of Ghent (Belgium 1991-1995), after his BSc in Biology in the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1986-1990). He is an experienced senior level manager and strategic planner, with diverse diplomatic skills and significant experience in EU funded projects, with 22 years Professional experience of which more than 18 years’ experience in the field of regional development, Blue Growth, fisheries and aquaculture. He participated in more than 60 EU funded and co-funded projects and consultancies among which in several projects and consultancies for DG Fish, DG Mare and EASME. He is currently the Project Manager of the H2020 CLAIM project and member of the Coordination Management Group, where HCMR is the Coordinator. He has published 23 peer-reviewed articles, 1 book chapter and 22 publications in refereed conference proceedings as well as numerous reports in European and National RTD projects and consultancies. Mrs. Annika Pollani (female), is a research technician at the Institute of Oceanography HCMR. She has an active participation in more than 20 European and National Programmes (e.g. CLAIM, SESAME, SARDONE, MEECE, REPROdUCE, OPEC, SEAMAN, etc.). She specialises in the development and application ecological models of transport and dispersal of fish eggs and larvae. Her published work includes 15 publications in refereed journals and books, 13 publications in conference proceedings, 3 posters and 2 software leaflets.


1. Gkanasos, A., Somarakis, S., Tsiaras, K., Kleftogiannis, D., Giannoulaki, M., Schismenou, E., Sofianos, S., Triantafyllou, G., 2019. Development, application and evaluation of a 1-D full life cycle anchovy and sardine model for the North Aegean Sea (Eastern Mediterranean). PLOS ONE, 14(8), e0219671. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0219671

2. Pavlidou A, Simboura N, Pagou K, Assimakopoulou G, Gerakaris V, Hatzianestis I, Panayotidis P, Pantazi M, Papadopoulou N, Reizopoulou S, Smith C, Triantaphyllou M, Uyarra MC, Varkitzi I, Vassilopoulou V, Zeri C, Borja A., 2018. Using a holistic ecosystem-integrated approach to assess the environmental status of Saronikos Gulf, Eastern Mediterranean. Ecological Indicators 96: 336-350. DOI:



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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2018.09.007 3. Tsabaris, C., D.L. Patiris, F.K. Pappa, S. Alexakis, P. Michalopoulos, 2020. Preliminary investigation of

Olimpi field Mediterranean Sea, using in-situ and laboratory radio-tracing methods. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography, 171,104689. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr2.2019.104689

4. Stergiou, K.I., Somarakis, S., Triantafyllou, G., Tsiaras, K.P., Giannoulaki, M., Petihakis, G., Machias, A., and A.C. Tsikliras, 2016: Trends in productivity and biomass yields in the Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem during climate change, Environmental Development, 17(1):57-74, published on January 2016 (doi:10.1016/j.envdev.2015.09.001).

5. Politikos, D., Somarakis, S., Tsiaras, K., Giannoulakii, M., Petihakis, G., Machias, A., and G. Triantafyllou, 2014: Simulating anchovy's full life cycle in the eastern Mediterranean: a coupled hydro-biogeochemical-IBM model, Progress in Oceanography, 138:399-416 (DOI:10.1016/j.pocean.2014.09.002).


1. CLAIM: Cleaning Litter by developing and Applying Innovative Methods in European seas. H2020 Grant Agreement 774586, Call: H2020-BG-2017-1 (see: http://www.claim-h2020project.eu/). 11/2017-10/2021). Coordinator.

2. Policy-oriented marine Environmental Research for the Southern European Seas (PERSEUS). Funded by the EU under FP7 Theme “Oceans of Tomorrow” OCEAN.2011-3 Grant Agreement No. 287600. See: http://www.perseus-net.eu/site/content.php. Period: 2011-2015. Coordinator.

3. Spatially resolved ecosystem models and their application to marine management (SEAMAN). EU - FP7 ERANET / SEAS – ERA. See: https://www.nersc.no/project/seaman. Period: 2013-2015 (01/01/2013-31/12/2015). Partner.

4. Operational Ecology (OPEC). Project: EU-FP7-SPACE, GA: 283291. See: http://marine-opec.eu/. Period: 2012-2015. Partner.

5. SGD Black Sea: “Investigation of Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD) for preventing pollution and eutrophication of the coastal sea”, BS-ERANET EU Project. See: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/226160/reporting, Period: 2011-2013. Partner.

6. Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) Implementation in Greece. (2018-2023) S. Reizopoulou, Scientific responsible for D1 (Biodiversity) and D6 (Seafloor Integrity). Coordinator.


HCMR has developed a significant data base for physical biological and chemical parameters from the POSEIDON operational centre, forecasting models with the use of the Research Vessels (RV) and the network of observation buoys and has been engaged in the development of a series of model systems, amongst which are • Ecological Models, • Data assimilation schemes that formed the basis for the development of fish models (bioenergy, population) and • Individual Based Models (IBM), initiating new scientific directions in modelling the full life cycle of small pelagic fish. The above, paved the way for European programs and the involvement of students and researchers in new innovative subjects and through innovative research actions the ability to respond to societal challenges such as micro and nano-plastics in the marine environment and the development of devices and technologies for their reduction (CLAIM program). In addition, HCMR has a significant analytical infrastructure for detection of chemical hazards (UPLCs- ESI MS/MS –QTOF and MALDI-TOF) and operating accredited labs according to ISO/IEC 17025:2005. It will also contribute with 2 patents: 1. ΚΑΤΕRΙΝΑ (Innovative sensors for marine radioactivity), Patent number: 1006066, International sorting

G01Τ 7/00 (2008). 2. 2. Method of in-situ detection of marine radioactivity and its system application, Patent number (Hellenic

Industrial Property Organization): ΔΕ20130100596 (2014). Participant 11 CNR - CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE, Italy

National Research Council (CNR)

Italy

www.cnr.it/en


https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2018.09.007

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr2.2019.104689

http://www.claim-h2020project.eu/

http://www.perseus-net.eu/site/content.php

http://marine-opec.eu/

https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/226160/reporting


BRIDGE-BS 30


The Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) is the largest Italian research organization. CNR aims to promote, transfer and improve the knowledge in the main sectors of the scientific, technological, economic and social research activities. CNR has more than 8,000 staff members, distributed all over Italy. The Scientific network of CNR is organized in Departments and Research Institutes. From the financial point of view, the main resources come from the State, but also from the market: about 30% of its balance sheet is the result of revenues coming from external job orders for studies and activities of technical advice as well as from agreements with firms, contracts with the European Union and with the other international organizations. CNR has been establishing for long-time business relations with private firms and Public Bodies through joint ventures, that is new organizations managed by more subjects of law, who are financially independent and who act in close relationship, in order to share the means necessary to the execution of a particular activity. The climate, marine and earth observation activities are carried out by Department of Earth System Science and Environmental Technologies (DSSTTA). The marine disciplines (physics, geology, chemistry, biology, fisheries, aquaculture, satellite and operational oceanography) are investigated with a multidisciplinary approach by about 450 staff members. CNR-DSSTTA is coordinating the H2020 BLUEMED-CSA, that is supporting the BLUEMED INITIATIVE on Research & Innovation for sustainable blue growth and blue jobs in the Mediterranean, with the endorsement of the EC and the Union for the Mediterranean Countries. CNR also appoints the Commissione Oceanografica Italiana (COI) that is the official national coordinating body for the liaison with UNESCO-IOC. The DSSTTA department gave the mandate to the Institute of Marine Sciences (CNR-ISMAR) to represent CNR in this project. The Institute of Marine Sciences of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR-ISMAR, www.ismar.cnr.it/index_html-1?set_language=en&cl=en) has a long term recognized experience in physical, chemical and biological oceanography and in marine geology. The main objectives are to study oceanic processes and climate variability and to develop integrated multi-disciplinary systems/services for monitoring, protection and sustainable management of the marine environment from the open ocean to coastal areas. Main research areas of ISMAR-CNR are: Physical and biogeochemical oceanography; Marine Geology and palaeoceanography; Ocean processes, climate variability, and ecosystems functioning and evolution; Observation and operational services for monitoring Essential Ocean and Climate Variables (EOVs and ECVs); Marine hazards and risks; Interoperable data management and Maritime Spatial Planning; Outreach and Ocean Literacy. The Institute of Marine Engineering of CNR (INM-CNR) is also involved in the project. INM-CNR conducts research, foster innovation and competitiveness of the National industrial system, provide technological solutions to emerging public and private sector needs and challenges and foster the personal and professional growth of human resources within the following research areas: Models, technologies and innovative design systems for marine/maritime sector; Marine vehicles; Marine robotics; Marine renewable energy; Environmental acoustics, underwater acoustics, and geo-acoustics; Development and applications of instrumentation (sensors, actuators, transducers); Logistics and transport in maritime environment; Marine vehicles energy management onboard and in port/coastal areas.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

CNR will be the leader of WP4 - Adaptive Management - that will address the development and proposal of adaptive management strategies to boost sustainable Blue Growth limiting human impacts on Black Sea state and its core ecosystem services (ES). ISMAR–CNR team will capitalize on its profound experience on Coastal Zone Management / Maritime Spatial Planning and on knowledge-based policy implementation for sustainable Blue Growth. The application of the Cumulative Effect Assessment (CEA) model, in connection with the knowledge that will be produced in the framework of BRIDGE-BS, will be used for quantifying driver-pressure-impact chains on the marine environment and the identified core ES delivery. Through the application of CEA model and scenario analysis at the Black Sea and selected Pilot Areas, starting from the foreseen future trends of Climate Change and Blue Growth, ISMAR–CNR, in collaboration with domain experts, local partners and stakeholders, will inform sustainable management strategies. ISMAR–CNR will develop recommendations for adaptive management, planning and policy implementation to tackle main threats on the Black Sea marine environment and to ensure sustainable exploitation of its resources, also through the implementation of an active participative process that will entail the stakeholders and right holders involvement by crossing the science to policy interface. Moreover, ISMAR-CNR will contribute to WP2 - Ecosystem dynamics under multistressors leading Task 2.3 providing the assessment of changes in BRIDGE-BS core ES in response to climate and non-climate stressors, and pinning down the cause-effect relations of these changes. Based on the mechanistic modelling tools developed in Task 2.1, ISMAR-CNR will lead subtask 2.3.2 and provide its expertise for the quantification and


http://www.ismar.cnr.it/index_html-1?set_language=en&cl=en


BRIDGE-BS 31

assessment of climate regulation services in terms of carbon sequestration and production, storage and emissions of GHG (CO2 and N2O) under current and future climate, specifically assessing the combined impact of warming and deoxygenation on redox-sensitive biogeochemical processes. INM-CNR will contribute to WP7 - Accelerate ‘Industry 4.0’ business models, cooperating in the organization of the High Tech Black Sea Summit and supporting industry and academia in the generation of innovative ideas for future blue economy activities related to ship greening, sustainable exploitation of marine resources, marine robotics, ocean big data etc. Moreover, INM-CNR will contribute to the definition of the roadmap for the acceleration of sustainable and innovative business models to support the Blue Economy in the Black Sea Region.


Dr. Andrea Barbanti (male) has a PhD in Earth Sciences and a background in environmental geochemistry and coastal oceanography. He is Research Manager at CNR-ISMAR, where he develops science-to-policy activities and research initiatives promoting Blue Growth at national and EU level, focusing on the Mediterranean basin. He is member of the Project Management Team of BLUEMED CSA and coordinator of the BLUEMED Policy Platform. Since 2012 he is coordinating or is involved in several National and European projects dealing with MSP-ICZM and sustainable blue growth (e.g. RITMARE, ADRIPLAN, MUSES, SUPREME, SIMWESTMED, CO-EVOLVE, PORTODIMARE, PHAROS4MPAs, SOUNDSCAPE, ITEM, MSPMED), developing and testing approaches and tools for MSP in the Adriatic-Ionian Region and the Mediterranean and supporting in all aspects the MSP implementation process. Since 2019, he is National Focal Point for the UNESCO/IOC-DG MARE MSPglobal Initiative. Dr. Stefano Menegon (male) is an Environmental Engineer with a PhD in Information Technology for Environmental Science. He is an expert on environmental and predictive modelling, geospatial analysis, geostatistics, complex data integration, data sharing strategies, interoperable infrastructure and collaborative geospatial web applications. Currently he is senior research-technologist at CNR-ISMAR working on the design and development of geospatial tools to support ICZM and MSP activities and, more in general, in translating environmental challenges into data-driven models and tools. Since 2013, he is coordinating the development of the Tools4MSP modelling framework and participated to numerous National and European projects (e.g. RITMARE, ADRIPLAN, MUSES, SUPREME, SIMWESTMED, PORTODIMARE, I-SORTMS, ECOSS, SOUNDSCAPE, MSPMED). Dr. Elisabetta Manea (female) is Post-Doctoral senior researcher. PhD in Marine Biology and Ecology, she is a marine ecologist working at CNR-ISMAR. She contributed to different research projects focused on the study of marine biodiversity, benthic ecology, and marine ecosystem functioning through the adoption of molecular approaches (e.g. DEVOTES, RITMARE, MIDAS). She has been involved in different European projects to support the integration of the ecosystem-based and ecosystem services approach within MSP and marine conservation and management for the achievement of conservation and sustainable development goals in the Adriatic-Ionian Region and Mediterranean Sea (e.g. SUPREME, SIMWESTMED, PORTODIMARE, ECOSS). She is contributing in developing and testing methodological approaches and tools to support an Ecosystem-Based MSP. Dr. Angela Landolfi (female) is a marine biogeochemical modeller. Since 2007, she has been combining observations, analytical and novel trait-based numerical modelling approaches to understanding climate-relevant biogeochemical feedbacks in the ocean and their sensitivity to past and expected future environmental changes. She has been assessing how environmental changes (global warming, deoxygenation and acidification) effect the climate system by controlling marine ocean productivity and carbon storage and the ocean’s capacity of absorbing atmospheric CO2, and by affecting the oceanic N2O emissions. She has promoted active collaborations among experimentalist and modellers on the theme of understanding and predicting changes in marine biogeochemistry - from microbes to the global ocean - by organizing and coordinating workshops and dedicated session at International meetings. She acts as a Topic Editor and primary organizer of the Research Topic “Marine N2 Fixation: Recent Discoveries and Future Challenges” in Frontiers in Marine Sciences. She has been involved in numerous international projects (SOPRAN III, BIOACID, SFB754). Dr. Elena Ciappi (female) has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and the Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. She is senior researcher at CNR-INM where she has been doing theoretical and experimental research related to ship safety and efficiency and to the characterization and control of hydrodynamic noise sources. She has been principal investigator of research projects and testing activities founded by the European Community, the European Defense Agency (EDA), the Italian and US Navies and by maritime industries. In recent years she has been involved in projects and initiatives related to the Blue Growth for the Mediterranean Sea. She is member of the Project Management Team and coordinator of the Italian Technology Platform of the BLUEMED CSA. Currently, she is member of the Working Group on Underwater Noise of the European Marine Board and the



BRIDGE-BS 32

CNR representative at the IRAGs “Ships and Shipping” and “Blue Growth” of the Waterborne Technology Platform. Dr. Massimo Caccia (male) obtained his degree in Electronic Engineering in 1991 and joined CNR in 1993. He served as Director of the Institute of Intelligent Automation Systems from October 2013 to October 2017, he is actually Research Manager at INM-CNR. His main research interests are (cooperative) navigation, guidance and control, modeling and identification of Unmanned Marine Vehicles. Currently, he is the coordinator of the Interreg Maritime Italy-France MATRAC-ACP project, of the Italian PON project ARS01_00682 ARES Autonomous Robotics for the Extended Ship and of the EC EMFF-BlueEconomy-2018 Blue RoSES project. He was member of the project steering committee and/or CNR principal investigator in the following EC projects: FP7-SST MINOAS, FP7-SME CART, FP7-ICT MORPH, FP7-ICT CADDY, H2020-TWINNING EXCELLABUST.


1. Farella G., Menegon S., Fadini A., Depellegrin D., Manea E., Perini L., Barbanti A. (2020). Incorporating Ecosystem Services conservation into a scenario-based MSP framework: an Adriatic case study. Ocean and Coastal Management 193:105230. Doi: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2020.105230

2. Manea E., Di Carlo D., Depellegrin D., Agardy T., Gissi E. (2019). Multidimensional assessment of supporting ecosystem services for marine spatial planning of the Adriatic Sea. Ecological Indicators 101, 821–837. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2018.12.017

3. Menegon S., Sarretta A., Depellegrin D., Farella G., Venier C., Barbanti A. (2018). Tools4MSP: an open source software package to support Maritime Spatial Planning. PeerJ Comput Sci.4: e165. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj-cs.165

4. Menegon S., Depellegrin D., Farella G., Sarretta A., Venier C., Barbanti A. (2018). Addressing cumulative effects, maritime conflicts and ecosystem services threats through MSP-oriented geospatial webtools. Ocean & Coastal Management. 163: 417–436. doi:10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2018.07.009

5. Landolfi, A., Somes, C. J., Koeve, W., Zamora, L. M. and Oschlies, A. (2017). Oceanic nitrogen cycling and N2O flux perturbations in the Anthropocene. Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 31 (8). pp. 1236-1255. DOI 10.1002/2017GB005633.


1. BLUEMED-CSA, Research and innovation for blue jobs and growth in the Mediterranean Area, H2020 (2016 – 2020). It aims at supporting the BLUEMED Initiative, boosting Blue Growth in the Mediterranean by promoting the concrete and operational implementation of the BLUEMED SRIA. This project has the privilege to set, for the first time in the whole Mediterranean Basin, the scene for the long-term effective coordination of marine and maritime research and innovation activities, consolidating networks and establishing mechanisms that will remain and be further developed after the conclusion of the project.

2. MUSES, Multi Use in European Seas, H2020 (2016 – 2018) aimed at exploring opportunities for Multi-Use in European Seas across five EU sea basins (Baltic Sea, North Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and Eastern Atlantic). It focused on: exploring the opportunities for Multi-Use in European Seas, including the scope for innovation and Blue Growth potential; presenting practical solutions on how to overcome existing barriers and minimize risks associated with Multi-Use development; maximising local benefits and on providing an understanding of environmental, spatial, economic & societal benefits of co-location.

3. CO-EVOLVE, Promoting the co-evolution of human activities and natural systems for the development of sustainable coastal and maritime tourism, INTERREG MED (2016 – 2019). It aimed to analyse and promote the co-evolution of human activities and natural systems in touristic coastal areas, allowing for the sustainable development of touristic activities, based on the principles of Integrated Coastal Zone Management/Maritime Spatial Planning.

4. PORTODIMARE, geoPortal of Tools &Data for sustainable Management of coAstal and maRine Environment, INTERREG Adriatic-Ionian Programme – ADRION (2018 – 2020). It aimed at creating a common platform (Geoportal) for data, information and decision support tools related to coastal and marine areas of the Adriatic-Ionian Region, to support the development of a common framework and common approaches on environmental protection, sea uses and marine natural resources exploitation for Adriatic-Ionian Countries.

5. SUPREME, SUpporting maritime spatial Planning in the Eastern Mediterranean, EASME/EMFF, (2017 – 2018), SIMWESTMED, Supporting Implementation of Maritime Spatial Planning in the Western Mediterranean region, EASME/EMFF (2017 – 2018) and MSP-MED, Towards the operational implementation of MSP in our common Mediterranean Sea, EASME/EMFF (2020 – 2022). Pilot Projects


https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2020.105230

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2018.12.017

https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj-cs.165


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funded by DG Mare to favour the MSP Directive’s implementation in the Mediterranean Sea, by supporting the establishment of coherent and coordinated maritime spatial plans across the Mediterranean, for promoting a sustainable and long lasting “blue” development.

6. Projects involved or are involving a large part of the EU Member States of the Mediterranean (IT, FR, SP, SLO, HR, ML, GR) and their MSP Competent Authorities, the UNEP/MAP Barcelona Convention, and promoting also the active participation of the other MS and of non-EU Mediterranean countries.


Tools4MSP Geoplatform (former ADRIPLAN Portal). This is a community-based, open source portal based on GeoNode, a web-based Content Management System (CMS) for developing geospatial information systems (GIS) and for deploying spatial data infrastructure (SDI) (http://data.adriplan.eu/). This is the platform through which the modelling activities foreseen in WP7 Task 7.2 will be implemented and applied.

Participant 12 ULiege - UNIVERSITE DE LIEGE, Belgium

University of Liege (ULiege)

Belgium

www.uliege.be/cms/c_8699436/en/uliege


The University of Liège (ULiege, http://www.uliege.be) is located in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles of Belgium in the Euregio region. ULiege is the only public and complete university institution of the French-speaking region of Belgium. The ULiege counts 2977 lecturers-researchers and 24688 students (incl. 2095 PhD students). 23% of the students at ULiege are foreign students from 127 different countries. A wide variety of fundamental and applied research projects have emerged from about 43 Faculty and 11 interfaculty Research Units. On the international level, the University of Liege is actively involved in research projects with more than seventy countries worldwide. The ULiege had 106 projects funded under FP7. Within H2020, 93 projects have already been funded across all three pillars and cross-cutting priorities: 55 Excellent Science (26 MSCA, 12 ERC, 8 Research Infrastructure, 9 FET), 20 Societal Challenges, 11 Industrial Leadership (including 2 SPACE), 3 SWAFS, 3 Euratom and 1 spreading excellence. ULIEGE also participates in several JTI (IMI, ECSEL, CleanSky) and JPI projects. At the end of 2018, 2093 research agreements were in progress, of which 1458 involved an international partner. In parallel, ULiege has developed an active policy in terms of technology transfer, resulting in the creation of more than 144 spin-off companies and in the ownership of 834 patents. The Modelling for Aquatic SysTems (MAST, http://labos.ulg.ac.be/mast/) research group is part of the Fresh and OCeanic science Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS, https://www.focus.uliege.be/cms/c_4262877/en/focus) (~80 researchers and technicians) belonging to the Science Faculty of the Liege University. MAST is devoted to the development of numerical models coupling the physics and biogeochemistry for forecasting the marine environment and for understanding how climate (e.g. deoxygenation, warming) and non-climate stressors (e.g. eutrophication) affect marine ecosystems. The group is particularly interested in assessing how data from new in-situ platforms (e.g. ARGO) and satellite sensors can be assimilated to improve model performances. MAST is currently involved in various research projects and, for instance, in the Copernicus Marine Environment and Monitoring Service for providing every-day forecasts of the Black Sea biogeochemistry, in Benthox for understanding deoxygenation in the Black Sea, in the BelSPo project FaCE-iT for assessing the impact of wind farms building on seafloor integrity, in the Southern Bight of the North Sea (SBNS) and in the JPI Ocean and Climate project CE2COAST for the regional modelling of the NWCS and SBNS for climate change assessment. P1 is currently coordinating an ESA research initiative (EO4SIBS) on the use of Earth Observations for supporting marine applications.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

Leader of WP2: Ecosystem dynamics under multistressors Contribution to all the Tasks in WP2 including as task leader Contribution to WP5: Design of an observing system through Observing System Simulations Experiments Contribution to WP3, Task 3.1 Dynamics of Resilience.


http://data.tools4msp.eu/

http://data.adriplan.eu/

http://www.uliege.be/

http://labos.ulg.ac.be/mast/


https://www.focus.uliege.be/cms/c_4262877/en/focus

http://marine.copernicus.eu/

http://marine.copernicus.eu/

http://labos.ulg.ac.be/mast/projects/benthox/

http://labos.ulg.ac.be/mast/projects/face-it/

http://www.jpi-climate.eu/joint-activities/joint-calls/CPILoud/CE2COAST

http://www.eo4sibs.uliege.be/index.php


BRIDGE-BS 34

Contribution to WP4 through Tasks 4.1-4.3 Contribution to WP6 through participation to the living labs. Moreover, actively participate in WP 8 and 10.


Marilaure Grégoire (female) is Directeur de Recherches and Professor of ecological modelling. She is leading the MAST research group of the Liege University and has a 20-year of experience working in the Black Sea. She is (co)-author of more than 50 peer review publications (the majority on the Black Sea), was guest editor of 7 Special Issues of Journal of Marine Systems, Biogeosciences, Ocean Science and associate editor of Biogeosciences. She was involved in several EU and national research projects as coordinator (e.g. INTAS, ARAL-KUM, BENTHOX) or as PI (e.g. Sesame, Perseus, Face-it, Hypox, BS-MFC, CE2COAST). She is currently co-chair of the Global Ocean Oxygen Network (GO2NE) initiated by IOC-Unesco in 2015. She organized in 2001, 2011, 2013 and 2014, the International Liege colloquium on Ocean dynamics. She serves as member of the scientific committee or convener in various international conferences (e.g. Kiel Ocean deoxygenation, Ocean Research Conference organized by UNESCO/IOC and the Oceanography Society). She teaches in the master of Oceanography at the Liege University, in the EU master in Marine resources (master MER), in international summer schools (e.g. Sesame, Face-it, GO2NESS2019 (co-director) ). She is member of international working groups like the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee of the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS), Groupe Mission Mercator Coriolis (GMMC), Network of Experts for Re-Developing Models of the European Marine Environment (MEME), GODAE-data assimilation working group. She is specialized in marine ecosystem and biogeochemical cycling modelling and is now responsible for the provision of operational forecast for the black sea biogeochemistry in the frame of CMEMS. Full list of publications available at here. Arthur Capet (male) studied physics in University of Liège and completed his PhD in 2014 in the MAST research group. During his PhD (on 3D biogeochemical modelling of the Black Sea), he developed the actual optical scheme of BAMHBI model and the representation of autochtonous and allochtonous suspended minerals and organic matter (currently used for CMEMS BS-MFC-BIO). During this PhD, he collaborated with JRC, to use MERIS and MODIS ocean colour products (Chl-a, AOPs and SPM) for model validation. A post-doctoral collaboration with IMEDEA (Spain) led him to composite analysis of satellite and ARGO optical data. Arthur spent two years at OGS (Marie Curie fellowship), developing the benthic-pelagic coupling for the BFM model in the Mediterranean Sea, ie. experimenting other CMEMS biogeochemical models. He currently holds a FNRS post-doctoral research position at MAST. Arthur has been involved in several international research projects (SESAME, HYPOX, PERSEUS, MyOcean2), reviewed publications from 11 different marine science journals, is currently active in the committee of 2 PhD and 2 master theses, and took part in several scientific events as session convener, or member of the scientific or organizing committee. Bibliometrics (Google scholar: Citations:470; H-index:9; Publications: 15 Luc Vandenbulcke (male) is a senior researcher with experience in physical and biogeochemical oceanographic model development and data assimilation. His interests also cover statistical predictors (AI) such as neural networks or genetic algorithms, applied for multi-model forecasts or for fast model emulators. Luc was an intern at the NATO undersea research center (NURC, presently CMRE, La Spezia, Italy) in 2007. He founded Jailoo srl in 2009, and its scientific entity seamod.ro in 2011. Meanwhile, he was a post-doc researcher at CIIMAR (Porto, Portugal) in 2012-2014, and a researcher at University of Liege in 2014-2017. Bibliometrics (Google scholar: Citations:370; H-index:12; Publications: 21(9 as first author).


1. Grégoire, M., Gilbert, D., Oschlies, A., & Rose, K. (2019). What is ocean deoxygenation? In J., Baxter & D., Lafolley (Eds.), Ocean deoxygenation: everyone’s problem. Causes, impacts, consequences and solutions (Global Marine and Polar Programme (GMPP)). Switzerland: International Union for Nature Conservation.

2. Breitburg, D., Levin, L., Oschlies, A., Grégoire, M., & GO2NE network. (2018). Declining oxygen in the global ocean and coastal waters. Science, 359(46).

3. Capet, A., Beckers, J.-M., & Grégoire, M. (2013). Drivers, mechanisms and long-term variability of seasonal hypoxia on the Black Sea northwestern shelf – is there any recovery after eutrophication? Biogeosciences, 10, 3943-3962.

4. Capet, A., Stanev, E., Beckers, J.-M., Murray, J., & Grégoire, M. (2016). Decline of the Black Sea oxygen inventory. Biogeosciences, 13, 1287-1297.

5. Grégoire, M., Raick, C., & Soetaert, K. (2008). Numerical modeling of the deep Black Sea ecosystem functioning during the late 80’s (eutrophication phase). Progress in Oceanography, 76(9), 286-333.



http://mel.xmu.edu.cn/summerschool/go2ne/Sponsors.html

http://orbi.ulg.ac.be/orbi-report?query=%28%28uid%3Au016063%29%29&model=a&format=apa&data=metric&data=pr&sort_by0=1&order0=DESC&sort_by1=3&order1=ASC&sort_by2=2&order2=ASC&output=html&language=en&title=Publications+et+communications+de+Marilaure+Gr%C3%A9goire+%5Bu016063%5D)


BRIDGE-BS 35


1. Coordinator of the ESA project Earth Observation for Science and Innovation in the Black sea (EO4SIBS) (2019-2021, 7 partners)) for the building of high-quality products for ocean color, sea level height, sea surface salinity and mesoscale circulation.

2. PI and WP leader for the JPI Ocean and Climate project CE2COAST on “Downscaling Climate and Ocean Change to Services: Thresholds and Opportunities” coordinated by the Norwegian Institute for Water Research and gathering 10 Europeans partners.

3. PI for CMEMS Marine Forecasting Center in the Black Sea (BS-MFC) for the production of biogeochemical daily forecasts.

4. PI in the H2020 Forcoast project 5. Co-chair of the IOC-Unesco Global Ocean Oxygen Network (GO2NE)


MAST has access to the CECI clusters which is a cluster of powerful computing equipment for running model simulations. ULiege has also access to the research station Stareso in Corsica, France where teaching and summer school can be organized.

Participant 13 AUEB - Athens University of Economics and Business, Greece

Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB )

GREECE

www.aueb.gr/en/content/aueb-research-center


The Athens University of Economics and Business has been established 100 years ago. According to international rankings and external evaluations, Athens University of Economics and Business is the top institution among Greek Universities and Research Centers and in the top 2% of European Union Institutions in the field of Economics. The AUEB has approximately 1000 members of Staff and 30,000 Students. AUEB’s Research team on Socio-Economic and Environmental Sustainability (ReSEES) lab does socio-economics and policy relevant interdisciplinary research on environmental, natural resources and energy issues. Central to ReSEES laboratory mission is the pursuit of excellence in the conduct and presentation of research and a commitment to explore relevant environmental, natural resources and energy, issues for a variety of circumstances and stakeholders and across different temporal and spatial scales. Research tools include financial analysis, socio-economic and econometric analysis, environmental valuation, political and institutional analysis, integrated environmental-economic modeling, life cycle analysis, risk analysis, geographical information systems, multi-stakeholder mediations techniques, game theory, information technology decision making tool development. ReSEES has been an umbrella for the Research Projects, Publications and Scientific, Policy and Social Impact, produced by an interdisciplinary and international research team led by Prof. Phoebe Koundouri over the last 17 years. ReSEES, as part of AUEB, belongs to a CLUSTER of INSTITUTIONS for Sustainable Transition, directed by Prof. Phoebe Koundouri: • CLIMATE KIC HUB GREECE • UN SDSN (SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SOLUTIONS NETWORK) • PESD (POLITICAL ECONOMY OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT LAB), NATIONAL AND

KAPODISTRIAN UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS • ATHENA (RESEARCH & INNOVATION INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES) ReSEES in numbers (1996-today): • Approximate total research funding attracted: 20 million euro • Approximate number of collaborating Universities and Research Institutions: 150 • Approximate number of collaborating/employed Researchers: 500 • Approximate number of published peer-reviewed research papers and books: 250 Geographical distribution of research funding and research implementation: mainly Europe and the US, but also a significant number in Latin America, Africa, Asia and Australia.


http://www.jpi-climate.eu/joint-activities/joint-calls/CPILoud/CE2COAST

https://www.dept.aueb.gr/en/ReSEES#nolink

https://www.dept.aueb.gr/en/ReSEES#nolink

https://www.climate-kic.org/

http://www.unsdsn.gr/

http://pesd.econ.uoa.gr/

http://pesd.econ.uoa.gr/

https://www.athena-innovation.gr/


BRIDGE-BS 36

Role in BRIDGE-BS

AUEB will bring its expertise on socioeconomic modelling and stakeholders’ engagement (participatory and system innovation approaches) expertise, and providing feedback from other AUEB projects that feed into this project. AUEB will bring its network of institutions (UN SDSN Black Sea, EIT Climate-KIC Hub Greece) to the proposal (to support WP6, WP7 and WP8). It is co-responsible for the scientific and administrative coordination of WP6 – Socio-economics and social innovations with Partner the Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV). In addition, AUEB will strongly support activities related to eco-innovations within WP7 (start-ups and industry), risk management and adaptation within WP4, policy recommendations in WP8 and capacity building in WP9.


Prof. Phoebe Koundouri (female) holds a PhD and MPhil in Economics and Econometrics from the University of Cambridge (UK). She is Professor (Chair) of Sustainable Development (Economics and Econometrics) at the School of Economics, Athens University of Economics and Business (Greece) and she is the elected President of the European Association of Environmental and Natural Resource Economists (EAERE) (with more than 1200 scientific member institutions, from more than 75 different countries). Prof. Koundouri is listed in the 1% of most-cited women economists in the world, with 15 published books and more than 250 published scientific papers. Prof. Phoebe Koundouri is also the Founder and Scientific Director of the Research laboratory on Socio-Economic and Environmental Sustainability (ReSEES) at the Athens University of Economics and Business and an affiliated Professor at the ATHENA Research and Innovation Center (Greece) where she directs EIT Climate-KIC Hub Greece of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. She is also the co-chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Network Greece (UN SDSN Greece), chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of the International Centre for Research on the Environment and the Economy (ICRE8) and chair of the scientific advisory board of the European Forest Institute. In the past, Professor Koundouri has held academic positions at the University of Cambridge, University College London, the University of Reading and the London School of Economics. She acts as an advisor to the European Commission, World Bank, EIB, EBRD, OECD, UN, NATO, WHO, numerous national and international foundations and organizations, as well as national governments in all five continents. Notably she is currently member of the drafting Priministerial Committee for 10-year development plan for Greece, as well as in the Climate Change Committee of the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy. She holds a global leadership role in the UN SDSN for European Green Deal (EGD) implementation, Sustainable Shipping and Ports, 4-seas Blue Growth Initiative and is leader (together with Prof. Jeff Sachs) of the Senior Working Group on Transformation Pathways for the implementation of EGD. She is also a member of the CEPR (Center for European and Policy Research) Network (RPN) on Climate Change https://cepr.org/content/cepr-rpn-climate-change-researchers. Since 1997, she has coordinated more than 77 interdisciplinary research projects and has attracted significant competitive research funding. Professor Koundouri and her large interdisciplinary team have produced research and policy results that have contributed to accelerating the research commercialization for the sustainability transition in Europe, as well as shaping European policies. Over the last two decades, Professor Koundouri has given keynote and public lecturers all over the world and received various prizes for academic excellence. Role in the Project: Phoebe will be WP leader and work on socio-economic analysis and innovation throughout the project. She will also participate in developing and running the living labs, along with the associated development and analysis of developed models and scenarios. Dr. Nikolaos Theodosiou (male) [http://niktheod.webpages.auth.gr]. Professor at the Division of Hydraulics and Environmental Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering (https://web.civil.auth.gr), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh). Director of the Water Resources Engineering and Management Lab, Director of the Postgraduate program “Protection of the Environment and Sustainable Development” (https://ppva.civil.auth.gr), Coordinator of the Environmental Council of AUTh (http://symper.web.auth.gr) an expert in Sustainable Development; Water Resources Management; Hydraulic modelling; Flood protection; Environmental impact assessment; Circular economy; Application of Optimization techniques; Protection and restoration of environmental systems. He has participated in more than 30 national or EU funded, research projects. He has more than 100 publications in scientific journals and in national and international conferences, and his work has been cited more than 300 times. He has served as an evaluator of research proposals submitted under various calls. Founder and director of the Sisyphus Optimization Research Group (http://www.sisyphus-optimization.web.auth.gr). Member of the board of the Association of European Civil Engineering Faculties (https://web.fe.up.pt/~aecef), member of the board of the Centre for Integrated Water Resources Management of the Aristotle University, member of the board and former president of the Hellenic Hydrotechnical Association.


http://www.eaere.org/

http://www.dept.aueb.gr/en/ReSEES

http://www.athenarc.gr/en/eit-climate-kic-greece-hub

http://www.athenarc.gr/en/eit-climate-kic-greece-hub

https://eit.europa.eu/

http://www.unsdsn.gr/

http://www.icre8.eu/

http://www.efi.int/

https://cepr.org/content/cepr-rpn-climate-change-researchers

http://niktheod.webpages.auth.gr/

https://web.civil.auth.gr/

https://ppva.civil.auth.gr/

http://symper.web.auth.gr/

http://www.sisyphus-optimization.web.auth.gr/

http://www.sisyphus-optimization.web.auth.gr/

https://web.fe.up.pt/~aecef/


BRIDGE-BS 37

Coordinator of the Environmental Council of AUTh Chair of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Solutions Network SDSN Black Sea (http://sdsn-blacksea.auth.gr/). Role in the project: He will also participate in developing and running the living labs, along with the associated analysis of valuation of ecosystem services, support policy maker engagement through the SDSN Black Sea network. Alice Guittard (female) is a geographer with a Master Degree in human geography specialized in sea and coastal management (2011) and a Master Degree in physical geography specialized in GIS and Remote Sensing (2016). She has collaborated in various European funded projects involving governance and policy analysis, participatory and system innovation approach focusing of coastal areas. She is currently holding a position at ICRE8 as a researcher in charge of the business and land-sea policy analysis as part of the H2020 COASTAL project. Role in the Project: Alice will be task leader and will be working on research and innovation activities as well as implementing the system innovation approach within the living labs in WP6 and will be the reference point for coordinated activities with WP5, WP7 and WP8. Dr. Panos Samartzis (male) hold a PhD in econometrics (2019), he has a strong academic background in mathematics, finance & econometrics, among the top 5% of his class at Imperial College. Role in the Project: Panos will be involved in the socio-economic analysis of WP6.


1. Koundouri, P. and Vassilopoulos A. Valuation of Marine Ecosystems. In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Environmental Science. DOI: 10.1093/acrefore/9780199389414.013.529, 2017

2. Koundouri, P., Chen, W., Giannouli, O. G., Kotoroni, J., Mailli, E., Mintenbeck, K., Papagianni C., Souliotis, I. A socio-economic framework for integrating multi-use offshore platforms in sustainable blue growth management: theor and applications. In Paulo A.L.D. Nunes, Kenya, Lisa Emelia Svensson, Anil Markandya (Eds.) Handbook on the Economics and Management of Sustainable Oceans (pp. 25-43). Edward Elgar Publishing. ISBN: 978 1 78643 071 7 eISBN: 978 1 78643 072 4, 2017

3. P.A.K. Rault, E. Akinsete, P. Koundouri, S. Tsani, R. Ludwig, V. Huber-Garcia, V. Acuña, E. Kalogianni, J. Luttik, K. Kok, N. Skoulikidis, and J. Froebrick. Downscaling of climate change scenarii to river basin level: A transdisciplinary methodology applied to Evrotas river basin, Greece. Science of the Total Environment, 660, 2018.

4. E. Akinsete, A. Guittard, P. Koundouri, The COASTAL project: Increasing land-sea synergies and coastal-rural collaboration for a healthy ocean, in Koundouri, P. (editor), Oceans of Tomorrow vol. II: The Transition to Sustainability, Springer Publishing. Forthcoming 2020.

5. Tsani, S. and Koundouri, P. (2016). Socioeconomic and environmental monetization models for Blue Economy. Bluebridge Technical Report.


1. COASTAL - Collaborative lAnd Sea inTegration pLatform, EU H2020 2. BRIGAID - BRIdges the GAp for Innovations in Disaster resilience, EU H2020 3. SIMRA - Social Innovation in Marginalised Rural Areas, EU H2020 4. BlueBRIDGE - Building Research environments fostering Innovation, Decision making, Governance and

Education to support Blue growth, H2020 European Commission Project 5. EIT Climate-KIC – European Institute of Innovation Climate - Knowledge Innovation Community


Through the ReSEES lab we have access to a cluster of leading research institutes, such as ICRE8 which hosts the Greek chapter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN Greece), the Political Economy of Sustainable Development lab of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Athena Research and Innovation Center. All these institutes have a strong commitment to research related to the environment, climate change, energy, sustainability and innovation.

Participant 14 SU - Stockholm University, Sweeden

Stockholm University (SU)

Sweden


http://sdsn-blacksea.auth.gr/


BRIDGE-BS 38

www.stockholmresilience.org


Stockholm University (SU) is one of Europe’s leading centres for research and higher education and is ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. The Stockholm Resilience Centre (SRC) at SU is a transdisciplinary centre that advances the understanding of complex social-ecological systems and studies phenomena, such as ecosystem resilience, ecosystem service production, food security and adaptive governance. SRC has its focus on making a difference for sustainable development by building a world-leading research centre that takes the interdisciplinary research on linked ecological and social systems significantly forward and provides insights and means for the development of sustainable management and governance practices in order to secure ecosystem services. Consequently, the centre applies and further develops the scientific achievements of this research within practice, policy and academic training. SRC is a joint initiative between SU and the Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics at The Royal Swedish Academy Sciences. SRC has been involved in many marine-related EU projects (ELME, KNOWSEAS, MISSION ATLANTIC (start 2020)) and BONUS (ECOSUPPORT, RECOCA, HYPER, INSPIRE, BLUEWEBS) projects and was co-leading NorMER (Nordic Centre for Research on Marine Ecosystems and Resources under Climate Change), a Nordic Centre of Excellence, together with University of Oslo.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

SU will lead WP3 on Ecosystem Resilience, and will be responsible for creating a functioning resilience assessment framework for Black Sea basin and Pilot Sites. SU will also contribute significantly for specific deliverables in WP4 on Adaptive Management, and WP6 on Socio-economics and Social innovations. SU plans to co-supervise a PhD-student focusing on resilience assessment in data-poor systems and is involved in resilience-related knowledge transfer and education activities (WP9).


Dr. Susa Niiranen (female) – Principal Investigator. Susa Niiranen holds a PhD in marine ecology (SU, Sweden) and works as a researcher and Marine Research Theme co-lead at the SRC. Her research has a focus on how multiple environmental and anthropogenic drivers, including climate and fishing, affect marine ecosystem function and vulnerability. In particular, she studies food web interactions using different modelling approaches as a tool. She has participated in several international research projects (ECOSUPPORT, GreenMar, INSPIRE, BLUEWEBS) and is a member of the Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISI-MIP) and a MC-member of a related Cost Action PROCLIAS. She is a WP lead on Ecosystem Risks in H2020-project MissionAtlantic, a WG lead on socioeconomics and governance in EFICA-project working under EU Framework Contract for the provision of Scientific Support to the High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean (CAO) and a WP leader in a Belmont Forum project “Marine Arctic Resilience, Adaptations and transformations” (MARAT). She has published 25 peer-reviewed articles and has an h-index of 16 (google scholar). Dr. Thorsten Blenckner (male). Assoc. Prof. Thorsten Blenckner is an aquatic ecologist focusing on system dynamics such as tipping points and safe-operating spaces. He has been analysing the effects of climate and other multiple stressors on marine food-web dynamics and the risk for regime shifts and tipping points, using long-term time series, modelling and assessment tools (like the Ocean Health index). He had a strong involvement in ICES as he was the co-chair for the working group on integrated assessments of the Baltic Sea (WGIAB). He has been involved in 7 EU projects and is current the co-leader of the H2020 COMFORT (https://comfort.w.uib.no) project and workpackage leader. At SRC, he is leading the marine research group. He published 68 peer-reviewed articles and 17 book chapters and he has a H-index of 41 (google scholar).


1. Lotze H. K., TIttensor D. P., Bryndum-Buchholz A., Eddy T. D., Cheung W. W. L., Galbraith E. D., Barange M., Barrier N. et al. (incl. Niiranen S.) (2019). Global ensemble projections reveal trophic amplification of ocean biomass declines with climate change. PNAS, 116(26):12907-12912.

2. Niiranen S., Richter A., Blenckner T., Stige L. C., Valman M., and Eikeset A. M. (2018). Global connectivity and cross-scale interactions create uncertainty for Blue Growth of Arctic fisheries. Marine Policy, 87:321-q330.


https://comfort.w.uib.no/


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3. Blenckner T, Llope M, Möllmann C, Voss R, Quaas MF, Casini M, Lindegren M, Folke C, Chr. Stenseth N. 2015 Climate and fishing steer ecosystem regeneration to uncertain economic futures. Proc. R. Soc. B 282: 20142809. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/ rspb.2014.2809

4. Lade, S. J., Niiranen, S., Hentati-Sundberg, J., Blenckner, T., Boonstra, W. J., Orach, K., Quaas, M. F., Österblom, H. and Schlüter, M. (2015). An empirical model of the Baltic Sea reveals the importance of social dynamics for ecological regime shifts. PNAS, 112(35):11120-11125.

5. Niiranen S., Yletyinen J., Tomczak M.T., Blenckner T., Hjerne O., MacKenzie B.R., Müller-Karulis B., Neumann T., Meier H.E.M. (2013). Combined effects of global climate change and regional ecosystem drivers on an exploited marine food web. Global Change Biology, 19(11):3327-3342.


1. MISSION ATLANTIC (EU H2020, 2020-2025, 11,5M€, WP-leader (Niiranen): Mapping and assessing present and future status of Atlantic marine ecosystems under climate change and exploitation

2. MARAT (Belmont Forum/Formas, 2020-2023, WP-leader (Niiranen)): Marine Arctic Resilience, Adaptations and transformations

3. EFICA (EC FWC, 2019-2023, WG-leader (Niiranen)): European Fisheries Inventory for the Central Arctic Ocean

4. COMFORT (EU H2020, 2019-2022, 8.2M€, coordinator & WP-leader (Blenckner)): Our common future ocean in the Earth system, quantifying coupled cycles of carbon, oxygen, and nutrients for determining and achieving safe operating spaces with respect to tipping points.

5. GreenMar (Nordforsk, 2014-2017, 27M NOK, WP-leader (Blenckner)): Green Growth based on Marine Resources: Ecological and Socio-Economic Constraints

Participant 15 CETMAR - Centro Tecnologico Del Mar - Fundacion Cetmar, Spain

Centro Tecnológico del Mar, Fundación CETMAR (CETMAR)

Spain

cetmar.org/?lang=en


CETMAR is a non-profit Public Foundation promoted in 2001 by the Regional Government of Galicia together with the Government of Spain. CETMAR aims to improve the conditions for a more sustainable use of marine resources and environment and, in this framework, to increase the efficiency of related economic activities, considering both traditional and emerging sectors in the context of the Blue Economy. CETMAR is playing a key role in engaging and mobilising stakeholders of the marine economy through research and innovation, policy support, capacity building, and technology and knowledge transfer services. It has also a broad experience in providing specialised training as well as in promoting and organising successful outreach actions. All these activities are developed with a particular focus towards boosting the development of new knowledge and technologies, enhancing satisfactory uptake of research results by target stakeholders and maximising the societal benefit yielded by marine related science. The latter, through the accomplishment of a number of broadly participatory processes aimed to identify technology trends and research needs, through technology foresight and road-mapping, including the design of the corresponding implementation plans; and through a strong involvement, for years, in developing training and outreach strategies within the framework of marine research. CETMAR has participated in more than 50 initiatives under European Funding Schemes, including 15 Framework Programme projects, in FP6, FP7 and H2020.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

Throughout its trajectory, CETMAR has developed strong links and capacity to mobilize 4-helix stakeholders. Based on that background and experience, CETMAR will co-lead the implementation of WP8 particularly oriented to promote dialogue among policy-relevant stakeholders and through this, and through knowledge transfer and capacity building, to enhance marine governance in the Black Sea basin. CETMAR will participate in the different tasks in this WP and lead task 8.1.2 for knowledge transfer, where it will apply the lessons learnt for the application of the COLUMBUS knowledge Transfer Methodology (developed in the H2020 funded



BRIDGE-BS 40

initiative COLUMBUS). It will also contribute with its experience in organising stakeholder events (ISGAXII; Business2Sea; Invipesca Network and SIBECORP conference, European Aquaculture Society WG on Flat Oysters etc.). CETMAR will respond to the coordination and management requests for the project and contribute cross-cuttingly to implement the project’s dissemination and communication strategy.


Rosa Fernández Otero (female) is the Head of the Technology Promotion and Transfer Department in CETMAR since 2002. MSC in Economy and Post-Graduate in Business Management and Administration. Her professional background, starting in 1996, has been always linked to research and innovation management and, since 2000, to marine research and knowledge transfer. She has been involved in more than 30 projects, coordinating many of them. She is the current representative delegate at the European Marine Board for CETMAR with the three Galician universities and the marine research centres of CSIC. She has an extensive experience as external evaluator of research and innovation at European, national, and regional levels. She has been invited lecturer for two Master Courses by the University of Vigo. She coordinated the participation of CETMAR in H2020 COLUMBUS project leading the Knowledge Analysis WP and the Competence Node on Marine Governance. María Pérez Rodríguez (female) is the Tenured Technician of Technology Promotion and Transfer Department in CETMAR since 2004. MSC in Economy and 16 years of experience linked to marine related research and innovation management under regional, national and European funding schemes, being part of a number of project coordination teams. She has participated in the setting up, coordination and management of multi-stakeholders’ networks such as technology platforms secretariats, involving participative processes for designing strategic research agendas and implementation plans. CETMAR employs an average of 48-50 people every year. It will eventually engage the Heads and Tenured Technicians of its other Relevant Departments, depending on the specific needs of the project: Dr. Marisa Fernández for the Marine Environment and Resources Department; Dr. Silvia Torres from the Marine Technologies Unit, Ms. Lucía Fraga in charge of the Education and Training Department, and Ms. Guadalupe Martin as head of the International Cooperation Department.


1. David N. Carss et al. “Ecosystem services provided by a non-cultured shellfish species: The common cockle Cerastoderma edule”, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.104931

2. R.Fernández et al. “Ocean Literacy and Knowledge Transfer Synergies in Support of a Sustainable Blue Economy”, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2019.00646

3. “The hidden jewel of the Atlantic”, a video of COCKLES project https://cocklesproject.eu/index.php/project https://youtu.be/Yv1yNmcNCiI

4. COLUMBUS Partnership ”Stories on Marine and Maritime Knowledge Transfer Activities; Stories from Marine Governance and Management Competence Node”, 2018. http://www.columbusproject.eu/CCV7_FINAL_0.1_compressed.pdf

5. Rosa Fernández Otero and María Pérez Rodríguez; Conclusions from the Technology Transfer Round Table held within the framework of the International Symposium on Genetics in Aquaculture – ISGA XII, Santiago de Compostela, 2015 https://goo.gl/nPNuga http://isga2015.acuigen.es/uploads/documents/TechTransfer_Rep.pdf


1. COLUMBUS- Monitoring, Managing and Transferring Marine and Maritime Knowledge for Sustainable Blue Growth H2020-BG-2014-1 http://www.columbusproject.eu/ (2015-2018) Role WP and Competence Node Leader

2. FISHGENOME “Improving cost-efficiency of fisheries research surveys and fish stocks assessments using next-generation genetic sequencing methods” EU Service contract Ref. EASME/EMFF/2017/1.3.2.10/SI2.790889

3. COCKLES (EAPA_458/2016) Co-operation for restoring cockle shellfisheries and its ecosystem-services in the Atlantic Area. (on-going) https://cockles-project.eu/

4. MATES: Maritime Alliance for fostering the European Blue Economy through a Marine Technology Skilling Strategy – Coordinator. UE, ERASMUS + programme, 2018-2021. https://www.projectmates.eu/


https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.104931

https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2019.00646

https://cocklesproject.eu/index.php/project

http://www.columbusproject.eu/CCV7_FINAL_0.1_compressed.pdf

https://goo.gl/nPNuga

http://isga2015.acuigen.es/uploads/documents/TechTransfer_Rep.pdf

http://www.columbusproject.eu/

https://cockles-project.eu/

https://www.projectmates.eu/


BRIDGE-BS 41

5. MarRisK. 0262_MARRISK_1_E. INTERREG Cross-border Cooperation Programme Spain - North of Portugal. http://www.poctep.eu/es/2014-2020/marrisk (2017-2019). Role: WP Leader for Stakeholder Engagement https://youtu.be/YC0_Vwp-vKg


N/A Participant 16 INDIGO MED SMPC, Greece

INDIGO MED

GREECE

www.indigo-med.com


INDIGO MED SMPC a Science Communication & Ocean Literacy SME based in Greece. It provides effective marine science communication and education solutions through creative and entertaining means. Indigo-Med undertakes the design and implementation of professional communication, education and dissemination strategies for any project. With experience and expertise for over 10 years in the communication and education activities of European projects focusing on the marine and maritime environment, IMED has cooperated internationally with distinguished research centres, scientific and educational organizations, as well as universities and science centres, aiming to provide professional communication support, effective dissemination of scientific knowledge, and outputs to the general public and the interested stakeholders as well as sustainable communication networks. Indigo-Med, with a solid background in marine science communication, outreach and citizen & stakeholder engagement, will build on existing outreach and ocean literacy networks to develop ownership and stewardship for the protection of the Black Sea and support youth entrepreneurship and mobility through tailored and dedicated activities in WP9 for specific target audiences. Furthermore, it will help to establish education and training programmes related to blue growth for upskilling the workforce in the Black Sea and develop education and capacity building in the area, in close collaboration with other WPs.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

INDIGO MED will be leader of WP9 - Capacity Building and will contribute to WP8 - Enhancing science-policy dialogue and WP10 - Coordination and Management.


Martha Papathanasiou (female) B.Sc. Hons in Marine Sciences from the University of Southampton and Master's Degree (MA) in Communications, from the University of Leeds. She has experience working as Communications Officer for EU-funded projects (SESAME & PERSEUS), coordinated by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, for 12 years and is now the founder of Indigo-Med, participating in the EU ERASMUS+ Project “MATES: Maritime Alliance for Fostering European Blue Economy through a Marine Technology Skilling Strategy” (www.projectmates.eu), as well as the Dissemination & Communication WP leader in the EASME project “MedSkippers”. She recently served as Communications Consultant at UNESCO-IOC for two Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) funded projects. Faidra Bazigou (female). Marine Sciences (M.A.) at the University of the Aegean, Greece and completed Master’s of Science (M.Sc.) in Ecological Marine Management, at the Free University of Brussels (VUB). She worked in ASPROFOS, Environmental consulting company (Greece) as a marine consultant, in the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research as a co-Editor of the PERSEUS-UNEP/MAP Report, in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN, Malaga) as a consultant for the legal profiles of western Balkan countries for establishing MPAs, in the Joint Research Center and in the VUB as a researcher on the analysis and comparison of Western Balkans environmental governance of coastal wetlands as corridors for migratory birds. For the past 4 years, she has been reviewing manuscripts for the journal of Ocean and Coastal Management and since November 2018, she has been working for Indigo-Med as Project Manager.


https://youtu.be/YC0_Vwp-vKg


BRIDGE-BS 42


1. Otero RMF, Babyliss-Brown G, Papathanassiou M. 2019. Ocean Literacy and Knowledge Transfer Synergies in Support of a Sustainable Blue Economy. Front. Mar. Sci. 6:646. doi:10.3389/fmars.2019.00646

2. Papathanasiou M., Bishop, K., Fernandez-Otero, R., Tuddenham, P., Keener, P., Fraga Lago, L. 2018. Ocean Literacy for Workforce Development in the Shipbuilding and Offshore Renewable Energy Sectors in Europe, in Support of the Blue Economy. 2018. MTS/IEEE Charleston, OCEANS 2018. doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/OCEANS.2018.8604936.

3. Fauville, G., McHugh, P., Domegan, C., Mäkitalo, A., Friis Møller, L., Papathanasiou, M., Alvarez Chicote, C., Lincoln, S., Batista, V., Copejans, E., Crouch, F., Gotensparre, S., 2018. Using collective intelligence to identify barriers to teaching 12–19-year olds about the ocean in Europe, Marine Policy, Volume 91, 2018, Pages 85-96, ISSN 0308-597X,

4. Kotynska-Zielinska, I., Papathanassiou, M., 2018. Examples of Innovative Approaches to Educate About Environmental Issues Within and Outside of the Classroom in Interdisciplinary Approaches for Sustainable Development Goals: Economic Growth, Social Inclusion and Environmental Protection. (GeoPlanet: Earth and Planetary Sciences), 1st ed. 2018. ISBN 978-3-319-71788-3.

5. Merken, R, Koedam, N & Bazigou, FM 2010, 'Is the message from Athens being heard?', Science, vol. 327, pp. 1453-1454.


1. MATES - Maritime Alliance for fostering the European Blue Economy through a Marine Technology Skilling Strategy. ERASMUS+ Sector Skills Alliance project: Indigo-Med is a task leader in the WP for Communication & Dissemination. January 2018 – December 2021.

2. MedSkippers Project (EASME) Sustainable Blue Economy: Blue Networks in the Mediterranean EASME/EMFF/2017/1.2.1.12/S3/03/S12.789395. Indigo-Med is the WP leader for Communication & Dissemination. December 2018 – November 2021.

3. Sea Change (H2020) Key objectives included in-depth review of the links between Ocean & Human health, social research on citizen and stakeholder attitudes to design mobilisation activities while embedding Ocean Literacy across initiatives and networks. Martha Papathanassiou was the main contact person based at the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), in Athens, Greece.

4. PERSEUS (FP7) Policy-oriented marine Environmental Research in the Southern European Seas. Martha Papathanassiou worked on PERSEUS as the Communications Officer, based at the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), in Athens, Greece. January 2012- December 2015

5. Sea for Society (FP7). The SFS project funded by DG R&I, engaged stakeholders, citizens and youth in open & participatory dialogue to share knowledge, forge partnerships & empower actors on societal issues related to Ocean. Martha Papathanassiou was the main contact person for the SFS project, responsible for coordinating consultations with citizens and stakeholders and facilitating these as part of the project in Greece, based at the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), in Athens, Greece. June 2012-November 2015.

Participant 17 IEEN - Institute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies, Moldova

Institute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies (IEEN)

Moldova

nano.asm.md


The Institute of the Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies "D. Ghitu" is a public organization in science and innovation sphere, founded by the decision of the Government of the Republic of Moldova through merging of three Centres: International Laboratory of Superconductivity and Solid-State Electronics, Specialized Design and Technology Bureau of Solid-State Electronics and Centre of Medical Equipment of the Academy of Sciences of RM. The basic activities of the Institute are focused on high-tech research, such as fundamental and applied studies in the field of solid-state physics and electronics, material science and engineering of new materials, elaboration of new physical methods and technologies. One of the main directions is development, on base on


https://doi.org/10.1109/OCEANS.2018.8604936

http://nano.asm.md/?lang=en


BRIDGE-BS 43

scientific research, of high-tech instruments and equipment for use in industry, agriculture and medicine. Great attention is paid to the study of nanostructured materials and their functionalization in terms of their unique size-dependent physical and chemical properties. The Institute participates in international scientific and technical programs like FP7, H2020, NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme, regional programs in the framework of the European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument for Cross-Border Cooperation and has extensive research contacts with leading European academic and scientific institutions. The Institute has successfully completed and continues to participate in a number of international projects for the research and development of measures for the environmental enhancement and conservation which can also be beneficial for the health and well-being of the population. Based on a strong regional partnership and cooperation, studies were conducted on the chemical and biological pollution of the Prut river basin to assess the impact on pollution of the Danube river and the Black Sea. In order to develop and improve common regional strategies and methods for prevention of natural disasters, knowledge and resources are exchanged through a jointly established scientific network in frames of the Black Sea Basin programme to mitigate the effects of earthquakes, landslides and floods that have a transboundary impact on both the economy and the environment. Studies were conducted to detect and mitigate inadvertent and intentional water source contamination using the developed prototype of GPS/GIS based Contamination Identification and Level Monitoring Electronic Display System to spatially monitor contaminants and water levels, in event of natural catastrophe. Based on the results of research in the field of nanotechnology, a method for decontamination of pesticide polluted soil using a synthesized iron-based nanobiocomposite material for use in agriculture and to restore the environment has been proposed and successfully tested. A bilateral project is currently being implemented within the framework of the Romania-Republic of Moldova 2014-2020 program for the development of a nanocomposite photocatalyst based on local mineral raw materials for the destruction of organic pollutants and industrial wastewater treatment. New knowledge and experience gained during the implementation of the above studies will allow Moldovan team to effectively participate in the BRIDGE-BS project.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

IENN will contribute to different BRDIGE-BS activities under the WPs: 1, 5, 6, 8 and 9. The main project activities of the Moldovan team will include the development of systematic approaches to indicators and indices of the ecological status of environmental components, including surface water bodies and sediments, assessment of the impact of surfactants on water quality of the Dniester River, its main right-side tributaries and RAMSAR wetlands "Lower Dniester", the Prut river and its main tributaries within RAMSAR wetlands and state nature reserve "Lower Prut Lakes”. The study will include: − assessment of the degree of water bodies pollution using the following physico-chemical indicators: water

quality index (WQI), water pollution index (WPI), trophic state index (TSI) and self-cleaning ability; − assessment of the degree of bottom sediments pollution with heavy metals using the method of calculating

the geo-accumulation quantitative indicator (Igeo) for river/lake sediments; − comparative studies of surface and groundwater quality, determination of main pollutants in underground

waters with potential identifications of sources taking into account direct measurements and existing results; − development of technical means for remote continuous monitoring of water quality; − assessment of ecosystem risks and damage to ecological systems by various pollutants discharged into the

environment; The following key actions will be taken to assess short- and long-term environmental risks in limits of the main parts of water basins of the Republic of Moldova and subsequent impact on the adjacent territories of the Black Sea basin: − identification of potential sources of risk; − estimation of the share of pollution by settlements (villages, cities) in the river basins (RM contribution); − assessment of air pollution by harmful emissions from industrial and energy facilities, vehicles; − in situ monitoring of eutrophication using optical spectroscopy methods and developed remote monitoring

tools; − characterization of the estimated risks;



BRIDGE-BS 44

The action will fill in gaps and lack of scientific knowledge and information on environmental processes and phenomena the assessment of which is needed by the national and regional authorities for science-based decision making and mitigation of adverse natural and anthropogenic environmental impacts in the region.


Dmitri DVORNIKOV (male) Education and Training: Ph.D. in physics and mathematics. Ioffe Physical-Technical Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia. M.Sc. in Engineering (Semiconductor devices). Technical University of Moldova, Faculty of Electrophysics. Position: Senior scientific researcher, Laboratory of Solid-State Structures, Institute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies, Chisinau, Moldova. Professional skills: Long-term experience in characterization of optical properties of semiconductor materials and study of nonlinear optical phenomena. Scientific laser application. Development of CW, nano- and picosecond solid state and fiber lasers for scientific and medical applications. Development of fiber optic sensors for aquatic environment. Four years of teaching "Fundamentals of Laser Technique" and "Industrial Laser Application" at Gebze Institute of Technology, Turkey. Significant experience in managing international scientific projects. Anatolie TARITA (male) Education and Training: Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (Ecology) at Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chisinau, Moldova Pedologist - Agrochemist. State University of Moldova, Faculty of Biology and Pedology. Position: Head of laboratory "Natural and Anthropogenic Ecosystems", Institute of Ecology and Geography. Coordinator of the National Ozone Office under the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment. Professional skills: Expert in ecological status of waters in the Republic of Moldova. Coordination over more than 20 years of activities for the implementation of the Montreal Protocol related to the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) in the Republic of Moldova. National expert in approximation of Moldovan law on F-gases and HCFCs to the EU legislation under the Association Agreement of the Republic of Moldova (EU Regulations No 842/2006/17.05.2006, No 1005/2009/16.09.2009 on fluorinated greenhouse gases and ozone layer depletion substances). National expert on creation of National Emission Inventory Database in context of the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution. Expert in development of "Industries and Solvents" model in LEAP-IBC modeling/planning tool. (Project "Institutional strengthening support to scale up action on short-lived climate pollutants"). Specific experience in the region. Alexandru MICU (male) Education and Training: M.Sc. in Engineering (Development and Production of Radio-Electronic Equipment), Technical University of Moldova, Faculty of Electrophysics. Danfoss Drives Training Course for installation and technical assistance of devices VLT 5000 series, VLT 6000 series, VLT 3000 series, VLT 2800 series; Danfoss Drives A/S, Sonderborg, Denmark. Position: Scientific researcher, Laboratory of Physics of Semiconductor Compounds, Institute of Applied Physics, Chisinau, Moldova. Professional skills: Many years of experience in characterization of semiconductor materials and structures, scientific laser application, development of experiment data acquisition systems, design, installation and commissioning of telemetry systems like "Smart House", engineering of local networks. Awards: Republican prize laureate for young scientists in science and technology. Vladimir SMISLOV (male) Education and Training: M.Sc. in Engineering (Semiconductor devices). Technical University of Moldova, Faculty of Electrophysics. Position: Scientific researcher at the Institute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies. Professional skills: Extensive experience in technology of integrated circuits manufacturing. Many years of experience in development of sensors and related electronic equipment. Awards: State prize laureate of the Republic of Moldova in the field of science and technology. Ana AVORNIC (female) Education and Training: Economist – accountant. State University of Moldova, Faculty of Economics. Position: Chief Accountant of the Institute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies. Senior lecturer at the University of Political and Economic European Knowledge "K. Stere". Professional skills: Many years of experience in financial management of national and international R&D projects and teaching of a number of economic disciplines. Participation in the development of specialized accounting software for R&D projects. Olga KULIKOVA (female) Education and Training: Ph.D. in physics and mathematics. M.Sc. in Physics. State University of Moldova. Position: Leading scientific researcher, Laboratory of Physics of Semiconductor Compounds, Institute of Applied Physics, Chisinau, Moldova. Assistant professor at the Internaional University of Moldova. Professional skills: Many years of experience in research of optical properties of materials. Application of solid state and gas lasers for photoluminescence and Raman spectra. Development of non-standard electronic scientific equipment and software. Elena MOSANU (female) Education and Training: Ph.D. in chemical sciences. M.Sc. in chemistry. Tiraspol State University, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry. Position: senior researcher, Laboratory "Natural and Anthropogenic Ecosystems". Institute of Ecology and Geography. Chisinau, Moldova. Assistant professor, lecturer at Chemistry Department, Tiraspol State University. Memberships: Member of the National



BRIDGE-BS 45

Association of Pedologists of the Republic of Moldova. Member of NGO "Quality of the Environment", Republic of Moldova. Professional skills: Expert in analytical chemistry, natural water quality and chemistry. National expert - creation of the National Emission Inventory Database in the context of emissions reporting under the Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) Convention. Development of a model “Industry and Solvents Sectors” (Project "Institutional strengthening support to scale up action on short-lived climate pollutants" - May 2019- June 2021. Specific experience in the region. Raisa LOZAN (female) Education and Training: Ph.D. in chemical sciences, awarded by the Institute of Chemistry, Chisinau, Moldova. M.Sc. in chemistry. State University of Moldova, Faculty of Chemistry. Position: Coordinating scientific researcher, Laboratory "Natural and Anthropogenic Ecosystems", Institute of Ecology and Geography. Chisinau, Moldova. Memberships: Member of the National Association of Pedologists of the Republic of Moldova. Member of NGO "Quality of the Environment", Republic of Moldova. Professional skills: Expert in ecological status of waters of the Republic of Moldova, development of drinking water treatment technologies, elaboration of new methods for water composition controlling and harmonization, elaboration and implementation of physico-chemical methods of water analysis. Awards: State prize laureate of the Republic of Moldova in the field of science. Tamara PEATIGHINA (female) Education and Training: M.Sc. in Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia. Two--year course in patent science at the Central Institute for Advanced Studies of senior officials and specialists in the field of patent work (Moscow, Russia). Position: Engineer-coordinator on development of software and electronic equipment, Institute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies “D. Ghitu”. Professional skills: Many years of experience in electronic equipment development, specialized software and applications for inventors' certificates and patents. Valeriu DIMITRIU (male) Education and Training: Mechanical engineer. Technical University of Moldova. Position: Leading design engineer of non-standard equipment, Institute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies. Professional skills: Many years of experience in development of non-standard electronic and mechanical equipment. Serghei MUSTEA (male) Education and Training: Technical school №1, Chisinau, Rep. Moldova. Position: Technician, Institute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies. Professional skills: Years of experience in assembly of electronic equipment and support in laboratory work. Oleg BUJOR (male) Education and Training: Ph.D. in economics at Institute of Economy, Chisinau, Moldova. Courses “ISO international standards series 9000:2000. Quality management for administration level”, Chisinau, Moldova. Position: Expert on legal and financial aspects of H2020 programme at the National Agency for Research and Development. Professional skills: Expert in domain of informational technologies and electronic economy, public administration in the development of the information society. Participation in elaboration of the National Policy for Building the Information Society in the Republic of Moldova. Participation as researcher and manager in many national and EU funded projects, including FP7 and H2020 programmes.


1. Sandu M., Tarita A., Lozan R., Mosanu E., Turcan S., Goreacioc T. The nitrification index of ammonium ions in surface waters from the “Prutului de Jos Lakes” and “Unguri Holosnita” wetlands. ASM bulletin. Life Sciences, 2019, 2 (338), 152-158.3.

2. Spataru P., Povar I., Lupascu T., Alder A. C., Mosanu E. Study of nitrogen forms in seasonal dynamics and kinetics of nitrification and denitrification in Prut and Nistru river waters. Environmental Engineering and Management Journal. 2018, 17(7), 1711-1719. ISSN 1582-9596.

3. Tarita A., Lozan R., Sandu M, Gaidau A., Sidoren Iu. Quality of running water from Dniester river hydrographic basin (in limits of the Republic of Moldova). Scientific Annals of the Danube Delta Institute, 2014, 20, 71-76. doi: 10.7427/DDI.20.11.

4. Dvornikov D., Kulikova O. A fiber-optic laser fluorosensor for application in aquatic environments. Int. Conf. "Deltas & Wetlands", Tulcea, ROMANIA. 15-17 Sept. 2014, Book of abstracts, 2, 20.

5. Lozan R., Tarita A., Sandu M., Zlotea Al. Interdepency of underground water-surface water in the Prut river hydrographic basin. Scientific Annals of the Danube Delta Institute. 2014, 20, 61-64. doi: 10.7427/DDI.20.09.


1. Research networking for the environmental monitoring and mitigation of adverse ecological effects in the Black Sea Basin (MIS-ETC 1443). JOP BLACK SEA BASIN 2007-2013.

2. A Scientific Network for Earthquake, Landslide and Flood Hazard Prevention (MIS-ETC 2614). JOP BLACK SEA BASIN 2007-2013.


http://blacksea-cbc.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/fact-sheet-MIS-2614.pdf


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3. Technical advances to detect and remove contaminants in water for safety and security. (EAP.ARW.984378). NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme.

4. Dynamic testing of full-size rocket aerosol generators utilized for impacting on atmospheric processes (STCU A/5841)

5. Advanced nanotechnology-based approaches to waste water purification from organic pollutants and their monitoring in water bodies (2SOFT/1.2/139). JOP Romania-Republic of Moldova 2014-2020.


The institute has chemical laboratory with the ability to monitor quality of natural waters and assessing the factors determining the change in their composition. Existing laboratory facilities allow to study optical properties of various materials in a wide spectral and temperature range, including reflection, absorption, transmission spectra, as well as luminescence spectra under laser excitation. Well-equipped laboratory bench is available for developing and testing of experimental electronic devices. Mechanical workshop can be used to manufacture non-standard laboratory equipment.

Participant 18 DTU - Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Denmark

Denmarks Technical University (DTU)

Denmark

www.dtu.dk/english


The Technical University of Denmark is a self-governed university that operates at a high international level in a wide array of research areas within science and technology. DTU Aqua provides research, education and advice concerning sustainable exploitation of living marine and fresh water resources and conducts the Danish national monitoring on fish and fisheries for the EU. The institute conducts research across a wide range of marine disciplines, principally focusing on ecosystem interactions, sustainable fisheries production and the underlying processes. The Section for Oceans and Arctic, and Marine Living Resources within DTU Aqua conduct basic research on oceanography, climate, ocean biogeochemistry, plankton and fish production as well as developing process-based and statistical models of the marine environment. DTU Aqua has extensive experience in coordinating and managing scientific projects, including EU framework projects (e.g. PANDORA, UTOFIA, DISCARDLESS, MYFISH, COLUMBUS, MEECE, PROTECT, FACTS); The group participating in BRIDGE-BS has recently contributed in a EU FP7 project in the Black Sea (COCONET) and it has on-going activities in applied marine technology, and ecosystem assessment and has a wealth of experience in communicating and engaging with stakeholders, industry and policy makers. The institute coordinates North Atlantic Ecosystem EU FP7 project EURO-BASIN (2010-2014), a major Fish Stock Assessment H2020 project PANDORA (2018-2022), and Integrated Ecosystem Assessment Project MISSION ATLANTIC (2020-2025).

Role in BRIDGE-BS

DTU will be a main contributor in BRIDGE-BS. DTU leads WP7 and contributes in: WP2 to model marine litter (T2.2.4); WP3 to simulate resilience dynamics using ANNs; WP4 to develop risk assessment frameworks (T4.1) and providing recommendations for adaptive management (T4.3); WP5 to develop technologies for early warning systems; WP6 to outline pathways for Blue Growth; WP8 to provide training opportunities for industry and policy makers; and WP10 supporting project management.


Dr. Patrizio Mariani (male) is the coordinator of H2020 MISSION ATLANTIC and the Head of the Observation Technology group at DTU Aqua. He has a PhD in marine science and engineering from the University of Naples “Federico II”, Italy. His research focuses on modeling of marine ecosystems, adaptive behaviour in plankton and fish, as well as in developing sensors and systems for marine automation. Since 2016 he is elected Chair of the EUROMARINE Steering Committee and main organizer of several events at the science policy interface. He is Danish representative at the European Marine Board and member of different advisory


http://nano.asm.md/projects/itemView/id/11


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boards including EMBRIC. He is author of more than 35 peer-reviewed publications. In the past 5 years he has been coordinator of national research project in the field of marine technology and robotics, and coordinator for the European Maritime and Fishery Fund, while PI in several EU projects since FP6 (e.g., EuroBASIN, COCONET, COLUMBUS, UTOFIA) as well as in additional 10 externally-funded national and international projects. Presently involved in H2020 SUMMER and AQUAVITAE. PM will lead WP7 in BRIDGE-BS and contributes in the other tasks. Prof. Dr. Michael St. John (male) is a Professor in Marine Ecosystem Dynamics. He has extensive experience in Project management including the coordination of the FP7 Project EuroBASIN. He is an Editor for Frontiers in Marine Science (Marine Ecosystem Ecology) having edited a special Issue on Complexity in Marine Systems: Developing a pragmatic approach to understanding and managing their emergent features as well as Co-Chairing a PICES working group on Application of Machine Learning to Ecosystem Change Issues in the North Pacific. He will lead activities relative to of the All Atlantic Panel to optimize clustering of project impact with concurrent Blue Growth projects. MSJ will lead contributes on ANNs in WP3 and WP4 and contributes in the project management. Christian Unmack (male), Senior Executive Consultant. Responsible for Research & Innovation collaboration across life-science, and will bring expertise at the research-commercialisation interface in WP7. CU is Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation recipient for sustainable production, runner up in 2020 Global Sun Pitch Competition, major aquaculture sector representative for Innovation Fund Denmark R&D projects since 2005, and Science Judge for FEED-X Challenge on global supply chains. CU founded several active companies in aquaculture (STMI Ltd. & Danish Care Foods Co., Ltd.) delivering ‘blue proteins’ (Nutrix product) to market. CM will contribute in WP7 and WP6. Dr. Asbjorn Christensen (male) at DTU Aqua is a senior computational scientist working with spatial ecosystem models. His research focus is on physical-biological interaction and hydrodynamic transport and he has published diverse work on ecology, fisheries science, numerical modelling and computational physics. He is the principal developer of the IBMlib software for Lagrangian modelling and plastic transport pathways, as well as other platforms for ecological modelling and has taken part in numerous relevant national and EU projects as key scientist, e.g. recently, CLAIM, OpEc, MyOcean, CoCoNet, INTAROS and is a core member of the Danish Marine Ecology Modelling Centre (MEMC) and a member several of ICES working groups including WGEVO, WGIPEM, and WGOOFE. AC will contribute in WP2 and support development of ANNs in WP3. Dr. Fletcher Thompson (male) is a researcher working in the Observation Technology Group at DTU Aqua. He has a PhD in Marine Engineering from the University of Tasmania (Australia) specialising in cognitive marine robotics (perception, planning and control) and underwater vehicle design (BEng.). His research focusses on adapting state-of-the-art deep learning networks on underwater perception problems (acoustics and vision), risk management of complex systems and adaptive sampling strategies in marine vehicles. His research at DTU includes developing ANNs for autonomous species identification and segmentation from underwater video and wideband acoustic data, optical-based underwater mapping with ROVs, IoT early warning systems, and optimization methods for mission planning and observation strategies. FT will contribute in WP5, WP3 and WP4.


1. Pinti, J., Celani, A., Thygesen, U.H. and Mariani, P., 2020. Optimal navigation and behavioural traits in oceanic migrations. Theoretical Ecology, pp.1-11.

2. Lisbjerg, D., Kraus, G., Scarcella, G., Fernandes, J., Defever, J., Rodríguez-Ezpeleta, N., Mariani, P., Bult, T., Irigoien, X., van Hoof, L., in press. Innovations in Marine Data collection: consequences for advice and management. Working Group on INNOVATION, EFARO, pp 24.

3. Krekoukiotis, D., Palacz, A.P. and St John, M.A., 2016. Assessing the role of environmental factors on Baltic cod recruitment, a complex adaptive system emergent property. Frontiers in Marine Science, 3, p.126.

4. Thompson, F. and Galeazzi, R., 2020. Robust mission planning for Autonomous Marine Vehicle fleets. Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 124, p.103404.

5. Christensen, A., Mariani, P. and Payne, M.R., 2018. A generic framework for individual-based modelling and physical-biological interaction. PloS one, 13(1), p.e0189956.


1. H2020 COLUMBUS: Monitoring, Managing and Transferring Marine and Maritime Knowledge for Sustainable Blue Growth https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/652690 (2015-2018), Node leader in Fishery Innovation (PM)

2. H2020 MISSION ATLANTIC: Sustainable Development of the Atlantic Ocean https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/862428 (2020 – 2025), Coordinator PM (DTU)


https://www.gatesfoundation.org/

https://www.gatesfoundation.org/

https://sunpitchcompetition.com/global-pitch-competition/

https://innovationsfonden.dk/en/programmes/innoexplorer

https://projectxglobal.com/our-pilots/feed-x-challenge/

http://www.stmi.dk/

https://www.unicef.org/eap/press-releases/new-fish-based-ready-use-therapeutic-food-treat-children-severe-acute-malnutrition

https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/652690

https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/862428


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3. H2020 CLAIM: Cleaning Litter by Developing and Applying Innovative Methods in European Waters https://www.claim-h2020project.eu/, Measuring and Modelling plastic distribution (MSJ, AC)

4. SENTINEL: Cognitive Robotics (use of artificial intelligence in automation and control of underwater vehicles) http://sentinel.dtuaqua.dk/, ORIENTSFUND (2017-2019), Coordinator PM (DTU)

5. EMFF AUTOCATCH: Real time catch monitoring system with automatic detection of catch composition to minimize unwanted species. (2020 – 2023), Autonomous detection with ANN (FT)


ASTA – Autonomous Systems Test Arena. A dedicated area for developing autonomous systems including flying and underwater drones at DTU Marine Automation Lab – A cross departmental lab for developing and testing autonomous systems including mechanics, electronics and communication systems High Tech Summit – The largest research-based tech meeting in Denmark organized by DTU every year SKYLAB – DTU innovation laboratory.

Participant 19 BSEC - Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, Turkey

Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC)

Republic of Turkey (INTL)

www.bsec-organization.org


BSEC is the oldest (established in 1992) and most representative regional organization promoting economic cooperation in the wider Black Sea area. Aiming at fostering interaction and harmony among its members, encouraging friendly and good-neighbourly relations in the Black Sea region, today BSEC serves as a trusted vehicle for cooperation in a wide range of areas (environmental protection, agriculture, culture, tourism, science and technology, education, energy, SMEs, emergency assistance, transport and etc.) for its 12 Member States (Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine) and beyond. The “greater BSEC family” was in the mean-time enriched by 4 other autonomous entities (the Parliamentary Assembly of BSEC (PABSEC), the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB), the International Centre for Black Sea Studies (ICBSS) and the BSEC Business Council), which greatly contribute to the promotion and implementation of the Organization’s objectives. The Permanent International Secretariat (BSEC PERMIS) is based in Istanbul, Republic of Turkey and performs the secretarial duties of the BSEC Organization. During its 28 years of activity the Organization implemented a big number of regional cooperation projects, launched numerous sectoral Associations of public and private entities, established many specialized Networks of experts and other interested stakeholders, served as an important platform for better coordinating regional cooperation, established working relations with many International Organizations (UN Agencies, EU, etc.) and was involved in concrete efforts for economic development funded either by its Member States or by third sources. The BSEC Organization, alongside with its concrete and substantial contribution for the overall development and growth in the region, serves also as a valuable, first-level, confidence-building mechanism.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

The BSEC PERMIS will play a strong role in supporting BRIDGE-BS activities related to enhancing science-policy dialogue (WP8). The lead partner of WP8 is the ICBSS, one of BSEC’s Related Bodies. The BSEC PERMIS will be a Task leader of Task 8.4 related to organizing a final International High-Level Conference with all stakeholders to present the project’s results and promote the project legacy among the wide stakeholders community. The event will be organized and hosted in Istanbul by the PERMIS. All project partners, as well as the most important Black Sea stakeholders will be present. Other sea basin representatives will be also invited, as well as some local partners as for example the PABSEC which Secretariat is based also in Istanbul and etc. The Conference will be a final event of this project.


https://www.claim-h2020project.eu/

http://sentinel.dtuaqua.dk/


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BSEC PERMIS has a full capacity to benefit to the overall project implementation through its vast capacity of know-how and experience in the Black Sea region. Its network of regional and local stakeholders will contribute a lot in that direction.


Rositsa Stoeva (female) Executive Manager, BSEC PERMIS ([email protected]). The portfolio of Mrs. Stoeva includes: BSEC–EU relations, relations with the International and Regional organizations, Working Groups on Environmental Protection and Institutional Renewal and Good Governance, as well as relations with the BSEC Related Bodies – Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC) and the International Centre for Black Sea Studies (ICBSS). Mrs. Stoeva is also responsible for projects formulation and applications under different calls for proposals. She has more than 17 years of international experience mostly in the South-eastern Europe and the wider Black Sea area. She can contribute to the realization of the project, considering its longstanding experience in the region.


All the information related to the BSEC Organization can be found at: http://www.bsec-organization.org


The BSEC PERMIS was actively involved in the process of elaborating and endorsing the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea (21 May 2019, Bucharest) through its participation in the Steering Group of the “Facility for Blue Growth in the Black Sea”, as well as was active part of the research body of experts from all Black Sea littoral States plus Moldova (all BSEC Member States), the aim of which was to develop and endorse the “Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda” for the Black Sea basin (SRIA) in May 2019. Both processes, the CMA and the SRIA, were developed in parallel and supported by the EU. PERMIS will continue actively contributing to the implementation phase of the above-mentioned milestone regional documents. Together with thirteen (13) other international organizations and institutions, BSEC PERMIS submitted a project proposal under Horizon 2020 Call for Proposals: "H2020-LC-BG-09-2018", which has been accepted for funding. This three-year project entitled "Black Sea CONNECT: Coordination of Marine and Maritime Research and Innovation in the Black Sea" started on 1 October 2019. The BSEC PERMIS is a key partner in this project, especially in supporting transnational activities and linking the Black Sea research and innovation community to a wider group of stakeholders in the governmental and private sectors. BSEC PERMIS submitted a project proposal under the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME) Call for proposals “EMFF-IBA-BS-2019” (the deadline for submission was 15 January 2020), which has been accepted for funding. The Secretariat is expected to create and manage the first ever Black Sea Virtual Knowledge Centre on Blue Economy (BSVKC). The project will be for two years and will start beginning of July 2020. The grant aims to provide the necessary means to disseminate information, ensure synergies and raise awareness about opportunities in the blue economy, thus nurturing an environment conducive to job creation and innovation. It also aims to support the work of the Black Sea Steering Group, by providing regular updates on progress in the implementation of the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea. BSEC PERMIS was approved to receive a grant under the EU Regional Action Program for 2019 for strengthening the project implementation capacity of BSEC and its role as facilitator of dialog and cooperation in the region, based on its ability to bring all Black Sea countries together around common objectives. Areas of work will address tourism (Silk Road tourism), transport (Promoting Small-scale Cruising/Yachting in the Black Sea), environmental protection (Pilot Activities on Fighting Micro Plastics and Marine Litter in the Black Sea) and youth entrepreneurship (Supporting Youth Entrepreneurship in Cultural Tourism for Coastal Communities in the Black Sea region). The grant is expected in the first half of 2020.


The BSEC Secretariat is located in Istanbul, Sariyer Municipality, and has a very comfortable and modern meeting room for up to 85-90 people, which can be used for the purposes of the project. The hall is equipped with modern multimedia – audio-visual equipment, screen and projector. The video conference connection can be


mailto:[email protected]

http://www.bsec-organization.org/


BRIDGE-BS 50

provided. There is also a small meeting room for up to12 people, which can be also used for the project purposes. There is an internet access in the whole building.

Participant 20 SML - Strategies Mer Et Littoral, France

Stratégies Mer et Littoral (SML)

France

strategies-marines.fr/en/sml-en/


Established in 2010, STRATEGIES MER ET LITTORLA (SML) is a French SME providing consultancy services. It builds on more than 40 years of accumulated high-level maritime experience in the public and private sector in project, program and policy engineering. SML brings a recognized strategic and prospective expertise, a broad vision, well beyond the traditional maritime world, a recognized mastery in the implementation of integrated approaches (Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), Marine Spatial Planning, Marine Protected Areas...) in support to policies and projects. SML offers a distinctive combination of technical and scientific expertise and of high-level experience in formulation of policies. Since 2014, SML has been engaged in the Black Sea in the “Facility for Blue Growth in the Black Sea (FBGBS)” and its preliminary feasibility study (EC/DG Mare). SML experts were involved in both contracts as Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) and/or Blue Economy (BE) experts or team leader. SML provides its clients with assistance in the design and implementation of integrated maritime and coastal policies and coastal territorial projects, but also project management assistance (prospective and strategic studies, drafting of specifications, monitoring of studies). Alone or in partnership, SML carries out studies for the benefit of industrial projects (renewable marine energies, mineral resources, etc.) or the development of services (analysis of maritime activities for projects, management of maritime risks). SML is currently involved in four EU-financed projects relating to maritime or marine sectors: 1) “Assistance Mechanism for the Western Mediterranean Initiative”, 2) “EU MSP Platform”, 3) “Support Algeria in drafting a national strategy on Blue Economy and a supporting cooperation programme”; 4) “Service Contract to Support the Implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC) - MSFD".

Role in BRIDGE-BS

Based on its experience in the Black Sea (FBGBS) but also on marine and maritime issues at EU in different sea basins in WestMED, SML will bring its experience and knowledge to the consortium for the engagement of policy makers (WP8), private sectors: start-ups and industries 4.0 (WP7) to support socioeconomics and social innovations (WP6). SML will play a key role for the transfer function from the set of services provided by WPs 1, 2 and 5 to stakeholders needs and vice versa by the prescription of services to be provided by BRIDGE-BS. It will mobilize existing maritime clusters and BE Stakeholders to enhance the share of best practices in line with the goals of the Common Maritime Agenda and its RI pillar (SRIA).


Frédérick Herpers (male) has 20 years of experience as project manager, human resources, and consultant in technical topics, strategy and action plan related to the sea and coastal zones in particular on geophysics sciences (hydrography, oceanography, meteorology, geography) for civilian and military purposes (at French hydrographic office (SHOM) but also at French procurement agency for the Defence ministry in charge of C4I R&D activities.



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He has a proven experience in design and implementation of integrated maritime and coastal policies (EU, national, regional and local level). As IMP advisor for French Prime Minister at Secretariat general de la Mer (2008-2011), he contributed to the elaboration and adoption of the French maritime policy in 2009. As a consultant since 2014 at SML, he has been involved in several projects related to Blue Economy (i) Black Sea Blue Growth Facility (EC/DG Mare) – Team Leader and IMP/Blue economy expert (ii) Western Mediterranean Sea Initiative Assistance Mechanism (EC/DG Mare) – Head of National Hub for France (iii) Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) Assistance Mechanism (EC/DG Mare) MSP Sea basin expert for Atlantic. His specific areas of competence are the design and diagnostic of integrated policies (including implementation of relevant instruments: law, regulations, strategies, plans operational, knowledge-based solutions, governance). He is at the head of R&D activities of SML which are focused on maritime surveillance, MSP and Blue economy. He has an engineer diploma from ENSTA Bretagne in hydrography and oceanography and has a postgraduate diploma (DEA) from Western Brittany University in electronics and signals. Matteo Bocci (male) has more than 20 years of experience and has been working on Blue Economy since the Blue Growth Study developed for DG Mare in 2012 and has worked on several research and capacity-building assignments in the Blue Economy, across various EU sea-basins including the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Areas of direct expertise include project support, “blue” innovation, research, cluster analysis, tourism, renewable energy, as well as governance and the support to Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP). Since 2018, he has been Deputy Leader for the WestMED Initiative promoted by the EU Commission (DG Mare), where he coordinated the actions aimed at project development. He acted as Blue Economy Policy Expert for the DG Mare supported Facility for Blue Growth in the Black Sea and the DG Near project on Blue Economy in ENI South Countries. Currently is member of the Tourism 4.0 in the Black Sea project, aimed at testing the potentials of Big Data Analytics and 4.0 Technologies for coastal and maritime tourism innovation in the Black Sea. Matteo has acted as leader or member of several Core Teams in charge of strategic studies, evaluations and impact assessment for the EU Institutions (Commission, Parliament) in a variety of policy fields. Amongst those research, innovation, clustering, planning, skills, regional development, urban and rural development, energy and sustainability, employment policy, information society and digital agenda, energy efficiency and sustainability, good governance and anti-corruption policy. He has also reviewed good practices in a variety of EU policies and assessed such practices by interviewing and consulting a variety of EU stakeholders. Has also organised, chaired and moderated focus groups, discussion panels and workshops with EU practitioners in Brussels, across EU Member States, EU Neighbouring Countries, and globally, so to promote exchanges of practices. Matteo has also valuable years of experience in drafting and presenting high-level policy briefs, papers and reports, which have been circulated broadly across stakeholders in EU and in third countries, which has resulted in EU Communications, regulations and programme improvements. He holds a Master in Public Affairs and Administration (MPA) at the London School of Economics (LSE) and Sciences Po Paris.


1. Drafting of the common maritime agenda for the Black Sea (https://blackseablueconomy.eu/library/key-documents)

2. Raising awareness on Blue economy opportunities in dedicated events in the Black sea at national and regional level (cf. https://blackseablueconomy.eu/our-events)


- Black Sea Blue Growth Facility (https://blackseablueconomy.eu) The Facility for Blue Growth in the Black Sea provides guidance and support to governments, private investors, trade and industrial associations, research institutions and universities and to the general public regarding opportunities to engage in Blue Economy maritime activities in the Black Sea region. - WestMED Assistance Mechanism (https://www.westmed-initiative.eu) The WestMED Initiative has been created to help public institutions, academia, local communities, small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs from both sides of the Western Mediterranean develop local and regional maritime projects together. The initiative focuses on local and regional challenges, provides knowledge on the blue economy, shares opportunities in the region with the WestMED Community, helps match stakeholders with the right partners, and supports them in developing successful projects. The WestMED Assistance mechanism has been providing guidance and support for the WestMED Initiative implementation since 2018 within the subsea basin. - Maritime Spatial Planning Assistance Mechanism (https://www.msp-platform.eu)


https://blackseablueconomy.eu/library/key-documents

https://blackseablueconomy.eu/our-events

https://blackseablueconomy.eu/


BRIDGE-BS 52

The European MSP Platform is an information and communication gateway designed to offer support to all EU Member States in their efforts to implement Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) in the years to come. Funded by the EU Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE), the European MSP Platform acts as the central exchange forum for the rich knowledge generated in past, current and upcoming MSP processes and projects. This will allow officials, planners and other stakeholders interested in MSP to build on what is already available, avoid duplication of efforts, assist in capacity building and foster development of new practices.

Participant 21 CPMR - Conference Des Regions Peripheriques Maritimes D Europe – Association, France

Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR)

France (INTL)

www.cpmr.org


The Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions brings together more than 150 Regions from 24 States from the European Union and beyond. Representing about 200 million people, the CPMR campaigns in favour of a more balanced development of the European territory. It operates both as a think tank and as a lobby for Regions. Through its extensive network of contacts within the EU institutions and national governments the CPMR has, since its creation in 1973, been targeting its action towards ensuring that the needs and interests of its Member Regions are taken into account in policies with a high territorial impact. It focuses mainly on social, economic and territorial cohesion, maritime policies and blue growth, and accessibility. European governance, energy and climate change, neighbourhood and development also represent important areas of activity for the association. The CPMR is a member of the European Sustainable Shipping Forum (ESSF), the European Commission Expert Group on Skills development & careers in the blue economy, the European Commission Expert Group on Integrated Coastal Management, and the European Commission Coordination Group on Strategic Coordination for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The CPMR is also represented by the Acting President of its Balkan and Black Sea Commission (BBSC) at the Mission Board for Healthy Oceans, Seas, Coastal and Inland Waters to shape Horizon Europe. The CPMR is specifically mentioned in the Ministerial Declaration of Bucharest on a Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea (CMA) and among the main actors mentioned in the Black Sea Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA). The CPMR has been holding the secretariat of the European Parliament Seas, Rivers, Islands & Coastal Areas (SEARICA) Intergroup since 2009. For the 2019-2024 mandate the Intergroup has 12 Vice-Chairs. Each of them is responsible for a theme or/and a sea basin, covering the Danube & the Black Sea; Climate & Governance; Fisheries & Social Issues; Biodiversity & Ocean Literacy; Marine & Maritime Research; Blue Economy, Maritime Industries & Ports; Tourism; and Maritime Transport.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

The CPMR through its participation in different WPs of BRIDGE-BS will contribute to the policy dialogue between the different levels of Black Sea stakeholders and the institutions of the EU, as well as to capacity building through training actions. It will also contribute to the dissemination of the project’s deliverables at regional and EU level and the capitalisation of its results.


Stavros Kalognomos (male) has been working for the General Secretariat of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) since 2013 and is the Executive Secretary of its Balkan and Black Sea Commission (BBSC) since 2018. In his duties as Executive Secretary, he follows up the EU Macro-Regional Strategies in the wider Black Sea region (EUSAIR, EUSDR), the Black Sea Synergy, the Eastern Partnership and promotes collaboration between BBSC members and other stakeholders in this Geographical Commission’s key areas of interest. He fosters relations between the CPMR and BSEC by strengthening the sectoral dialogue partnership between the two organisations. He is also in charge of implementing the CPMR-BSEC Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2017, the CPMR-ICBSS Cooperation Agreement signed in 2019, and the CPMR-



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BSAMI Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2020. Since 2018 he has been coordinating the Adriatic Ionian Network of Universities, Regions, Chambers of Commerce and Cities (AI-NURECC Initiative), an initiative involving the key stakeholders of the Adriatic Ionian Regions that has received funding from the European Union. Ana Canomanuel (female) is the Communication & Marketing officer of the CPMR. Previously she has worked in the Communications Team of the LIFE programme of the European Commission, and as Communication Officer in a European Interest Group. After completing her University studies in Madrid, she specialised in Communication and European Policy in Brussels. Of Spanish nationality, and fluent in French and English, Ana is a proactive and dynamic communication professional. The CPMR is the most influential regional organisation in Brussels, and a source of expertise and information for the European institutions. As such, the CPMR has a strong media presence and has built an extensive network, well connected to decision-making. Among her duties as Communication & Marketing officer of the CPMR, Ana manages the organisation’s communication channels and overviews all the communication activities of the CPMR. She manages the social media and online presence of the organisation, entertains contact with the European media and runs communication campaigns to promote CPMR Members and policy material.


1. Policy Paper “Black Sea Synergy: the way forward” 2. Blue Growth Policy Paper 3. Technical Paper on Common Fisheries Policy and European Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Fund 4. Policy Position on LeaderSHIP 2030 - Towards a new European Strategy for Maritime Industries 5. SEARICA brochure


1. SEARICA Intergroup 2. CLIPPER Project 3. Pp2EMBRC (Horizon 2020- Research and Innovation Programme) Project 4. Blue Biotechnology Master for a Blue Career (BBMBC) Project 5. Interreg MED BLUE GROWTH COMMUNITY The latest maritime projects in which the CPMR is involved.

Participant 22 TUBITAK - The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, Turkey

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, Marmara Research Center (TUBITAK-MAM)

Turkey

www.tubitak.gov.tr


The Marmara Research Center (MRC) is the largest research organization under TUBITAK (Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey). The Center consists of seven institutes including the Environment and Cleaner Production Institute (ECPI). Based on the research interests, the institute can be divided into five different groups, one of which is the Marine and Inland Waters Research Group (MIWRG). MIWRG currently has 46 personnel, including marine scientists, engineers, IT personnel, R/V crew members, and technicians, who are involved primarily in coastal and marine research and management projects. Expertise areas of MIWRG staff are physical, chemical and biological oceanography, sediment geochemistry, GIS, planning and engineering applications. The researchers have taken part in a number of national and international scale projects on coastal and marine quality classification, pollution and ecological quality monitoring. In addition, the group focuses on applied research to meet the requirements imposed by environmental policies and to support decision making mechanisms. Monitoring, assessment and management of coastal and marine waters in relation to pressures and towards the implementation of ecosystem-based understanding of Turkish seas are the key study areas of the group. Both maritime and land-based human activities are dealt within the context of pollution, eutrophication, and biodiversity loss in coastal and marine areas.

Role in BRIDGE-BS


https://cpmr-balkan-blacksea.org/black-sea-agenda/policy-paper-black-sea-synergy-the-way-forward/3537/

https://cpmr-intermed.org/download/blue-growth-policy-paper/

https://cpmr.org/wpdm-package/common-fisheries-policy-and-european-maritime-and-fisheries-fund-state-of-play-and-prospects-for-the-cpmr/?wpdmdl=22791&refresh=5eea0b4155e781592396609&ind=1570026930228

https://cpmr.org/wpdm-package/leadership-2030-towards-a-new-european-strategy-for-maritime-industries/?wpdmdl=20808&refresh=5eea0b6402d681592396644&ind=1552462744840

https://cpmr.org/wpdm-package/searica-brochure/

http://www.searica.eu/

http://www.searica.eu/

https://www.interregeurope.eu/clipper/

http://www.embrc.eu/

http://www.embrc.eu/

https://www.bbmbc.eu/

https://blue-growth.interreg-med.eu/

https://cpmr.org/projects/maritime-projects/


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As TUBITAK MRC ECPI Marine and Inland Waters Research Group, we will participate in tasks included in WP1, WP5, utilizing our expertise in marine monitoring and data management to fill the knowledge gaps and set a knowledge base for Black Sea ecosystems (especially for our national pilot sites). The highest and extreme wind waves are seen in the southwestern Black Sea during northern storms. We will analyse, forecast and evaluate the effects of such waves on marine life and marine traffic in WP3. For the WP6; contribution will be made to the preparation of local inputs for the scenarios specific to regional differences and the evaluation of their socio-economic effects. Support will be given to preparing stakeholder engagement mappings for pilot region. Also, using our previous experiences in both coastal and marine water assessment (e.g. MSFD, WFD and MSPD), stakeholder engagement and adaptive management (implementation of DPSIR approach, risk assessment, scenario development for the pilot areas), we will provide our contribution to WP4 and WP8 to better assess Black Sea ecosystem resilience and initiate the necessary dialogues between scientists, governmental organizations and public. On the other hand, we will take the advantage of our multidisciplinary infrastructure to engage in the other activities (such as Blue biotech (food and energy), habitat mapping and other Blue Growth activities included in WP5) regarding BRIDGE-BS and work together with colleagues from other partnering organizations for the main goal of having a healthy, resilient and a better-valued Black Sea by 2030.


Leyla Gamze TOLUN (female) had her BSc. in environmental engineering, MSc. in environmental sciences and PhD (2000) in marine geochemistry. She has been working as a Chief Senior Researcher in TUBITAK MRC ECPI since 1990. Her main interest is marine pollution arising from anthropogenic pressures. She worked on several topics such as sediment quality, impacts and risk assessment of contaminants, integrated pollution monitoring and assessment, management of coastal areas (Systems Approach Framework (SAF) applications in coastal areas). She has involved in many national and international projects as key researcher or coordinator, such as; DEKoS and MarinTurk (implementation of MSFD especially in relation with contaminants in coastal and marine waters), KIYITEMA (WFD - determination of the EQS for the Specific Pollutants) and MISIS on coastal pollution and management issues. She leaded Turkish side in the FP 6 project, SPICOSA (Development of Science Policy Integration for Coastal Systems Assessment) and in the ongoing CBC Black Sea project ANEMONE (Assessing the vulnerability of the Black Sea marine ecosystem to human pressures). She coordinated the national research project “DIPTAR” on Sustainable Management of the Dredged Material and Dredging activities in Turkey (supported by TUBITAK research and development founds). Recently, she involved in the MarinTurk Project (Capacity Building and Technical Support for Implementation of MSFD in Turkey) project supported by IPA, as a key expert. Dr. Tolun is a European Marine Board delegate since 2013. Gülsen AVAZ (female) has been working for TUBITAK MRC - ECPI as a chief senior researcher since 2000. She graduated from the Middle East Technical University (METU) Environmental Engineering Department in 1995 and she received her MSc on the evaluation of land-based sources pollution along coastal areas of Yalova Province in 2003, and her PhD from Kocaeli University Environmental Engineering Department in 2019 on urban wastewater treatment management on coastal areas based on UWWTD. During her service in TUBITAK MRC, she coordinated many national large-scale projects dealing with development of national action plans for land-based sources (LBS) pollution, environmental risk analysis, management of dangerous substances and urban wastewaters emissions in coastal areas, definition of coastal hot spots and sensitive areas and implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) in Turkey. She took part in several international projects supported by EU, which focused on hot spots determination & management along Black Sea (Hot Black Sea Project in CBC Programme), implementation of MSFD in Turkey, especially on topics of eutrophication and contaminants descriptors etc. She had engaged in many LBS pollution related activities, meetings, studies and working groups in Black Sea Commission (BSC) and UNEP Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP MAP) as a national expert. Aslı Suha GÜNAY (female) graduated from Middle East Technical University as an Urban Planner in 1993. She has two Master Degrees on City Planning and Urban Design. She has been working as a Senior Researcher in the Marine and Inland Waters Research Group of TUBITAK MRC ECPI since 1998. Her work is mostly focused on coastal and marine spatial planning within the scope of environmental management. She also has experience in environmental information systems, environmental risk assessment, and socio-economic analysis in the context of National action plans and management of the coastal areas. She was involved in many (over 15) national and international projects as coastal planning expert within the last 20 years. During these years, she also gained a broad experience in developing urban and environmental applications using GIS. She has been a voluntary urban planner and GIS adviser for NGOs. Cihangir AYDÖNER (male) graduated from İstanbul Technical University as a Geomatic Engineer in 1994 and joined TUBITAK Marmara Research Center in 1996, as a research scientist. He completed his master theses



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titled “The Integration of Digital Terrain Model and Bathymetric Data in The Coastal Information System” in 1998. He started his PhD education in the same year. He finished his PhD theses titled Post Earthquake Landuse/Landcover Analysis Integrating Satellite and Ground Data. He worked as a GIS WP Leader in many projects and has experience in building GIS based Decision Support System, using python data science packages such as pandas, numpy, scikitlearn etc and developing python toolboxes (Geoprocessing Toolboxes) in ESRI ArcGIS product. İbrahim TAN (male) completed his PhD on adaptation and implementation of WFD on Marmara Sea with a specialty in pressure–impact analysis, gap analysis, designation of discharge criteria in pilot areas in Marmara Sea, and determination of water bodies. He has been working as a Senior Researcher in the Marine and Inland Waters Research Group of TUBITAK MRC ECPI since 2008. His primary interests are pressure-impact analysis on coastal and marine waters, eutrophication, eutrophication assessment tools (NEAT, BEAST e.g.), trend analysis, monitoring of coastal waters and Integrated Coastal Zone Management. He has worked in many national and international projects on coastal pollution and management issues such as DEKoS, National Monitoring Programme Project and SINHA. Gülsima Dilek USLUER (female) had her BSc degree in molecular biology and genetics from Istanbul Technical University. After her graduation in 2014, she received the International PhD Fellowship (2213-A Programme) given by TUBITAK and started her graduate studies in University of Washington Department of Biochemistry. Her dissertation work includes investigation of bacterial cytoskeleton using various structural biology and protein biochemistry methods. She obtained her PhD degree in 2018 and returned to her home country. She later joined Marine and Inland Waters Research Group of TUBITAK MRC ECPI in 2019 and working as a senior researcher since then. Her primary interests are investigation of the microbial diversity in marine habitats and using metagenomics approaches to identify new molecules, especially proteins that can be utilized in biotechnological and industrial applications. Sabri MUTLU (male) graduated from Marmara University Industrial Engineering Department in 2007. After a short private-sector experience, he was appointed to the Oceanographic Modelling Section of the Office of Navigation, Hydrography and Oceanography in 2010. He met with the Marine Sciences there. He performed the activities of providing and sending environmental conditions information to navy elements with the management of the national oceanographic database. He obtained his MSc degree from Istanbul University Physical Oceanography and Marine Biology Department in 2015. In August 2016, he joined to the TUBİTAK MRC ECPI. Since he joined Marine and Inland Waters Research Group, he has performed oceanographic data collection, post-processing, visualization, interpretation and storage activities in several water quality monitoring projects. He is also a graduate student of Istanbul Technical University Atmospheric Sciences PhD program. Fatma BAYRAM PARTAL (female) graduated from Süleyman Demirel University as a biologist in 2011. She has been working as a Researcher in the Marine and Inland Waters Research Group of TUBITAK MRC ECPI since 2015. Her work is mostly focused on investigating phytoplankton diversity and dynamics in marine habitats. She has involved in many national and international projects as researcher/assistant project manager such as “Assessing the vulnerability of the Black Sea marine ecosystem to human pressures (ANEMONE)”, “Integrated Marine Pollution Monitoring Project”. She is also a graduate student of Istanbul University Physical Oceanography and Marine Biology PhD program. Alper EVCEN (male) is a PhD student at Ege University, Faculty of Fisheries, Department of Hydrobiology and currently working at the TUBITAK MRC ECPI as a researcher. His research is mainly focused on the taxonomy of Porifera, species diversity and identification. In recent years, he has published papers on new records of sponges from coasts of Turkey. He was involved in several national international projects regarding to the marine biodiversity. Ayşen Demirtaş (female) graduated from İstanbul Technical University as an Environmental Engineering Department in 2018. She continues her master’s degree at the same university’s Envıronmental Scıences and Engıneerıng and Management Graduate Program. She has been working as a Researcher in the Marine and Inland Waters Research Group of TUBITAK MRC ECPI since 2019. She works mostly on implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) in Turkey and provide support in eutrophication-related issues.


1. NIRAS (2018). Capacity Building on Marine Strategy Framework Directive in Turkey. Final Report on Initial Assessment of Turkish Black Sea Waters. EuropeAid/135965/IH/SER/TR, Contracting Authority: CFCU. Beneficiary: MoEU.

2. Capacity Building on Marine Strategy Framework Directive in Turkey (MarinTurk Project). Final Report on Gap Anaysis. Contract No: TR2011/0327.21.06.01. Contracting Authority: CFCU. Beneficiary: MoEU Coordinated by: NIRAS, 2018.



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3. Integrated Hot Spots Management and Saving the Living Black Sea (HOT BLACK SEA), Project Final Report, EC Joint Operational Program “Black Sea Basin 2007-2013”, 2.2.1.72761.225 MIS-ETC 2303.

4. MoEU-DGEIAPI and TUBITAK-MRC (2017) Integrated Marine Pollution Monitoring Project (2014 – 2016) ECPI 5148704, Report No. ÇTÜE.14.204 (The Black Sea Final Report, 2016), April 2017, Gebze-Kocaeli. (Data set available 2012-2020)

5. Telli Karkoç, F., Atabay H., Tolun. L. G., Fast scanning of illegal oil discharges for forensic identification: a case study of Turkish coasts”, Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, Volume 187, Issue 4 .2015

6. Tolun, L., Martens, D., Okay, O., Schramm, K. W. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Contamination in Coastal Sediments of Izmit Bay (Marmara Sea): Case Studies Before and After Marmara Earthquake. Environment International, 32: 758-765, 2006.

7. Atabay, H., Tolun L., S. Binici, E. Kara, Ç. P. Beken. Organic Contaminants In Sediments From The Black Sea Coast Of Turkey. “MEDCOAST 15 The Twelfth International Conference on the Mediterrranean Coastal Environment”October 2015.

8. Tolun, L., S. Ergenekon, S. Murat Hocaoglu, A. Suha Donertas, T. Cokacar, S. Husrevoglu, C. Polat Beken, and A. Baban. Socioeconomic response to water quality: a first experience in science and policy integration for the Izmit Bay coastal system. Ecology and Society 17(3): 40 (2012).


TUBITAK-MAM has actively been involved in several international projects, some of them are; SPICOSA (Science and Policy Integration for Coastal System Assessment), MISIS (MSFD Guiding Improvements in the Black Sea Integrated Monitoring System), IRIS-SES (Integrated Regional Monitoring Implementation Strategy in the South European Seas), HotBlackSea (Integrated Hotspots Management and Saving the Living Black Sea Ecosystem), MICRO B3 (EU FP7: Microbial Biodiversity, Bioinformatics and Biotechnology) and ANEMONE (CBC BS Basin). TUBITAK-MAM was a project partner of FP6 funded “SPICOSA” (2007-2011). A self-evolving, holistic research approach for the assessment of policy options for the sustainable management of Coastal Zone (CZ) systems was developed and tested, being of high relevance to Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and other related European policies. TUBITAK-MAM was co-applicant as sub-contractor in “MISIS” (2012-2014) funded by DG Environment. The goal of the Project was to support efforts to protect and restore the environmental quality and sustainability of the Black Sea. In addition, it was aimed to improve availability and quality of chemical and biological data to provide for integrated assessments of the Black Sea state of environment, including pressures and impacts (in line with Annex I and III of the MSFD). TUBİTAK-MAM was the co-applicant of the FP7 Project “IRIS-SES” (2013-2015). The aim of the project was to build a new approach and to develop decision making tools for an integrated marine monitoring in order to support an effective management of anthropogenic activities in marine waters of the Mediterranean and Black Seas, as pilot sea basins. The organization was a project partner in “HotBlackSea” (2013-2015). The overall objective of the Project was to foster cross-border partnership for the development of harmonized policy and utilization of scientific studies relevant to monitoring and addressing environmental threats in the Black Sea Basin in the field of land-based sources of pollution. The organization was one of the partners of FP7 Micro B3 Project. The project aimed to bring about major developments in the field of environmental bioinformatics to establish a legal framework to make a large-scale data on marine viral, bacterial, archaeal and protist genomes and metagenomes as well as developing innovative bioinformatic approaches on issues of biodiversity, bioinformatics and biotechnology (B3). At present, TUBITAK MRC is a partner of ongoing Assessing the vulnerability of the Black Sea marine ecosystem to human pressures, “ANEMONE” project (2018-2021). The project aims to Improve long-term cross-border collaboration and research capacity in addressing trans-boundary pollution, ecosystem transformation and biodiversity monitoring, using the most adequate common agreed assessment criteria and indicators, in order to assess the present status of the Black Sea, as a basis for further actions. TUBITAK MRC is also a member of several international organizations and working groups such as the Regional Seas Conventions’ WGs (Black Sea Commission (BSC)-Pollution Monitoring and Assessment, BSC-Land Based Sources, UNEP-MAP (United Nations Environment Program-Mediterranean Action Plan), EcAp (Ecologic Approach)), ERVO (European Research Vessel Operators), and SCOR (Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research).



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The MIWRG researchers have taken part in a number of national scale projects on coastal and marine quality classification, pollution and ecological quality monitoring, identification of dumping criteria and areas, design and construction of Research Vessel (R/V) and Remotely Operated underwater Vehicle (ROV), emergency response, ballast water risk assessment and integrated coastal zone management. The researchers took part in the “MARinTURK” project which was co-financed by the EU and Turkish Government, deals with capacity building in the field of ecosystem-based management of Turkish seas – a fundamental basis of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The project involves the production of initial assessments for the Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea, definition of Good Environmental Status (GES), development of environmental targets and of guidance for implementation in other Turkish areas and revision of monitoring programs. Training and participation in workshops with key stakeholders are essential components of the work. The Integrated Pollution Monitoring and Assessment of Turkish Seas, supported by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization is being coordinated by the MIWRG as the principal investigator since 2014. The project mainly aims to carry out monitoring and assessment of parameters according to the requirements of international and regional conventions, national needs, and related EU Directives (2000/60/EC, 2008/56/EC) throughout 6 years. The project has an integrated approach for the monitoring and assessment of coastal and marine waters including different ecosystem components. In addition, another project, “Standardization of marine monitoring in Turkish Seas”, supported by Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, has been completed. Thirteen guidelines relevant to MSFD descriptors were prepared within the scope of this project.


The establishment of "The National Marine Research Center" within TUBİTAK Marmara Research Center work in cooperation with other institutions depending on the project types and requirements. At present, a well-equipped research vessel and a laboratory infrastructure are already existing in order to conduct marine research. In the research vessel, on-site measurement, sampling and making analysis can be performed. R/V TUBITAK MARMARA is a state of the art, general purpose oceanographic research vessel operated by MRC ECPI, TUBITAK. The ship has an unrestricted operation area through Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Sea, covering scientific research capabilities in Turkish Coastal waters. The main role of the vessel is to monitor Turkish Seas employing a decision support system for the protection of the marine environment. The ship is outfitted with acoustic equipment and instruments such as single beam / multi beam echo-sounders, ADCP current profilers. Scientific payloads, CTD (Conductivity Temperature Depth Sensor) and water samplers can be deployed from A-Frame using oceanographic winches up to 3000 m depth. The vessel has three laboratories, designed for wet and biochemical analytic works and ROV operations. R/V TUBITAK MARMARA is designed to have a Dynamic Positioning system to conduct deep water research with more precise station keeping requirements. USBL acoustic positioning system ensures tracking of designated underwater targets such as divers, ROV’s and towfish fitted with transponders. USBL enhances seabed positioning for deep water payload deployment. Scientific Payloads can be deployed from A-Frame and portable equipment can be launched on working deck for various project requirements. Container labs/control cabinets and net drums can be attached on the working deck for specific towed equipment. A step deck over the transom stern provides easy access to the sea surface for workboat operations. These features give flexibility for joint research on board using multipurpose equipment / instruments. The ship schedule is planned yearly by marine operation unit. R/V TUBITAK MARMARA welcomes national and international research teams on request and is ready for cruises and scientific missions. The list of the equipment on board the R/V TUBITAK Marmara can be summarized as the following: • Scalar Auto Analyzer: Measurement of nutrients in sea water (TP, TN, DIP, DIN, DSi) • SeaBird CTD: Conductivity, Temperature, Depth, Dissolved Oxygen, pH, ORP, Fluorescence, PAR. • Multi Water Sampler: 6L x 12 sampling bottles • Multipurpose Oceanographic Winches (3000m) • ELAC Nautik Hydrostar Singlebeam Sonar (4900 3000m): Water column imaging and sea floor mapping • ELAC Nautik SeaBeam Multibeam Sonar (1050D 50/180 kHz 1500m): Bathymetric

Mapping/Layering/Integration • GIS Support & Satellite Imagery



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• Teledyne RDI Ocean Surveyor Dual ADCP (Acoustic Doppler current profiler; 75/150 kHz) Measure water current velocities

• ROV (1000m rated Observation Class ROV with Manipulator Arm) • Side Scan Sonar (SSS) and Sub-Bottom-Profiler (SBP): Sea Floor Acoustic Imagery and layering • USBL Acoustic Positioning System • Spectrophotometer: Measurement of chlorophyll • 10-AU Field Fluorometer: Measurement of chlorophyll • Benchtop Hanna pH meter: Measurement of pH/ORP • Nets and Grab samplers for sampling phytoplankton, zooplankton, macrozoobenthos and microplastics MIWRG of ECPI has well equipped laboratories as well. The laboratories have the following instruments: • Gas Chromatography - Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FI): Hydrocarbons and especially Finger Print

Analysis for determination of oil spill source in seawater. • High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Finger Print Analysis in marine and inland water, PAH

analysis in sediment and biota • Carbon, Hydrogen & Nitrogen (CHN) Analyzer: Detection of total and organic carbon organic in sediment. • Fluorescence Spectrophotometer: Total and individual PAH analysis in seawater, Finger Print analysis for

determination oil spill source • Inverted Phase Contrast Microscope: Detection and Counting of phytoplankton species in seawater • Microtox - Bioassay Testing System: The bioassay tests conducted by using bacterial luminescence

inhibition, crustacean and fish survival methodologies, have been using to predict the toxic effects of wastewaters and chemicals.

• Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analyzer: Detection of organic contamination levels by measuring total organic carbon in natural water.

• AutoAnalyzer: Analyzing of nutrients (N, P, Si), ammonia, total nitrogen, total phosphate and dissolved organic carbon content in natural waters.

• UV-Visible Spectroscopy: Protein and enzymatic activity assays in biota. • Phosphate, total phosphate, ammonia and chlorophyll analysis. • Freeze-Dryer: Drying sediment, biota and other organic samples before analysis. The studies of preparing appropriate data models, collecting, analysing, visualizing, and sharing of the geographic data needed for the institute's multi-disciplinary projects are conducted by the Remote Sensing and GIS Laboratory. These studies are carried out under 2 main categories; Building the GIS Infrastructure needed for the monitoring of environmental change and GIS - based decision support applications for environmental management. GIS - based data produced for the projects since the year 2006, support decision-makers complex analyses and help determine the possible needs for institute projects. Remote Sensing and GIS is used as an effective decision support tool for especially the projects intended for the solution of environmental problems and planning activities. A new laboratory to conduct studies on molecular biology of marine organisms in relation to the objective of “DNA barcoding, Population Genetics and Phylogenetics” has recently been established. The laboratory contains two Thermal Cyclers for Polymerase Chain Reaction (for amplifying selected sections of DNA and RNA), a Gel Doc XR+ System-BioRad (for getting images of nucleic acid and protein suspended within polyacrylamide or agarose gels), and two Horizontal Agarose Gel Electrophoresis Systems (for separating mixtures of DNA, RNA, or proteins according to their sizes).

Participant 23 MCB - Marine Cluster Bulgaria Sdruzhenie, Bulgaria

MARINE CLUSTER BULGARIA (MCB)

Bulgaria

www.marinecluster.com




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Marine Cluster Bulgaria (MCB) is an NGO involving SMEs, branch associations and chambers, educational institutions and R&D organizations covering a wide range of marine and maritime activities in the value chain of the Blue Growth sectors in Bulgaria: shipping, ports, logistics and complementary services; shipbuilding and ship repair, ship design; environmental R&D; education and training, etc. The Cluster is aiming at promotion and coordination of initiatives and activities to achieve integrated, sustainable and competitive business environment for the sectors of the Bulgarian maritime economy. MCB supports entrepreneurial initiatives to introduce new product, technology, market, organizational and IT solutions, implementation of best practices, foreign experience, know-how and enables the members to sharing of material, technological, intellectual and human resources among members to achieve resource efficiency and competitiveness in the implementation of large-scale projects. Marine Cluster Bulgaria shares the EU strategic long-term vision for climate neutral economy by 2050 and related initiatives for green and clean waterborne transport aiming at fulfilling the goals for eliminating of any type of emissions from the maritime and inland water transport and competitive maritime technology sector. MCB is an active player in the policy making process and contributes to governmental authorities at regional and national level. Among major achievements of MCB in this field was the extension of the national Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization 2014-2020, as MCB assignment the role of one of the key players in the implementation of Varna Regional Development Strategy in the area of maritime industry, including (but not limited to) infrastructure, data collection and analyses, shipbuilding and repair, sea transport (including logistics), energy, environment (Green and Blue Growth). As member of the Bulgarian Employers Association Innovative Technologies, MCB acts actively towards promoting clustering as leverage for economic growth and creation of added value at national level, as well as contributes to the development of strategies and policies. In its capacity of member of European Network of Maritime Clusters (ENMC), MCB supports and contributes to all activities, aiming at the enhancement of the Blue Growth. Through its member, participating in WATERBORNE TP working groups, MCB is aware about the association’s activities. MCB acts towards strengthening the Blue economy by linking/ interconnecting and stimulating the dialogue between science, industry and policy makers. In this regard, MCB organize workshops, conferences, B2B meetings and supports its member to take part in such events. To meet business requirements to acquire and improve the staff’s qualifications and skills in line with the changing industry trends, MCB supports the development of modern education and training programs and courses related to Blue Growth in the wider Black Sea region.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

MCB will contribute to WP7 Accelerate ‘Industry 4.0’ business models, WP8 Enhancing science-policy dialogue, WP9 Education and Capacity Building and will be responsible partner of milestone M7.1. 1st High Tech Black Sea Summit.


Ilze Atanasova (female) Mrs. Atanasova is a person with strong entrepreneurial spirit, being a driver of development and new undertakings. She has set up and successfully developed a private business, the Marine Cluster Bulgaria and – together with other clusters - the Association of Business Clusters in Bulgaria. As private business manager she enhances in her team innovative ideas, thinking out of the box, problem solving rather than simple identification. Driven by the conviction that “together we can achieve more”, along with her engagement in the private business sector she’s involving in maritime policymaking in the Bulgarian non-government field for more than ten years now, acting as a Chair of Marine Cluster Bulgaria and active member of Association of Business Clusters in Bulgaria, European network of maritime clusters. Mrs. Atanasova’s interests cover Blue Growth activities, domestic and international maritime cooperation, facilitating communication among various maritime business communities, education, academia, related national authorities and are supplemented with experience as a project and financial manager of projects with EU or national funding, focused on maritime policy, SME competitiveness, maritime innovations, skills and education in the traditional and high potential Blue growth sectors. More than 10 years of experience in organization of local and international events initiated by MCB such as Blue career days, gathered over 250 participants each, International Congress “Blue growth in the Black Sea region - perspectives and opportunities” with 130 participants, “Innovation growth by maritime cluster cooperation” conference with 50 participants, Annual meeting of European Network of maritime clusters Sofia 2014, national editions of European maritime days (2016, 2017, 2018), Blue career days (2017, 2018, 2019), numerous local and international round tables, workshops, B2B events, related to the Blue growth cluster activities.



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Daniela Tchonkova (female) Ms. Tchonkova has over 20 years of experience in EU projects at both micro level (SME) and macro level (policy) in the field of research, innovation and technology transfer. Her expertise is cantered in the innovation domain, covering commercialisation of R&D results, international technology transfer, innovation management, innovation clusters. Her track record covers development and management/coordination of projects with grant contracts primarily under the EC Framework programmes (FP5, FP6, FP7 and CIP, H2020 and COSME) and the programmes on interregional development (Interreg IVC, South-East Europe, Interreg Europe). As Coordinator of the Enterprise Europe Network for Bulgaria she has gained deep insight to the SME needs and performance related to innovation and international partnerships. Consultancy work under service contracts relates to innovation and smart specialisation strategies, tech parks, clustering, digitalisation. Among the actions related to the region are ‘Transforming regions and cities into launch-pads of digital transformation and industrial modernisation’; ‘Ukraine: Evaluation of the past and preparation of the future EU-funded cooperation in the area of research and innovations’, ‘Consultancy to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine under the EC “Support to Research and Innovation Policy of Ukraine” project’. Ms. Tchonkova is member of (i) the Monitoring Board of the Mechatronics and Automation Cluster, (ii) the Artificial Intelligence Cluster, and (iii) Chair of the Monitoring Board of the Association of Business Clusters in Bulgaria. I represent Bulgaria in the Steering and Advisory Group, and acts as EEN Thematic Contact Point on clusters, research and innovation. She is member of the Monitoring Board of the Education and Science for Smart Growth Operational Programme (ERDF). By educational background she holds master degrees in (i) economics and management, and (ii) construction engineer in hydro-melioration, and speaks fluent English and Russian. She values team work and business ethics and believes collaboration has higher potential compared to competition. Her support services to SMEs are demand-driven and seek win-win outcomes.


Marine Cluster Bulgaria has experience acquired in successful implementation and coordination of projects under national operational programs as well as a partner in several international projects related to Blue Growth areas. MCB contributes as a partner or leader of Task/Work package to all project activities – studies, research analysis, web-based tools, development of courses dissemination activities, event’s organisation. Reference list: • Blue Growth connects European Seas – BLUES; • Blue Career Centre of Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea – MENTOR; • Maritime Clusters Network for Blue Growth - Blue NET; • Sustainable development and creation of a favourable business environment for effective functioning of

Marine Cluster Bulgaria • Creation of high technology learning center for professional training of personnel working in maritime

logistics and trade operations MCB has organized numerous events such as workshops, career fairs and international conference to discuss various topics related to the Blue Growth in the Black sea region. • International Congress “Blue growth in the Black Sea region - perspectives and opportunities” with 130

participants –Varna, 2013; • Support to the Association of business Clusters in planning and organization of the IV Balkan-Black Sea

Conference "Days of Clusters 2013"- Sofia; • Annual meeting of European Network of maritime clusters – Sofia, 2014; • “Second meeting of business clusters” with Varna Municipality – 2015 • Blue Career days – with over 250 participants each – Varna, 2017, 2018, 2019;

Participant 24 TEPAV - The Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey, Turkey

The Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV)

Turkey

www.tepav.org.tr/en



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The Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV), which was established by a group of businessperson, bureaucrats and academicians for the purposes of conducting data-based policy analysis and policy making contributions, with the support of The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) and became operational on December 2004 with the goal of enriching the content of information/data in ideological discussions and arguments. It is a private, nonpartisan and non-profit think tank devoted to independent research and project implementation. Data-driven analysis are produced and technical outlook to studies like development, economic competition and economic integration are contributed. In addition to improving policy proposals, TEPAV help ideas come to life through concrete projects. In this sense, with its full-time staff and program-based capacity building, projects have been conducted in 49 provinces of Turkey and 21 countries across the world. TEPAV has two principals: knowledge production and knowledge distribution. In the case of knowledge production, have strong in-house research capacity 35 staff (31 of them are working as a full-time employee, whereas 4 of them are working part time). During this process TEPAV, which is the largest think tank in the region, has strong ties with academicians, experts and international organizations such as The World Bank, OECD and EU Commission. We also contribute knowledge distribution process through close contacts with Chamber organizations, public administrations and the media. TEPAV was selected as one of the best 3 think tanks in Europe by the Think Tank Oscars in 2014. In 2015, when Turkey assumed the G20's Presidency, the leadership role in the "Think 20" (T20) outreach group was given to TEPAV. In line with the target of "inclusiveness" in Turkey's presidency, TEPAV organized a total of 12 conferences in T20 member and non-member countries, a first in the T20's history. The Blue Growth area is also a large area dependent on many areas such as tourism, fishing and renewable. Therefore, working and making suggestions for these areas is compatible with TEPAV’s mission. Its connection with chambers can help us create both financial support and a forum linking academia and industry.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

TEPAV will take an active role in developing socioeconomic scenarios about the blue economy sectors using its past experience in economic development and industrial policy. It will use analytical tools and stakeholder’s engagement techniques in order to build better forecasts to be used in determination of priorities of blue economy observatories. Further, TEPAV will also give support activities of WP1 (Knowledge base for the Black Sea), WP7 (Accelerate ‘Industry 4.0’ business models) and WP8 (Enhancing science-policy dialogue) using its network both in private sector (through close connections with TOBB [Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey and local chambers]) and academia (through its connection with TOBB ETU University and other academicians). This network will be used in organization of both WPs during the project. Further, TEPAV will also support WP7 in generating roadmaps for the acceleration of sustainable and innovative business models to support the Blue Economy in the Black Sea Region.


Yakup Peker (male) He holds a BSc degree in Economics (high-honour) and minor degree in Statistics from Middle East Technical University (2011). He has a master degree in Measurement and Data Analytics from Anadolu University in 2020. Also, in 2011, he started working at the Zafer Development Agency as an Expert. Concentrating on regional and local research and analysis, Peker took part as a Deputy Plan Coordinator in the preparation of the 2014-2023 Regional Plan for the TR33 Region. Yakup Peker has been working at TEPAV since January 2015. Peker works on local growth and development strategies and competitiveness agenda. His research interests include regional development, decentralization, industrial policies, and strategic planning. Mukaddes Merve Dundar (female) She obtained her undergraduate education in January 2016 as an honor student at KTO Karatay University from Department of Business Administration. She received her second BA degree in Economics from Anadolu University. As an undergraduate student, Dundar interned at ING Bank, Konya Chamber of Commerce and TEPAV. Mukaddes Merve Dundar has been working at TEPAV as a Research Associate at Innovation Studies Program and City Studies Program since May 2016.


1. A 2020 Vision for the Black Sea Region A Report by the Commission on the Black Sea, https://www.tepav.org.tr/upload/files/1279724859-1.A_2020_Vision_for_the_Black_Sea_Region.pdf


https://www.tepav.org.tr/upload/files/1279724859-1.A_2020_Vision_for_the_Black_Sea_Region.pdf


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2. Towards a Stronger EU-Turkey Energy Dialogue Energy Security Perspectives & Risks, https://www.tepav.org.tr/upload/files/1502195410-7.Towards_a_Stronger_EU__Turkey_Energy_Dialogue_Energy_Security_Perspectives_and_Risks.pdf

3. Ensuring Effective Cooperation Between EU and Turkey To Foster Energy Security, Policy Brief, https://www.tepav.org.tr/upload/files/1502095519-7.Policy_Brief_July__2016_Ensuring_Effective_Cooperation_Between_EU_and_Turkey_to_Foster_Energy_Security.pdf


1. The Future of the Black Sea Region: Defining Policy Options (January 2009/ February 2010): The Commission on the Black Sea is an initiative which aims to contribute to a joint vision and common strategy for the Black Sea region by developing new knowledge on areas of key concern. Initiated by TEPAV (Turkey), ICBSS (Greece), Bertelsmann Stiftung (Germany), German Marshall Fund of the Unites States (GMFUS BST); the Commission carried out a policy-oriented study on the future of the Black Sea region to be presented in a comprehensive report throughout 2009. Overall aim of the project was to contribute to a joint vision and common strategy for the future development of the Black Sea region. Specific objectives were developing knowledge on the key players’ mutual expectations and on their strategies and objectives concerning the Black Sea region by producing and publishing a comprehensive research report. Direct beneficiaries of the project were the key stakeholders (EU, US, BSEC) and policy-makers from Black Sea countries. Indirect beneficiaries were the decision makers from the public, private and third sector, media professionals and the general public. Project results were disseminated through conducting a closing meeting in Brussels. Project website: www.blackseacom.eu TEPAV provided the following services under this Contract: • Providing tools to policy makers and encourage long term strategic policy making based on sound information

and scientific analysis. • Producing and presenting policy recommendations targeted to main actors. The four core themes to be

addressed are: democracy, socio-economic welfare, regional cooperation and security. • A comprehensive research reports. • Raising awareness and informing decision makers from the public, private and third sector as well as media

professionals and the broader public on challenges and opportunities for development and cooperation in the Black Sea through ongoing public relations work.

2. Strengthening the EU – Turkey Energy Dialogue in the Context of Persistent Energy Security and Governance Risks in the Black Sea region (15.02.2016/ 15.06.2017):

The project addresses directly the global and specific objectives of the Call for Proposals in the thematic area of energy and CSO cooperation. The objective of the project is to strengthen the dialogue between Turkish and EU CSOs in the area of energy security and good governance by creating a framework for policy discussion and transfer of knowledge and experience from the EU. The planned workshops and study visits will raise the capacity of Turkish CSOs to monitor, analyse, advocate and raise awareness on good governance issues in the energy sector in attempt to drive liberalization reform, improve corporate governance of energy SOEs and enhance the multilateral approach to energy policy and infrastructure investment in the region. The project will simultaneously enhance CSO dialogue, knowledge and understanding beyond regional and national level of the EU’s Third Liberalisation Package and Energy Union initiative. Services provided by TEPAV within the scope of the project: a) Implementation of the in-depth interviews with the Turkish government officials and key energy sector players b) Preparation, publication and distribution of a policy brief c) Preparation, publication and distribution of the policy report d) Organization of the study visits, in-depth interviews, workshops, interim and final conferences. 3. Turkey 2050 Climate Policy Dialogue Project The main purpose of working in the field of climate and energy policies in Turkey non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and policy-making and decision-making processes and the involvement and participation of the EU and the Balkans already building relations with NGOs working in this field and by sharing knowledge / experience. For more information: https://www.tepav.org.tr/tr/proje/s/405



https://www.tepav.org.tr/upload/files/1502195410-7.Towards_a_Stronger_EU__Turkey_Energy_Dialogue_Energy_Security_Perspectives_and_Risks.pdf

https://www.tepav.org.tr/upload/files/1502195410-7.Towards_a_Stronger_EU__Turkey_Energy_Dialogue_Energy_Security_Perspectives_and_Risks.pdf

https://www.tepav.org.tr/upload/files/1502095519-7.Policy_Brief_July__2016_Ensuring_Effective_Cooperation_Between_EU_and_Turkey_to_Foster_Energy_Security.pdf



http://www.blackseacom.eu/

https://www.tepav.org.tr/tr/proje/s/405


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TEPAV has technical infrastructure which will be used for socioeconomic analysis: • software such as SPSS, Arcgis, etc. • hardware such as high capacity computers, etc.

Participant 25 SUMAE - Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Turkey

Central Fisheries Research Institute (SUMAE)

Turkey

arastirma.tarimorman.gov.tr/sumae


SUMAE is governmental organization and belongs to General Directorate of Agricultural Research (TAGEM) under Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF). The main aim of the institute is to carry out scientific research on aquaculture and fisheries in marine and inland waters, and to collect and evaluate data for the research studies. The institute not only carries scientific research, but also gives practical, applicable and economically-suitable information to the private sectors. Besides, under the light of obtained results of research, the institute helps also the decision makers. The SUMAE is organized in the following departments: Aquaculture; Fisheries Management; Environment and Resource Management; Breeding and Genetics; Fish Health; Economics; and Administration. The Institute has modern laboratories for chemistry, biology, genetics, fish pathology, and live feed production. Other specialized facilities include fresh and marine fish hatcheries and a research vessel. Furthermore, an integrated building comprising an National Aquatic Gene Bank at the SUMAE is under construction with financial support provided through a project in 2014 by the Turkish Ministry of Development. The SUMAE has total of 125 permanent multidisciplinary personnel, including 3 managers and 47 researchers. They are from different disciplines such as Fisheries Technology Engineer (16), Fisheries Engineer (11), Agricultural Engineer (5), Chemist (4), Biologist (4), Food Engineer (3), Veterinarians (2) and Chemical Engineer (2), Civil Engineer (1) and support and administrative staffs like officer. Two of technical staff has an Associate Professor degree, 16 staffs have PhDs and 24 people have her/his master's degree. Additionally, 12 and 6 persons are doing their PhDs and MSc, respectively. 25% of the staff is female, average age of male is about 40 and female’s is about 35. The Institute publishes international scientific journal called “Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences” and peer-reviewed “GenAqua” and “Aquaculture Studies” since November, 2001. SUMAE is involved in same FAO and EU frame projects. The FABA 2014: International Symposium on Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences" was organized by the SUMAE. Also, International Symposium on Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (SOFAS 2020) will be organised by SUMAE in 2022. Webpage: https://arastirma.tarimorman.gov.tr/sumae One of the main tasks of SUMAE is carry out monitoring programs on environment, fisheries and aquaculture to contribute to the production of quality food from water resources through aquaculture and fisheries which is main fostering sector for Blue Growth. For this purpose, SUMAE constantly collects data and evaluate data set for recommend to ministry due to properly management of fisheries and aquaculture sector. For this reason, SUMAE is equipped with human resources, laboratories and tools to perform environmental and fisheries monitoring tasks. On the other hand, an Aquaculture Demonstrative Center (ADC) has been established by the FAO-GFCM in SUMAE to contribute to the education of those working in the aquaculture industry in riparian countries of Black Sea. Regular trainings are held every year. As briefly explained above, SUMAE's profile matches the tasks as clearly described in this proposal such as data collection and monitoring, adaptive management, engage policy and public and education.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

SUMAE will give significant contribution to WPS; WP1 Knowledge base for the Black Sea, WP5 Smart observations and technologies for tackling multistressors, boosting innovation and supporting monitoring and WP8 Science-based policy making for Blue Growth. SUMAE has the task of collecting data for the determination


https://arastirma.tarimorman.gov.tr/sumae


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of terrestrial origin pollutants in the regions with important river inputs in the Eastern Black Sea Region and measuring the water quality parameters at the Sinop/Bafra site. Training of potential people to improve existing aquaculture opportunities in the Black Sea riparian countries and to increase employment in the aquaculture sector. Beside training potential people SUMAE will add contribution to generate knowledge for innovation opportunities and build up new business in aquaculture sectors. Necessary contributions will be provided by participating in seminars, workshops and meetings to be held within the scope of the project. In addition, it will make the necessary contributions to fulfil other duties envisaged in the project.


Dr. Ercan KUCUK (male) was born in 1972 in Trabzon. He graduated from the Karadeniz Technical University, Faculty of Marine Science, Department of Fisheries Technology Engineering in 1994 and he completed his master's degree in 1997 at the Faculty of Marine Science. He worked as a research assistant at the Faculty of Marine Science between January 1995 - February 1997. He worked as an Assistant Captain in the Research Vessel, Researcher and Head of Aquaculture Department at the Central Fisheries Research Institute between December 1997 and November 2014. He worked as a Research Coordinator between November 2014 and October 2018. He participated in the "Feed Development and Analysis" course in Japan between October 2004 and February 2005. He started his PhD program at the Faculty of Marine Science in October 2007, and completed it in October 2011. He participated in a weekly course on "Flatfish Breeding" in Spain in 2015. He has been working as a director at the Central Fisheries Research Institute. He has experience on research with international project “The Fish Culture Development Project in the Black Sea” and “The Technical Development of Sustainable Seed Production for Black Sea Turbot” carried out in cooperation with Japan International Corporation Agency-JICA. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bilal AKBULUT (male) has been researcher in aquaculture at SUMAE since 1994 and has published 13 ISI and 14 peer-reviewed journal papers on variety of topics ranging from reproduction to sea cage farming. He is aquaculture section editor of “Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences” and peer-reviewed “Aquaculture Studies” published by SUMAE. He has experience as a researcher with national project on Determination of Effects of Aquaculture Enterprises on Marine Ecosystem (2006-2009/TUBITAK 1007). He is Head of Aquaculture Department of SUMAE. He is leading to improvement of Sturgeon Culture and Conservation in Turkey (2011- continuous). Dilek FIDAN, MSc (female) has been researcher on ecology at SUMAE since 2006. She is head of Environmental and Resource Management Department. She has experience as a researcher with national project on Determination of Effects of Aquaculture Enterprises on Marine Ecosystem (2006-2009/TUBITAK 1007). Her research topics are determinate caring capacity and environmental effect of aquaculture in land waters. She is leader of the national project named Determination of Terrestrial Pollution Effect to Coastal and Marine Ecosystem in Eastern Black Sea (2012- continuous monitoring). Omer KALIPCI (male) has been working in the Environmental and Resource Management Department of SUMAE. He has experienced on sample collection and analysis of water quality parameters. He has gained experience from EU project “Intelligent Oceanographically Based Short Term Fishery Forecasting Applications (GOFORIT)” and national project “Determination of Terrestrial Pollution Effect to Coastal and Marine Ecosystem in Eastern Black Sea (2012- continuous monitoring)”.


1. Akbulut, B., Aydın, İ. and Küçük, E., (2013). State and Rearing Model of Rainbow Trout Culture in Sea Cages in the Turkish Coastal Water of Black Sea. VIII. International Conferance on Current Fisheries and Environmental Problems of the Azov and Black Sea Region. 26-27 June 2013, Kerch/Ukrain.

2. Alkan, A., Fidan, D and Serdar, S., (2013). The Winter Nutrient Profile of Oxic/Anoxıc Interface Layer in The Southeastern Black Sea Water Column. Rapp. Comm. İnt. Mer Médit., 40, Marseille.

3. Alkan, A., Serdar, S., Fidan, D., Akbaş, U., Zengin, B., and Kılıç, M.B., (2013). Physico-chemical characteristics and nutrient levels of the eastern Black Sea Rivers. Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, DOI:10.4194/1303-2712-v13_5_09

4. Ağırbaş, E., Şahin, A., Aytan, U., Koral, S., Fidan, D., (2017). Seasonal Changes in Phytoplankton Size Classes (PSC)Derived from HPLC Pigment Data along the South-Eastern Black Sea, Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, DOI: 10.4194/1303-2712-v17_6_39

5. Kılıç, M.B., Alkan, A., Fidan, D., Zengin, B., and Kalıpçı, Ö., (2018) Investigation of Discharge Levels of Dissolved Inorganic Nutrients from Yesilirmak River to the Black Sea. Journal of Environmental Protection and Ecology 19, No 2, 547-557.



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1. SRCSSMBSF-88, 2011-2014: Joint Operational Programme “BLACK SEA 2010: Strengthening the Regional Capacity to Support the Sustainable Management of the Black Sea Fisheries.

2. FP7-KKBBE-2009-3 AQUAMED, 2010-2012: Improve Coordination and Programming of Research Activities Funded by National and Community Organisations in the Field of Aquaculture in the Mediterranean.

3. National Project: Determination of Effects of Aquaculture Enterprises on Marine Ecosystem (2006-2009/TUBITAK 1007).

4. National Project: Determination of Terrestrial Pollution Effect to Coastal and Marine Ecosystem in Eastern Black Sea (2012- continuous monitoring).

5. National Project: Determining Potential Mariculture Areas in Turkish Seas; Black Sea (2017- continuous)


SUMAE’s two department that Aquaculture and Environmental and Resource Management Departments mainly relevant to the proposed work in the proposal. Aquaculture department has marine and freshwater facilities dealing several fish reproduction and releasing same of them. Also, Aquaculture department has studies on Maritime Spatial Planning. Environmental and Resource Management Department was established to conduct various researches and conduct projects on topics such as oceanography, limnology, environment and resource identification. In the projects prepared, it is aimed to obtain basic data for the projects carried out by other departments in the institute and to determine the pollution dimensions and sources in various environments. The determination of the quality criteria of the water resources to be used in fish farming and the compliance of the wastewater of the facilities and enterprises that discharge directly to the receiving environments with the quality criteria specified in the "Water Pollution Control Regulation" and "Environmental Law" are determined by the Department of Environment and Resources Management. For this purpose, in sea laboratories or fresh water samples in department laboratories; In addition to many analyses such as nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, sulphate, chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, chlorophyll-a, total hardness, organic matter, faecal and total coliform, detergent, oil and grease, atomic absorption spectrometry with lead, copper, iron, Heavy metals such as manganese, arsenic, mercury, zinc, cadmium can be determined at the ppb level after concentration. In addition, during sampling for any purpose, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, turbidity and salinity measurements are performed in these waters. These measurements and some other parameters (chlorophyll-a, light transmittance, sigma-t) are measured with a CTD probe in marine environment at intervals of 1 meter or less up to 500 meters. Also, hydrogen sulphide and alkalinity analyses, which are very closely related to the Black Sea, are also carried out in the marine environment. Metal analyses (lead, copper, zinc, manganese, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, iron) are carried out after various pre-treatments in organisms (fish, mussels, snails, algae) and studies on pesticide residues and Petro hydrocarbon determinations in these materials are ongoing. In the laboratory units under the Department of Environment and Resources Management, environmental monitoring programs involving limnological and oceanological studies are carried out for various purposes as well as determining the suitability of water resources for aquaculture. In our laboratory units, which are at a good level in terms of infrastructure, our goal is to provide the sector that we serve to meet the requirements of the International Standard for TS EN ISO / IEC 17025: 2010-Sufficiency of the Test and Calibration Laboratory. In our laboratory units, besides basic water quality criteria, trace level nutrient and heavy metal analyses are performed. Following various sample preparation stages, heavy metal analyses are also performed on sediment and biota samples. In our laboratory units under the Environment and Resource Management Department, the existing equipment and analysis are; Water Analysis Laboratory: There are equipment such as UV-VIS spectrophotometer, multi-sensor water quality measurement systems, pH meter, oxygen meter, centrifuge, filtration systems, distilled and deionized water systems, oven, precision scales in our laboratory. With the equipment in our unit, using ready kits with temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, total suspended solids, chlorophyll-a, permanganate index, oil and grease, alkalinity, hydrogen sulphide analysis. Nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, sulphate, phosphate, free chlorine, detergent and chemical oxygen demand parameters are measured.



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Auto Analyzer (CFA) Unit: There is a Seal Brand 4 channel chemical auto analyser in the unit. In water and seawater samples, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, silicate, phosphate, total phosphate and total nitrogen analysis are done at micromolar levels. Sample Preparation Unit: Solubilization of solid samples with the aid of acid / acid mixtures for heavy metal analysis is carried out with the help of the Milestone Ethos 1 Model microwave system in our unit. Atomic Absorption Unit: GBC 905 model AAS is available in the unit and manganese, zinc, copper, iron, cadmium, lead, arsenic and mercury analyses are carried out with the help of flame, graphite, hydride and cold vapor atomization systems. ICP-MS Unit: Varian 820 model (Bruker) ICP-MS is available in one of us, and multiple metal analysis at the same sample is measured simultaneously at ppb and ppt levels. In the department, there are also Nansen Sampling containers, 12x5 L capacity Sea Bird Rosette Sampler used for water column sampling in lake / sea studies and Sea Bird SBE 25 Model CTD system used for measurement of water column physicochemical parameters.

Participant 26 TUDAV - Turk Deniz Arastirmalari Vakfi, Turkey

Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV)

Turkey

tudav.org/en/


Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV) was established in 1997, in Istanbul, Turkey, to conduct scientific research on marine environments, protect marine life and share our love of seas & oceans with the people. For this purpose, we have created a data bank for information exchange, published more than 50 books on the subject, hold seminars and workshops regularly to educate people and bring together scientists and experts from many fields, and collaborate in various national and international research projects. Objectives of the foundation are described as: Conducting, encouraging and supporting all manner of scientific, economic, social and cultural research and studies in Turkey’s seas, coasts, inland waters, streams and lakes, conservation of biodiversity, scientific and technical research to maintain natural balance, exploring issues with health and education of amateur and professional divers working underwater. Targets of the Turkish Marine Research Foundation are: Forming Databanks: Reaching the information that’s needed is difficult due to the wide range of studies in our seas. For this reason, TUDAV creates a databank for the purpose of information exchange. Accidents in the Turkish Straits and Black Sea Bibliography have been prepared by our foundation. Conducting Research: TUDAV conducts and supports various studies, especially on biodiversity and its conservation, either with its own resources or with relevant funding entities. One of such studies is a long-term monitoring of biodiversity in the Turkish Straits. Publication: Research studies are presented to the scientific world both in Turkish and in English. TUDAV publishes a scientific journal (three issues per year). Moreover, guide books are prepared with the aim of increasing public awareness. Providing Education and Training: For our foundation, it is very important to share the knowledge of our seas with every part of society. Seminars and conservation guidelines, especially for fishermen and other people in marine-related sectors, are organized for this purpose. Establishment of Special Protected Areas: Our efforts for the establishment of special protected areas continue, thus researches and practices are conducted and everyone will be able to learn about underwater life.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

TUDAV is the co-leader of WP9 Education, one of the responsible partners of Bosporus Site (Istanbul) and Capacity Building and the foundation will give its contribution to WPs; WP1 Knowledge base for the Black Sea, WP5 Smart observations and technologies for tackling multi-stressors, boosting innovation and supporting monitoring, WP6 Socioeconomics and social innovations, WP8 Enhancing science-policy dialogue and WP9 Education and Capacity Building and WP10 Coordination and Management. As part WP9, we plan to proceed with promoting international celebration days for seas and oceans, and capacity building activities concerning alien invasive species, climate change and its impacts on the aquaculture industry,



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promoting activities of women in the fisheries sector. We are also planning to give a scientific diving course for marine biology students as well as an ecotourism workshop for school children. We have planned a book on historical lighthouses along the Black Sea coasts.


Bayram Ozturk (male) Prof. Dr. Öztürk is Director and one of the founders of TUDAV. After receiving his Ph.D. at Istanbul Unversity, he has been working since 1985 at Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Istanbul University, where he served as Dean for the periond 2006-2009. He is an expert on marine ecology, marine conservation and fisheries management. He has published 5 books and has written more than 100 scientific papers and chapters of books. He has been involved in CMAS both as a diving instructor and as a marine scientist. Ayaka Amaha Ozturk (female) Dr. Öztürk is one of the founders of TUDAV and she has been working as an advisor on marine biodiversity. After she received her Ph.D. at Tokyo University of Fisheries, Japan, she has been working at Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Istanbul University. Her expertise is cetacean ecology and conservation, particularly in the Black Sea and the Turkish Straits System. She has been an active member of Scientific Committee of ACCOBAMS (Agreement for the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area) since 2011. Deniz Konaklı (female) Deniz Konaklı is a researcher and a full-time employee of TUDAV. She has a MSc in Aquaculture from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, as well as a post-degree diploma in Global Management from Vancouver Island. She is the technical coordinator for the CeNoBS Project, and has experience working in the PEGASO Project as a fisheries expert. She is a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).


• Black Sea Marine Environment: The Turkish Shelf • Turkish Fisheries in the Black Sea • Red Data Book of the Black Sea, Turkey • Turkish Black Sea Bibliography • Responsible Fisheries Booklet for the Black and Azov Seas


• ANEMONE Project: Assessing the vulnerability of the Black Sea marine ecosystem to human pressures • Black Sea Watch: Black Sea Marine Environment Research with Public Participation • Climate Change Adaptation for the Sea and Coasts of Antalya • Blue School LIFE project • MARLISCO Project: Marine Litter in Europe Seas: Social Awareness and Co-Responsibility


We have PCs and a projector to carry out seminars and workshops.

Participant 27 IU - Istanbul University, Turkey

Istanbul University (IU) Institute of Marine Science and Management (IMSM)

8 Turkey

www.istanbul.edu.tr

Description of the legal entity (1-page max)

The institute was founded in 1982 as a successor of the Hydrobiological Research Institute founded in 1951. The institute conducts research in the fields of marine biology, chemical oceanography, physical oceanography, marine geology and geophysics, coastal engineering, coastal management and marine economics and policies. The institute carries out research projects on the seas surrounding Turkey, using R/V ALEMDAR 2, equipped with oceanographic survey equipment. The scientific studies conducted in the institute focus on various research topics including; anthropogenic impacts on the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus and the Black Sea; environmental problems



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resulting from shipping accidents and oil pollution; shallow seismic studies; fish stock assessment, topography and sedimentology studies; remote sensing and GIS applications; marine biodiversity surveys. The institute carried out monthly water quality monitoring in the Strait of Istanbul including its’ Black Sea and Marmara Sea exits between 1996 and 2010. Another main project on monitoring of the water quality and biodiversity in accordance with MSFD has been conducted in the Anatolian coast of the Black Sea since 2004. One of the main ongoing projects is the preparation of the “National Framework” to the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization with the required information and data, considering the criteria used by EU. The other ongoing project is standardization of integrated marine monitoring.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

IU - Institute of Marine Science and Management is one of the research and education-oriented BRIDGE-BS partners from TURKEY. The institute will give its contribution to different tasks under the WPS; WP1 Knowledge base for the Black Sea, WP3 Resilience for a healthy Black Sea ecosystem, WP5 Smart observations and technologies for tackling multi-stressors, boosting innovation and supporting monitoring, WP6 Socio-economics and social innovations, WP8 Enhancing science-policy dialogue, and WP9 Education and Capacity Building.


Prof. Dr. Dilek Ediger (female) Her main activities and responsibilities are national and regional marine policy implementation projects, international projects, marine observation and monitoring. Her principal subjects and occupational skills covered multi-discipline research projects, field survey eutrophication, phytoplankton biomass and other physico-chemical variables and phytoplankton pigments. Her technical experiences are pigment separation using HPLC, primary production and water quality monitoring. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Husne Altıok (female) She is a Physical Oceanographer. Her research activities are about seasonal variation of water mass in stratified systems, flow exchange through the straits, air-sea interactions, data base and management. Her experiences are particularly in hydrography of the Black Sea, the Marmara Sea and the Strait of Istanbul. She has a participated several national water quality monitoring projects to provide data and information for an assessment of the environmental status, including progress towards GES. She was local coordinator of MARINA Project (Horizon2020) in 2019. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahsen Yuksek (female) She has research experience over 20 years on marine ecology of the seas around Turkey, particularly focusing on ichthyoplankton, MPAs, biodiversity, invasive species in particular in the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Her research currently focuses on the impacts of gelatinous zooplankton on Marmara ecosystem, as well fish stock assessment of the Marmara basin. She has tutored 6 Master theses. She has been as an expert in PERSEUS (Policy-oriented Marine Environmental Research in the Southern European Seas) EU FP7 / 2012 – 2013, and EUSeaMap2 (Knowledge base for growth and innovation in ocean economy: assembly and dissemination of marine data for seabed mapping", EU MARE/2012/10 Asst. Prof. Dr. Fuat Dursun (male) He is an Environmental Engineer. As an early-career scientist, his research activities mainly focus on toxic phytoplankton species, marine biotoxins and phytoplankton pigments. In recent years, he has coordinated and participated in many national research projects, related to water quality monitoring, harmful algal blooms and phycotoxin production dynamics around the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul Metropolitan area. His technical expertise covers field surveys, product-based chemical extractions and separation of bio-chemical substances using chromatography. Res. Asst. Ilayda Destan Ozturk Ak (female) She completed her master degree on the biodiversity, spatial distribution and genetic analysis of zooplankton in the Black Sea. Her current research and PhD topic focuses working on euphotic zone depth and its long-term changes in relation with physical and chemical properties of sea water in the Sea of Marmara. She has been worked as coordinator in an EU project named Black Sea Watch, and also worked on different EU projects. She has also joined several scientific dolphin and whale watch surveys. Res. Asst. Yaprak Gurkan (female) She completed her master thesis on the ecological quality of soft bottom macrozoobenthos in the Sea of Marmara. The study area of her PhD research is about the rapid and long-term response of macrobenthic fauna to phytoplankton bloom events. In recent years, she has been working on the projects those are related to water and ecological quality in the Sea of Marmara and Black Sea, additionally microplastic pollution.


1. Ediger D., Polat Beken Ç, Feyzioğlu A. M., ŞAHIN F.,Tan İ.(2015). Establishing Boundary Classes for the Quality Classification of Southeastern Black Sea Using Phytoplankton Biomass. Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 5(3), Doi: 10.4194/1303-2712-v15_3_16



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2. Ediger D., Murray J. W., YILMAZ A. (2019) Phytoplankton biomass, primary production and chemoautotrophic production of the Western Black Sea in April 2003 Journal of Marine Systems, no.198, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmarsys.2019.103183f

3. Telli Karakoç F., Ediger D. (2020) Oil Pollution of the Surrounding Waters of Turkey. In: The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.https://doi.org/10.1007/698_2020_477

4. Altıok H., Kayışoğlu M. (2015). Seasonal and Interannual Variability of Water Exchange in the Strait of Istanbul, Mediterranean Marine Science, 16(3), 636-647.


1. National Project: Pollution monitoring in the Black Sea and Sea of Marmara. Funded by Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. Duration: 2004-2010 Budget: $218.000 per year.

2. National Project: Water Quality Monitoring in Istanbul Strait and its Conjunction. Funded by General Directorate of Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration. Duration: 1996-2010. Budget: $450.000 per year

3. National Project: Dredging Applications and Environmental Management of Dredge Material. Funded by Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. Duration: 2013-2016. Budget: € 1,500,000 (for 3 years).

4. National Project: Standardization of Integrated Marine Monitoring. Funded by Standardization of Integrated Marine Monitoring. Duration: 2015-2016. Budget: 30.000 €.

5. International Project: H2020 - Marine Knowledge Sharing Platform for Federating Responsible Research and Innovation Communities (MARINA). Funded by EU. Duration: 2016-2019. Budget: 98.000 €.


IU-IMSM (Institute of Marine Science and Management) use R/V ALEMDAR 2 that is well- equipped for oceanographic surveys. There are also Auto-Analyzer, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Spectrophotometer, TOC, various types of microscopes in İU’s laboratories.

Participant 28 EMSEA - European Marine Science Educators Association, Belgium

European Marine Science Educators Association (EMSEA)

Belgium

www.emsea.eu


EMSEA is a network of marine science educators acting as one voice across Europe and beyond. Established in 2011 EMSEA’s overall mission is to act as a hub for the European marine education community to promote and deliver ocean literacy across society by working with scientists, teachers, policy makers and the public. EMSEA aims to support and engage teachers and educators so they are better equipped for the task to make European students and citizens more ocean literate. EMSEA is experienced in (1) raising teachers and educators’ awareness of ocean issues and the need for a sustainable future for our coasts, seas and ocean; (2) promoting best practices in the fields of marine (science) education; (3) encouraging cross-border networking and co-operation between individuals, institutes and government bodies engaged in the fields of marine (science) education; and (4) developing policies designed to advance ocean literacy in Europe. As an output of the EU funded Horizon 2020 Seachange project, EMSEA became an international non-profit organisation registered under Belgian law and a membership organization, supporting now its ca 200 members by sharing good practices and training opportunities through the annual international conferences and digital platforms. EMSEA has established Regional Seas groups within the Mediterranean, North Sea and Channel and the Baltic to support its goals at a local level. Globally EMSEA works with Associations in the USA, Canada, Asia and Pacific. Since 2019 EMSEA is project partner in the EU-funded EU4Ocean Coalition, working on the development of the Network of European Blue Schools.

Role in BRIDGE-BS


https://avesis.istanbul.edu.tr/researcher/article/getjournaldetails/95bb28e2-ea3a-4eef-8e77-bfcd4d21f5bc

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmarsys.2019.103183f

https://doi.org/10.1007/698_2020_477


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Being a partner who has a vision “society of Ocean Literate citizens”, EMSEA will give its main contribution under WP8 Enhancing science-policy dialogue, and WP 9 Education and Capacity Building. In BRIDGE-BS, EMSEA will establish the Black Sea Ocean Literacy group to facilitate networking and knowledge exchange among Black Sea stakeholders to develop ownership and stewardship for the protection of the Black Sea. EMSEA will create for this an online supportive directory of past and current Black Sea OL initiatives, activities and good practices. EMSEA will also create new activities for primary and secondary school children to learn about the Black Sea, their local environment and the challenges it faces, while addressing Blue growth opportunities and innovation. EMSEA ensures a close collaboration with other relevant projects such as the EU4Ocean coalition to ensure the sustainability of this activity. To support youth entrepreneurship in BRIDGE-BS, EMSEA will co-design & implement a Youth Ambassadors Scheme. The Ambassadors will act as promoters of Blue Growth in the whole region.


Evy Copejans (female) is the executive director and co-founder of EMSEA, working on the EU4Ocean Coalition and the Network of European Blue Schools since 2019. She has 13 years’ experience as a senior scientific assistant at the Flanders Marine Institute (BE) where she was responsible for the ocean education projects. She is skilled in creating a variety of youth projects, lesson materials, documentaries and education videos, teacher workshops and excursions. She is co-author of several public outreach articles and publications, including the first textbook in Dutch on marine science for teachers. She co-organised the First Conference on Ocean Literacy in Europe (2011), which resulted into the Horizon 2020 funding program on Ocean Literacy. Nicola Bridge (female) is the EMSEA President. A BSc graduate in Conservation and the Environment, currently employed in the senior management team at the National Marine Aquarium as Head of Conservation Education and Communications. I have over 14 years’ experience in the field of conservation, conservation psychology and environmental education and I am responsible for developing, driving and evaluating the National Marine Aquarium’s formal and informal conservation learning programmes as well as its Marketing and Communications Strategy. I have a passion for working with the community to help people to learn about, love and protect our marine environment.


1. Fauville, G. (Ed), Payne, D. L. (Ed), Marrero, M. E. (Ed), Lantz-Andersson, A. (Ed), Crouch, F. (Ed) (2018) ‘Exemplary Practices in Marine Science Education’. Springer book. https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783319907772

2. Fauville, G., McHugh, P., Domegan, C., Mäkitalo, Å., Friis Møller, L., Papathanassiou, :M., Alvarez Chicote, C., Lincoln, S., Batista, V., Copejans, E., Crouch, F., & Gotensparre, S. (2018). Using collective intelligence to identify barriers to teaching 12-19 year olds about the ocean in Europe. Marine Policy, 91, 85-96. Https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X17307443

3. Mokos, M., Cheimonopoulou, M.Th, Koulouri, P., Previati, M., Realdon G., Santoro, F. , Mogias, T., Boubonari T., Gazo M., Satta, A., Ioakeimidis C., Tojeiro A., Chicote C., Papathanassiou M., Kevrekidis T. (2020) Mediterranean Sea Literacy: When Ocean Literacy becomes region- specific, Meditteranean Marine Science, https://ejournals.epublishing.ekt.gr/index.php/hcmr-med-mar-sc/article/view/23400

4. Sterken, M.; Van Medegael, L.; Copejans, E.; Seys, J. (2016). Ocean EDGE: The European Database of Good Examples in ocean education and outreach, in: Seys, J. et al. (Ed.) CommOCEAN2016 - 2nd International Marine Science Communication Conference. 6-7 December 2016. Bruges, Belgium: Book of Abstracts. VLIZ Special Publication, 78: pp. 101


1. Name: Seachange Funding: H2020-EU.3.2 BG-13-2014 Ocean Literacy Year: 2015-2018 ID: 652644 Task: Setting up a network of European marine educators

2. Name: EU4Ocean Funding: Tender EU DG Mare: Ocean Literacy for all Year: 2019-2021 (ongoing) ID: 2019/S 043-096794 Task: Developing a certificate and a network of European Blue Schools

3. Name: EMSEA annual conferences Funding: private Year: since 2013 (ongoing) Description: Annual conferences focus on developing Ocean Literacy in Europe, sharing experiences between educators across Europe and the Atlantic and providing training to teachers and educators



https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783319907772

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X17307443

https://ejournals.epublishing.ekt.gr/index.php/hcmr-med-mar-sc/article/view/23400


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• social network groups (Twitter 2641 followers, Facebook 4445 + 607 followers) • membership website (ca 200 members) • web conferencing and online meeting tools

Participant 29 SNU - Sinop Universitesi, Turkey

University of Sinop (SNU)

Turkey

sinop.edu.tr/homepage/


Sinop University is a state university established with 5662 numbered law published in Official Gazette numbered 26536 and dated 29 May 2007. The campus of our university is in Sinop, the norths point of Turkey. The Aquaculture Graduate School, the first higher educational institution of the city was established within the structure of Ondokuz Mayıs University. Sinop University is legal entity and is a non-profit organization and the separate organization from other state governmental organs, which operates independently. Today, our university gives education in 10 faculties, 1 institute of graduate studies, 3 high schools and 7 vocational schools. Fisheries Faculty was connected to Sinop University and its acronym is “SNU-FF”. Fisheries Faculty of Sinop University has risen to national prominence as a centre for teaching research in Marine Biology and Ecology, Fishing Technology, Fish Processing, and Aquaculture. The academic staff has responsibility for teaching to undergraduate students, with field courses and lectures in Sinop. We also offer 2-year M.Sc. courses in Marine Biology and Ecology, Environmental Science (Marine Pollution, Toxicology), Fishing Technology, Fish Processing and Aquaculture. An important activity at Fisheries Faculty is training in research. Supervised by members of the teaching staff, postgraduate students undergo four years of research training for the Ph.D. degree, their work often contributing to the research programmers maintained by the staff. Fisheries Faculty of Sinop University (SNU-FF) divided into 3 divisions, namely Main Branch of Basic Science of Fisheries Faculty, Main Branch of Fishing Technology and Processing and Main Branch of Aquaculture. We have 29 academic staff and 9 research assistants in the Faculty. There are 7 laboratories at the Faculty for various research activities. We have own research vessel. The fields of research of Fisheries Faculty are the fauna and flora living in the seas, rivers, and lakes of Turkey, their breeding, the sources of nourishment they provide and the productivity of aquatic resources.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

Sinop University is responsible partner of Southern Black Sea (Sinop) pilot site. Moreover, the university will contribute to activities under WP1 Knowledge base for the Black Sea, WP3 Resilience for a healthy Black Sea ecosystem, WP3 Resilience for a healthy Black Sea ecosystem, WP5 Smart observations and technologies for tackling multistressors, boosting innovation and supporting monitoring, WP6 Socioeconomics and social innovations and WP8 Enhancing science-policy dialogue. The University has participated the relevant co-operative ocean programmes to improve the communication and other essential facilities for monitoring. Our Faculty is also responsible for many national projects, concerning aquaculture of trout inland and in the sea and in Black Sea, the acute toxicity of some heavy metals to the marine invertebrates which lives in Black Sea, pollution effect on distribution of marine algae and invertebrates from Sinop Peninsula of the Black Sea.


Prof. Dr. Levent Bat (male) received the B.Sc. degree from the Sinop Fisheries High School, Ondokuz Mayis University (OMU) in Department of Fisheries Engineering (1984-1988). He received the M.Sc. in Enstitute of Natural and Applied Sciences, Ondokuz Mayis University (OMU) in Department of Marine Biology (1990-1992) and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Aberdeen at Department of Zoology, Aberdeen Scotland, United Kingdom (1993-1996). He worked as a Research Assistant in University of Ondokuz Mayis between 1989 and 1997; as an Assistant of Prof. Dr. in University of Ondokuz Mayis, Sinop Fisheries Faculty between 1997 and 1998; as an Assoc. Prof. Dr. in University of Ondokuz Mayis, Sinop Fisheries Faculty between 1999 and 2004; as a Prof. Dr. in University of Ondokuz Mayis, Sinop Fisheries Faculty between 2004 and 2007; as a Prof. Dr. in University of Sinop, Fisheries Faculty since 2007. Levent Bat carried out research for a PhD on the



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ecotoxicological effects of metals on marine invertebrates. His work involves both ecological and chemistical procedures. Experience regarding heavy metals in some organisms from the Black Sea, toxicity of some heavy metals using invertebrates from the Black Sea, marine biology and ecology, pollution, ecotoxicology. He has been involved and coordinated in many projects. His specialisation as below: 1. Main fields: Marine Biology, Aquatic Toxicology & Marine pollution. 2. Researches based on levels of heavy metals in marine fauna, flora and sediment. 3. Current field interests are marine litter and microplastics. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Guley Kurt (female) is a marine scientist with 20 years of experience in marine sciences, especially in the field of Benthology and marine invertebrates (particularly Polychaeta species). She received the B.Sc. degree from Ege University in Faculty of Fisheries (1995-1999). She received the M.Sc. in Institute of Natural and Applied Sciences, Ege University in Department of Marine Biology (2000-2003) and Ph.D. degrees from Ege University at Department of Marine Biology (2003-2009). She worked as a Research Assistant in Ege University, Faculty of Fisheries, Department of Hydrobiology between 2000 and 2003; as an Assistant of Prof. Dr. in University of Sinop Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biology between 2010 and 2018; as an Assoc. Prof. Dr. in University of Sinop, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biology since 2018. She has specialized in polychaete taxonomy and benthic ecology and involved in several National and International Projects. She has published various papers in international journals with 459 citations. Main Field: Polychaeta Taxonomy, Benthic Ecology, Alien Species, Marine Pollution Monitoring, Experience of working in the Black Sea: 2011-2020: National Monitoring Project/Programme in the Black Sea (TUBİTAK- Marmara Research Centre, summer interval_ RV-Marmara); 2012-2014: Monitoring on benthos in Igneada related with MISIS Project; 2019-2020: ANEMONE Project. Assist. Prof. Dr. Fatih Sahin (male) Main Field: Marine Phytoplankton Taxonomy and Marine Biology, Experience of working in the Black Sea: 2002-2012: Monitoring on plankton and benthos (monthly interval_ RV-Arastirma-I) in the Middle of the Black Sea Turkish Coasts; 2011-2020: National Monitoring Project/Programme in the Black Sea (TUBİTAK- Marmara Research Center, winter&summer interval_ RV-Marmara); 2012-2014: Monitoring on plankton and benthos in Igneada related with MISIS Project; 2013: Joint Survey (RV-Akademi) Western Black Sea related with MISIS Project. 2019: Joint Survey (RV-Mare Nigrum) Black Sea related with ANEMONE Project. Researcher and Specialist in DerinSu Underwater Engineering Firm: 2011-2020: Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant Project, Organisational / managerial skills: Expert in sampling of phytoplankton, zooplankton, macrozoobenthos and meiobenthos, Job-related skills: Good experience in Compound Light-Inverted -Epifluorescence Microscopy, Experience in Services: Responsible person of the faculty metadata/datasets in BlackSeaScene and EMODNET. Assist. Prof. Dr. Elif Arici (female) completed her MSc at Istanbul University in 2012. She received her Ph.D. at Hydrobiology Department of Fisheries Faculty in Sinop University, Turkey. Her PhD study focused on assessment of heavy metal concentrations in macroalgae and seagrasses along Sinop coastline of the Black Sea. Her work involves both biological and chemistries procedures and contaminants effect on human health. She received a good training in techniques, she has subsequently used in her researcher. Her works would thus make significant contribution to the use and interpretation of pollution studies which are becoming standard monitoring and regulatory tools in the marine environment. As it can be seen her works that she has shown herself to be of the higher standard. She has played major role in the design of her research programme and has executed the works with great care and precision. She involved in many projects, attended practical training and scientific meeting and is known international membership for many societies. She is well organized in procedures and improve herself. She has been worked as assistant professor doctor at University of Sinop Vocational School of Health Services since 2019. Aysah Oztekin (Ph.D. student, female) has been a research assistant at Sinop University, Fisheries Faculty since 2012. She graduated from Süleyman Demirel University, Eğirdir Faculty of Fisheries, Department of Aquaculture Engineering in 2011. She is working on aquatic pollutants, especially marine litter and microplastic in marine environment. She researched on marine litter and microplastics in master's degree. She continues her doctorate in University of Sinop and she is doing her Ph.D. dissertation on microplastic pollution in sediment samples in the Black Sea. Her current field interests are also microplastics. She works on many projects, participated field trips and seagoing expeditions, attended scientific meeting. Her papers are original and high standards and shown that she works hard and enthusiastically. Ugur Ozsandikci (Ph.D. student, male) graduated from İstanbul University, Faculty of Fisheries in 2011. He completed his master's degree in 2015 with his work on estimating population size of European sprat (Sprattus sprattus). He has been continuing his doctorate education on marine mammals at Sinop University since 2015. His main study topics are fisheries biology, marine mammals, geographic information systems, distance sampling and interactions between fisheries and marine mammals. He took part in the field studies and reporting stages of



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many projects related to fisheries, marine mammals and long-term observation studies. He is currently working as a research assistant at University of Sinop, Fisheries Faculty.


1. Bat L, Öztekin A, Arıcı E. (2017). Marine Litter Pollution in the Black Sea: Assessment of the Current Situation in Light of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. In: Sezgin, M., Bat, L., Ürkmez, D., Arıcı, E., Öztürk, B. (Eds.) Black Sea Marine Environment: The Turkish Shelf. Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV), Publication No: 46, ISBN- 978-975-8825-38-7, Istanbul, TURKEY, pp. 476-494.

2. Bat, L., Özkan, E. Y. (2019). Heavy Metal Levels in Sediment of the Turkish Black Sea Coast. In I. Management Association (Ed.), Oceanography and Coastal Informatics: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice (pp. 86-107). Hershey, PA: IGI Global. doi:10.4018/978-1-5225-7308-1.ch004

3. Snejana Moncheva, Laura Boicenco, Alexander S. Mikaelyan, Andrei Zotov, Natalia Dereziuk, Ciuri Gvarishvili, Natalia Slabakova, Radka Mavrodieva, Oana Vlas, Larisa A. Pautova, Vladimir A. Silkin, Volodymyr Medinets, Fatih Sahin, Ali Muzaffer Feyzioglu, 2019. “The State and Dynamics of the Biological Community: 1.3.2. Phytoplankton”. In: BSC 2019. “State of the Environment of the Black Sea (2009-2014/5)”. Edited by Anatoly Krutov. Publications of the Commission on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution (BSC) 2019, Istanbul, Turkey, ISBN 978-605-84837-0-5, pp. 811.

4. Öztekin, A., Bat, L., & Gokkurt-Baki, O. (2020). Beach litter pollution in Sinop Sarikum Lagoon coast of the southern Black Sea. Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 20(3), 197-205.

5. Öztekin, A., & Bat, L. (2017). Microlitter pollution in sea water: A preliminary study from Sinop Sarikum coast of the southern Black Sea. Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 17(7), 1431-1440.

6. Bat L, Sezgin M, Şahin F, Birinci Özdemir Z, Ürkmez D. (2013). Sinop city fishery of the Black Sea. Marine Science, 3(3): 55-64. DOI: 10.5923/j.ms.20130303.01.

7. Bat L, Bat L, Sahin F, Sezgin M, Gonener S, Erdem E, Ozsandıkcı U. (2018). Fishery of Sinop coasts in the Black Sea surveys. Eur J Biol., 77(1): 18-25. doi: 10.26650/EuroJBiol.2018.388175


Although Sinop University is currently considered to be one of the youngest universities of Turkey, the university is involved in many European Union projects. Selection of European/International projects 1. ARENA (A REgional Capacity Building and Networking Programme to Upgrade Monitoring and

Forecasting Activity in the Black Sea Basin) (2003-2006). Project Number: EVK3-CT-2002-80011 ARENA. 2. ASCABOS (A Supporting Programme for Capacity Building in the Black Sea Region towards Operational

Status of Oceanographic Services) (2005-2008) (Call identifier FP6-2004-Global-3 Global Change and Ecosystems; proposal no: 518063-1)

3. BLACK SEA SCENE (Black Sea Scientific Network) (2005-2008) (Call identifier FP6-2004-Infrastructures-5 Research Infrastructures; proposal no: 022868) and UP-GRADE BS-SCENE (Up-Grade Black Sea Scientific Network) (2009-2011) (Call identifier FP7-2008-1 Infrastructures Research Infrastructures, Combination of Collaborative Project and Coordination and Support Action; proposal no: 226592).

4. CoCoNET—Towards COast to COast NETworks of marine protected areas (from the shore to the high and deep sea), coupled with sea-based wind energy potential (2012-2016) Call identifier FP7-OCEAN-2011 Collaborative project; project number: 287844.

5. MISIS- "MSFD (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) Guiding Improvements in the Black Sea Integrated Monitoring System (2012-2015) in response to the Call for Proposals under the EU Program 'Preparatory action - Environmental monitoring of the Black Sea Basin and a common European framework Programme for development of the Black Sea region', Ref. Black Sea and Mediterranean 2011. Agreement number: 07.020400/20 12/616044/SUB/D2

We are connected to dataset provider services such as http://www.blackseascene.net/ EMODNET and http://ciesm.org/online/institutes/institute.php?instID=TUR7


The main scientific objective of laboratory is to carry out research concerning the diversity of marine life at all levels of biological organization, as well as the interaction of marine and freshwater life with their various environments. Its recent activities and research perspectives cover the following areas: • Estimation and conservation of biodiversity and ecological quality


http://www.blackseascene.net/

http://ciesm.org/online/institutes/institute.php?instID=TUR7


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• Invertebrates, fishes, flora (taxonomic determination), Feeding regime • Phyto and Zoo and Macrozooplankton distribution, biomass • Gelatinous organism monitoring • Marine litter and microplastics Chemistry Laboratory: The main scientific objective of laboratory is to carry out research concerning the water quality parameters. Its recent activities and research perspectives cover the following areas: • Biochemical and physical processes controlling the distribution of nutrients, organic matter, dissolved

oxygen, trace metals, primary productivity in the Black Sea. Fishing and Fish Processing Laboratory: The chief scientific objective of Fishing and Fish Processing Laboratory is the assessment of fishery resources in Turkish Black Sea waters and their sustainable management and fish processing techniques. Its recent activities and research perspectives cover the following areas: • Biochemical dynamics and the quality of fresh and frozen fish: • Fish-Catching methods • Selectivity of the major fishing gears • Fishing effort of the various fishery gears. • Marine mammals

Participant 30 EMB - European Marine Board Ivzw, Belgium

European Marine Board IVZW (EMB)

Belgium

www.marineboard.eu


The European Marine Board (EMB) facilitates enhanced cooperation between European marine science organizations towards the development of a common vision on the strategic research priorities for marine science in Europe. By providing a unique pan-European forum for our members (mainly major national marine and oceanographic research performing institutes, funding agencies and national university consortia) we develop marine research foresight, initiate state-of-the-art analyses and translate these into clear policy recommendations to European institutions and national governments. Through this extensive scientific network, which represents over 10,000 scientists and technical staff, we identify emerging scientific and societal challenges and opportunities. We articulate the research and capacity needs to address them, and foster European research collaboration towards a sustainable use of the seas and ocean. The key outputs from EMB are our high-level publications, open events and workshops bringing together scientists, decision makers and stakeholders to collectively address a topic of identified scientific and societal importance. For these publications and events, we draw on our pan-European scientific network to identify the best experts, nominated by our members. All our publications are peer-reviewed by both our full membership and by leading global experts to ensure the rigour and usability of our strategic science policy advice. Furthermore, EMB organizes various events (ranging from small scale lunch sessions to high level large stakeholder events (e.g. the EMB Open Forum, EurOCEAN Conferences) to discuss specific marine topics with policy makers, industry, NGO’s etc. to elaborate on the societal impact.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

EMB will be working on WP8 Enhancing science-policy dialogue to help facilitate a structured, efficient dialogue among research and scientific institutions, industry, policy makers and civil society. A bottom-up, multidisciplinary approach will be used, with the aim to enable synergies, promote practical knowledge transfer experiences in at least six specific Black Sea areas and contribute to evidence-based policy making while engaging citizens. This will be done by producing a Policy Brief on multi-stressors and resilience. The target policy makers will include representatives from all related blue economy sectors, including BRIDGE's target sectors of tourism, aquaculture, blue biotech and renewable energy.



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Prof Sheila JJ Heymans (female) is the Executive Director of the European Marine Board (EMB) and Professor in Ecosystem Modelling at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and the Scottish Association for Marine Science. She is Co-Chair of the EOOS Steering Group, sits on the Ecopath Consortium Advisory Board, the Modelling Workshop Steering Committee of the “Global Seamounts Project”, the International Advisory Board of the Norwegian MENSA project, the Gender and Diversity Board of the EuroSea project, and the External Advisory Board for EMBRsea, EuroFleetsPlus and the EU Blue Cloud projects. She was a lead author on the International Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) chapter: “Policy support tools and methodologies for scenario analysis and modelling of biodiversity and ecosystem services”. She was part of the “Understanding ecosystems for sustainable resource exploitation in the deep ocean” scoping group for UK NERC, on the scientific advisory groups for the UK ESPA project SPACES, the EU F7 project MAREFRAME and the EU H2020 MARINERG-I Transnational Advisory Committee. Over the past 20 years her research has spanned the environmental impacts of fisheries and ecosystem change. She has published > 70 peer-reviewed publications on a variety of topics ranging from the ecosystem effects of fishing, indicators of ecosystem status, and the reasons for species decline, to the impact of fishing subsidies on marine ecosystems. As Executive Director of the EMB she leads the EMB Secretariat in the foresight work undertaken including foresight workshops on Oceans and Human Health (H2020 SOPHIE) and the working groups such as Big Data in Marine Science, Ecosystem Modelling, Biological Observations and Training Marine Professionals, among others. She is also the lead editor of the Foresight document Navigating the Future V published last year. Dr Paula Kellett (female) is a Science Officer at the European Marine Board (EMB). In this role, she is heavily involved in stakeholder engagement activities, organizing and running foresight activities and organizing events on a wide range of marine science-policy topics, including the contribution of marine science to the UN 2030 Agenda, marine citizen science, marine graduate training, European research vessels, and Oceans and Human Health. She obtained her Masters degree in Naval Architecture and Small Craft Engineering from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK in 2010. She obtained her Doctorate in ship radiated underwater noise and impact on marine wildlife, also from the University of Strathclyde, in 2014. She then worked as Research Associate at the University of Strathclyde on a number of EU-funded FP7 projects including AQUO and SHOPERA. Ángel E. Muñiz Piniella (male) is a Science Officer at the European Marine Board (EMB). He is responsible for supporting the EMB Communications Panel (EMBCP), the European Ocean Observation System (EOOS) Advisory Committee and the interactions with the IPCC. He is in charge of organizing and running foresight activities and organizing events on a wide range of marine science-policy topics, including biological ocean observations, marine geohazards, the EurOCEAN conferences and the Navigating the Future flagship document. He was and is currently involved in several EU projects and tenders, including the EuroSea project on ocean observations and the EU4Ocean Coalition for Ocean Literacy. He obtained his marine science degree at the University of Vigo, Spain and he has a Masters in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management from the Free University of Brussels, University of Ghent and University of Antwerp in Belgium. He has held positions at the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), the Research Council of Norway (RCN) and the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO), as member of the secretariats of the Joint Programing Initiatives on Oceans (JPI Oceans) and Climate Knowledge (JPI Climate).


1. Austen M.C., Andersen P., Armstrong C., Döring R., Hynes S., Levrel H., Oinonen S., Ressurreição A. (2019) Valuing Marine Ecosystems - Taking into account the value of ecosystem benefits in the Blue Economy, Coopman, J., Heymans, JJ., Kellett, P., Muñiz Piniella, A., French, V., Alexander, B. [Eds.] Future Science Brief 5 of the European Marine Board, Ostend, Belgium. 32pp. ISBN: 9789492043696 ISSN: 4920-43696 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.2602732

2. Heymans JJ, Skogen M, Schrum C, Solidoro C. 2018. Enhancing Europe’s capability in marine ecosystem modelling for societal benefit. Larkin KE, Coopman J, Muñiz Piniella A, Kellett P, Simon C, Rundt C, Viegas C, Heymans JJ. [Eds.] Future Science Brief 4 of the European Marine Board, Ostend, Belgium. 32 pp. ISBN: 9789492043580; ISSN: 2593-5232.

3. European Marine Board (2019) Navigating the Future V: Marine Science for a Sustainable Future. Position Paper 24 of the European Marine Board, Ostend, Belgium. ISBN: 9789492043757. ISSN: 0167-9309. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.2809392

4. Claudet J, Bopp L, Cheung WL, Devillers R, Escobar-Briones E, Haugan P, Heymans JJ, Masson-Delmotte V, Matz-Lück N, Miloslavich P, Mullineaux L, Visbeck M, Watson R, Zivian AM, Ansorge I, Araujo M, Aricó S, Bailly D, Barbière J, Barnerias C, Bowler C, Brun V, Cazenave A, Diver C, Euzen A, Gaye AT,



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Hilmi N, Ménard F, Moulin, C, Muñoz P, Parmentier R, Pebayle A, Pörtner H-O, Osvaldina S, Richard P, Serrão Santos R, Sicre M-A, Thiébault S, Thiele T, Troublé, R, Tura A, Uku J, Gaill F. 2019. A roadmap for using the UN Decade for Ocean Science for Sustainable Development in Support of Science, Policy and Action. One Earth 2(1): 34-42.

5. Saygu I, Heymans JJ, Fox CJ, Özbilgin H, Ahmet Raif Eryaşar AR, Gökçe G. 2020. The importance of alien species to the food web and bottom trawl fisheries of the Northeastern Mediterranean, a modelling approach. Accepted by Journal of Marine Systems, 202: 103253.


1. European Ocean Observation System (EOOS) – EOOS Conference and Steering Group (http://www.eoos-ocean.eu/conference-2018/ )

2. SOPHIE – Oceans and Humans Health – Strategic Research Agenda (https://sophie2020.eu/ ) 3. AtlantOS – Atlantic Strategy 4. SeaChange & Ocean Literacy: http://www.seachangeproject.eu/ 5. Navigating the Future I-V (http://www.marineboard.eu/navigating-future)


N/A Participant 31 IFREMER - Institut Francais De Recherche Pour L'exploitation De La Mer, France

Institut français de recherche pour l'exploitation de la mer – (IFREMER)

France

wwz.ifremer.fr/


IFREMER (French Ocean Research Institute, about 1800 employees, 211 M€ annual budget, 25 mainland and overseas locations in France was created in 1984 and is a “public industrial and commercial institution” (EPIC) under the joint supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, and the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Sea. Through research, studies and expert assessments performed on main current socio-economic questions (e.g. climate change, marine biodiversity, pollution prevention, sustainable fishery and aquaculture), IFREMER contributes to increase knowledge about the oceans and their resources, to the monitoring of marine and coastal zones, and to the sustainable development of maritime activities. For these goals, the Institute designs and operates observational, experimental and monitoring tools and facilities. Being involved in all the marine science and technology fields, IFREMER has the capability of solving problems with an integrated approach. IFREMER scope of actions can be divided into four main areas: (i) understanding, assessing, developing and managing the ocean resources (knowledge and exploration of the deep sea; contribution to the exploitation of offshore oil; understanding ocean circulation (relation with the global change); sustainable management of fishery resources; optimization and development of aquaculture production), (ii) improving knowledge, protection and restoration methods for marine environment, (iii) production and management of equipment of national interest, (iv) helping the socio-economic development of the maritime world. IFREMER is coordinating the FP7 SeaDataNetII project and the H2020 SeaDataCloud project and is one of the mains actors of the Edmonet initiative. The BRIDGE project will involve the 3 largest IFREMER’s departments: the Department of Physical Resources and Deep-sea Ecosystems (REM), the Department of Environmental and Biological Resources (RBE) and the Department of Information System and Research Infrastructure (IRSI). Three of their Research Units will contribute to the project: Scientific Information System for the Sea (SISMER); Technological Research and Developments (RDT) and Ecology and Models for Fisheries (EMH). The Directorate of European and International Affairs will be also involved in the project being responsible for the coordination aspects and international developments. Given the nature, economic and social relevance of most of IFREMER activities, special attention is given also to public outreach through special publications, participation to scientific exhibitions and increasing TRL of new technologies and sensors. IFREMER has been involved in several EC projects as either coordinator or partner.


http://www.eoos-ocean.eu/conference-2018/

http://www.eoos-ocean.eu/conference-2018/

https://sophie2020.eu/

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/maritimeforum/en/node/4484

http://www.seachangeproject.eu/


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As an integrated marine sciences research Institute, IFREMER’s scientific departments contribute to national research and innovation as well as to the European research landscape. They produce basic knowledge using a systemic approach that aims to better comprehend the processes that govern ecosystems and thus better understand the changes that affect them. Based on its capacity for observation, monitoring and assessment, targeted research results in providing responses to societal issues related to both natural hazards (e.g. earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, landslides, gas emissions, storms, rise in sea level) and anthropic hazards (e.g. marine pollution sources in sea). IFREMER exploits cutting-edge technology which sustains marine science research in many domains including underwater operations; instrument systems; coastal, ocean and seafloor observatories; mineral and energy resources; fisheries and aquaculture. IFREMER also fulfils its missions by developing and managing research vessels and vehicles, sensors and other types of materials. The development of knowledge and systems relies not only on laboratories and services but also on infrastructures and testing facilities that require ongoing investments (test tanks, metrology, assembly plants, and computing platforms).

Role in BRIDGE-BS

IFREMER is involved in several tasks in WPs 1, 2, 5 and 8 due to its longstanding expertise in some of the WP topics and the skills and available infrastructures for the environmental approach in marine researches. In BRIDGE, IFREMER will be mainly involved in the following activities: • To promote the use of existing European data infrastructure like SeaDataNet rather than to maintain a local

database and to envisage links with the CMEMS Copernicus Marine Service • To promote existing standards in particular the SDN standards • To promote actively an "open data policy" and consequently to envisage some dedicated repository

(EMODnet ingestion / Seanoe could be a solution) with a possibility of tracking the usage of the data • To focus on the dynamics of fish assemblages by accounting for species identity, phylogenetic diversity,

functional diversity and the diversity of interactions at different spatial scales from regional to global under climate change

• To support in the selection of a set of low TRL sensors for multistressors relevant to Black Sea and testing in Pilot Sites towards TRL increase (like the microfluidic pH sensor) regarding Ifremer know-how

• To ensure coordination aspects and international collaboration


Camille Albouy (male) research focused on the dynamics of fish assemblages by accounting for species identity, phylogenetic diversity, functional diversity and the diversity of interactions at different spatial scales from regional to global under climate change. To date, his work has resulted in 49 relevant publications in peer reviewed ISI-listed journals (>2000 citations, h-index = 22). He has acquired a solid background in statistical and mechanistic modelling, including machine learning, developed a multidisciplinary approach to manage complex data from climate models. He has also expertise in leading scientific surveys. Verena Trenkel (PhD, female) has worked on a wide range of topics related to ecosystem-based fisheries management, from single stocks to communities, and from methodological developments to ecological studies in different marine ecosystems. She has also expertise in scientific surveys. VT has authored 100 peer-reviewed publications. Michèle Fichaut (female) PhD in Geology at the Université de Bretagne Occidentale (BREST, 1986) - and Master's degree in computer engineering. Responsible for the national physical and chemical oceanographic database at SISMER from 1993 to 2012, she is specialised in ORACLE RDBMS and is experienced in data management for European projects (SeaDataNet, EMODnet chemistry, Sea-Search, MEDAR/MEDATLAS, MTPII/MATER). She has been the coordinator of the SeaDataNet II FP7 european project (2011-2015) and currently coordinates the H2020 SeaDataCloud project (2016-2020), and is deeply involved in the specification of the data managemennt tools (MIKADO, NEMO, OCTOPUS) as well as in the data transport format definitions. Gilbert Maudire (male) engineer in Mathematics and Computing Sciences, Toulouse, ENSEEIHT 1985. At IFREMER since 1992, presently deputy director of "Marine Infrastructures" department, has been involved or in charge of the development and operation of several marine data management systems: French National Oceanographic Data Centre (SISMER), Information System for Fishery Monitoring (Harmonie), French Information System on Water, Operational Oceanography (Coriolis and Copernicus Environmental Marine Services), climatology (MEDAR). As a specialist in marine data management and information technologies, Gilbert Maudire is well experienced in designing, developing and operating data management systems in distributed and interoperable contexts. He was coordinator of the SeaDataNet European project from 2006 to



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2011. He is now Director of the Marine Data Cluster (Odatis) of the French Earth Observation Data Research Infrastructure which coordinates the main French marine data centres. Philippe Moguedet, (male) senior scientist, has a sound background in marine science, data collection and fish stock assessment. Over its carrier he has worked in fisheries research being active in scientific working groups of several international organization such as ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) and NAFO (Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization). He acted during 7 years as STECF (Scientific Technical Economic Committee for Fisheries) Vice Chairman. He has a strong experience in developing integrated and regional approaches for data collection in fisheries and for ecosystem-based fisheries management (e.g. being involved in the FP7 - EU CREAM project: Coordinating research in support to application of EAF (Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries) and management advice in the Mediterranean and Black Seas). Philippe is currently acting as scientific and policy officer in the European and International Affairs Department of IFREMER, SCAR-Fish member (Chair during 2017) and EFARO member. He is also involved in the EU BANOS - CSA (The Baltic and North Sea Coordination and Support Action). Agathe Laës-Huon (female) is involved in analytical chemistry dedicated to seawater analysis and development of in situ instrumentation for monitoring marine chemicals and pollutants in coastal and deep-sea waters (FIA, electrochemistry, extraction and water sampling). She is in charge of the in situ chemical analyzers CHEMINI project, instrumentation deployed since 2010 on the European deep-sea observatory EMSO Acores. Jérôme Blandin (male) holds a diploma of Electrical Engineering from the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon, France (1987). He began his career in industrial companies before joining IFREMER in 1994 for developing oceanographic instrumentation electronics. From 2001 on, he became Project Manager of seafloor observatories and PM of subsea observatories from 2012 on. Blandin actively contributes to the harmonization of observational practices through a commitment in several related EC funded projects. He helped define the EGIM (EMSO Generic Instrument Module) concept for the EMSOdev project (2015-2019). He coordinated IFREMER’s involvement in the EMSO-Link project (2017-2020) and led a work package dedicated to Standards and Interoperability. J. Blandin is leader of the EMSO ERIC Engineering and Logistics Service Group, member of EMSO ERIC Executive Committee and member of EMSO-France Science and Technology SC. He participated in 22 oceanographic cruises and directed 5 of them.

Up to 5 publications/ relevant to the content of the proposal

1. Albouy C, Archambault P, Appeltans W, Araújo MB, First global-scale prediction of fish food web Beauchesne D, Cazelles K, Cirtwill AR, Fortin MJ, Galiana N, Leroux SJ, Pellissier L, Poisot T, Stouffer DB, Wood SA & Gravel D. (2019). The marine fish food web is globally connected. Nature ecology & evolution 3, 8.

2. Pellissier L, Albouy C*, Bascompte J, Farwig N, Graham C, Loreau M, Maglianesi MA, Melián CJ, Pitteloud C, Roslin T, Rohr R, Saavedra S, Thuiller W, Woodward G, Zimmermann NE & Gravel D (2017). Comparing species interaction networks along environmental gradients. Biological reviews 93 (2), 785-80.

3. Albouy C, Leprieur F, Le Loc'h F, Mouquet N, Meynard C.N, Douzery E.J.P & Mouillot D (2015). Projected impacts of climate change on the different components of climate warming on the functional and phylogenetic Mediterranean coastal fish biodiversity.components of coastal Mediterranean fish biodiversity. Ecography 37: 001-009.

4. Hosack GR, Trenkel VM. (2019) Functional group based marine ecosystem assessment for the Bay of Biscay via elasticity analysis. PeerJ, 7:e7422 http://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7422 De Pontual H., Bertignac M., Battaglia A., G. Bavouzet, Moguedet Ph, A. L. Groison, 2003. A pilot tagging experiment on European Hake (Merluccius merluccius): methodology and preliminary results. ICES Journal of Marine Science: Journal du Conseil. Vol. 60, 1318-1327.

5. Daniel, A., Laës-huon, A., Barus, C., Beaton, A. D., Blandfort, D., Guigues, N., … Muraron, D. (2020). Toward a Harmonization for Using in situ Nutrient Sensors in the Marine Environment. 6 (January), 1–22. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2019.00773

6. Shaap, M. Wenzer, 2017, EMODnet Phase III - Updated guidelines for SeaDataNet ODV production, 27/06/2017, 21 pp., DOI: 10.6092/259c43eb-4ba4-419b-bb38- df00e189bd35

7. Sarradin P.M., Blandin J., Cannat M., Sarrazin J., Godfroy A., Rommevaux C., Colaço A., Crawford W., Ballu V., Escartin J., Chavagnac V. and Reverdin G. (2016) Latest highlights from the EMSO-Azores deep sea observatory. European Geosciences Union General Assembly, 17-22 April 2016, Vienna, Austria.




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1. FP7 PERSEUS (GA 287600) Policy-oriented marine Environmental Research for the Southern European Seas.

2. Coordinator of SeaDataCloud (H2020 INFRAIA-01-2016, GA no. 730960, 2016-2020, 10 M€, 56 partners, 29 countries): Further developing the pan-European infrastructure for marine and ocean data management. This project aims at considerably advancing SeaDataNet services (which connect together more than 100 data Centres aiming at preserving and making re-useable marine observations ranging from ocean physics to chemistry and biology) and increasing their usage, adopting cloud and HPC technology for better performance.

3. Coordinator of JERICO-NEXT (H2020 INFRAIA-01-2014, GA no. 654410, 2015-2018, 10 M€, 33 partners, 15 countries): Joint European Research Infrastructure network for Coastal Observatory – Novel European expertise for coastal observatories. This project consists in strengthening and enlarging a solid and transparent European network in providing operational services for the timely, continuous and sustainable delivery of high-quality environmental data and information products related to marine environment in European coastal seas.

4. Work Package co-leader in BLUEMED (H2020 BG-13-2016, GA no. 727453, 2016-2020, 3 M€, 11 partners, 9 countries): Coordination and Support Action for the exploitation of the BLUEMED Research and Innovation Initiative for blue jobs and growth in the Mediterranean area, with particular reference to the implementation of the BLUEMED Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA).

5. Work Package leader inATLAS (H2020 BG-01-2015, GA no. 678760, 2016-2020, 9 M€, 24 partners, 11 countries). A Trans-AtLantic Assessment and deep-water ecosystem-based Spatial management plan for Europe: Dynamic new partnership between multinational industries, SMEs, governments and academia to assess the Atlantic’s deep-sea ecosystems and Marine Genetic Resources and create the integrated and adaptive planning products needed for sustainable Blue Growth.

6. Work Package leader in AtlantOS (H2020 BG-08-2014, GA no. 633211, 2015-2019, 20 M€, 62 partners, 18 countries): Optimizing and Enhancing the Integrated Atlantic Ocean Observing System. This project aims to achieve a transition from a loosely-coordinated set of existing ocean observing activities to a sustainable, efficient, and fit-for-purpose Integrated Atlantic Ocean Observing System (IAOOS), by defining requirements and systems design, improving the readiness of observing networks and data systems, and engaging stakeholders around the Atlantic; and leaving a legacy and strengthened contribution to the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS).

7. MEGAFAUNA project funding by the Monaco explorations 8. Work Package Leader in EMSO-Link (H2020 INFRADEV-03-2016, GA no. 731036, 20147-2020, 4 M€, 12

partners, 8 countries): Implementation of the Strategy to Ensure the EMSO ERIC’s Long-term Sustainability. The objective is to accelerate the establishment of EMSO ERIC governance rules and procedures and to facilitate the coordination of EMSO infrastructure construction, operation, extension and maintenance.


EMSO The European Multidisciplinary Seafloor and water-column Observatory European Research Infrastructure Consortium (EMSO ERIC, www.emso-eu.org) is a distributed Research Infrastructure of marine observatories placed at key sites around Europe, addressing natural hazards, climate change and marine ecosystems in the service of science researchers, marine technology engineers, policy makers, and the public. EMSO-FRANCE EMSO-France Research Infrastructure groups the French participation to EMSO ERIC. It is co-led by IFREMER and CNRS. The French commitment into EMSO is driven by its role in data management and technological innovation and by the selection of the observatory sites: Azores on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Ligurian Sea, Marmara Sea and a test site near Molène island. ILICO Established in 2016, the Coastal and Coastal Research Infrastructure (ILICO) aims to observe and understand coastal and marine environments and ecosystems as a whole. Thus, ILICO brings together a set of observation devices to collect samples and deploy various measuring instruments by federating 8 observation services, called "elementary networks" that are: COAST HF, CORAIL, DYNALIT, MOOSE, PHYTOBS, ReefTemps, SOMLIT and SONEL. Conducting long-term monitoring also helps to understand and anticipate certain large-scale processes and phenomena that may impact coastal areas (quantifying the impact of certain extreme events such as tsunamis or cyclones). Testing facilities IFREMER is also involved in the operation of specialized development and test environments like 1000 bar



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pressure chambers, test tanks, climatic chambers, robotics labs with test vehicles and manipulators, hardware-in-the-loop simulators and 300m quayside harbour facilities.

Participant 32 CHX - Crowdhelix Limited, Ireland

Crowdhelix Limited (CHX)

Ireland

network.crowdhelix.com


The Crowdhelix Network (CHX) is a pan-European Open Innovation Network that enables Research Technology Organisations (RTOs) and businesses to collaborate, innovate and grow. Crowdhelix is based in Ireland at University College Cork’s Tyndall National Institute. The Crowdhelix Network has more than 600-member organisations from 81 countries and is present in all EU Member State countries. The network membership is reported to have won more than €7 billion of funding under Horizon 2020, highlighting the quality of its membership base. The network is structured around virtual technology clusters known as Helixes. There are currently 24 live Helixes in areas such as Digital, Health and Energy etc. The network hosts focused collaborative events for each Helix, each year where the aim is to connect organisations across Europe and promote collaboration and open innovation. In addition to hosting and running events, CH also has its own technology tool called: Crowdhelix. The tool is designed so people and organisations can profile their expertise and capabilities within a Helix area. It is then used to help organisations post opportunities, which are matched to people’s profiles within the platform. Once a match is made the CH team then helps to facilitate an opportunity so that it then turns into a tangible collaboration.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

CHX will set up a bespoke technology cluster (Helix) for the project, in turn acting as a commercial accelerator for the project with the principal goal of driving sustained industry exploitation, identifying IP licencing opportunities for continued revenues, motivating commercial partnerships, and steering industry & economic sustainability paths. The Helix will include all project partners, as well as relevant stakeholders from the pan-European CHX community that currently has a reach to over 600,000 actors across 81 countries (EU SMEs, RTOs, Universities and Industries). More fundamentally, the Helix will profile and inject relevant commercial actors from across Europe, such as SMEs and Industry leaders commercialising in this space, with a view to forging alliances and partnerships that are in the spirit of growth, expansion and ongoing sustainability and advancement of the IP created beyond the end of the project. The project’s Helix will also integrate other aligned projects in the domain of the project, with the end goal of establishing and motivating commercial partnerships across domain relevant sister-projects in this space, thus fusing and joining relevant actors on a path towards realising commercial outputs through commercial partnerships that the Helix will identify and motivate. The Helix will also identify relevant and appropriate open source communities with a view to ensuring that open outputs from the project are made available and accessible to all EU SMEs, RTOs, Universities and Industry actors, in the spirit of open dissemination and sharing. CHX will play a central role in enabling and supporting commercialisation and Industry adoption of the IP created, with appropriate outreach activities channelled and driven through the Helix. The project’s commercialisation, exploitation and IP strategy will be part of, and integrated into, the Helix activities and the Helix will also help to form and drive new forms of untapped capability and capacity in this area. The Helix will act as a commercial and economic accelerator for the project both during the project and after the project has ended. CHX will continue to manage the community beyond the end of the project – promoting the project’s outputs and impacts and enabling new forms of collaboration and open innovation across the European Research Area.




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Michael Browne (male) is co-founder of CHX. Michael is also Head of European Research and Innovation at UCL. Michael has overseen the award and delivery of more than 1 billion euros of EU funded grants and has more than 15 years’ experience in managing and exploiting large-scale international collaborative projects. Michael has extensive experience in shaping and influencing policy at regional, national and EU levels. Riam Kanso (female) is responsible for overseeing the progress of the platform and its position in the academia-industry ecosystem. Riam has a research background (Neuroscience PhD) and has worked on building academic-industry collaborations throughout her career, both in the public sector and private consultancy space. Riam has been involved in the creation and management of acceleration programmes for start-ups and their training and has great experience in working with mid-cap companies. Due to previous positions in academia and government, Riam has acquired significant experience and knowledge in science policy. Abdul Rahim (male) is a founder and director of CHX (https://network.crowdhelix.com/). He has a proven track record of establishing strategic, mutually beneficial partnerships and relationships. He is an expert in public funding and has secured several € millions for organisations and institutions. Abdul has significant links with UK and European Universities and focuses on connecting business to research institutions. He was on the board of London Metropolitan University from its formation to March 2010. He was Vice Chairman and Chair of its Finance and Human Resources Committee. Prior to that he was on the board of University of North London and was on the joint board during the merger with London Guildhall University to form London Metropolitan University. He is currently an Advisory Board Member, Faculty of Business and Management at Regent’s University. Abdul holds a Master in Business Administration (MBA) and is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts & Manufacturing.


The Crowdhelix platform is the technology arm of the CHX network. It hosts Helixes (virtual technology communities) across the network and enables organisations and people to profile themselves on the platform. It acts as a match-making and profiling tool for organisations. A technology Helix will be designed and centred around the project within the platform which will open up the project beyond the project consortium to other member organisations (600+ organisations in 81 countries) as well as commercial partners, clients, commercial acceleration bodies, related EU projects with overlapping interests with a view to forging commercial partnerships/collaborations, as well as the VC and Angel network with interests in the domain areas of the project.


1. CRUCIAL [EU H2020]: CRUCIAL will develop new state-of-the-art imaging for the brain and heart and in understanding the mechanisms that link neural and cardiac deterioration in patients with these comorbidities. CH is developing a CoMorbidity Helix and will lead on the dissemination and Capacity building activities and contribute to the exploitation and commercialisation activities.

2. MultiCycle [EU H2020]: MC will develop advanced and sustainable recycling processes and value chains for plastic-based multi-materials. CH is developing the Circular Plastics Helix and will lead on the Dissemination and Capacity building activities, and contribute to the exploitation and commercialisation activities being led by Inlecom.

3. PRIME-VR2 [EU H2020]: PRIME-VR2 will develop an accessible, collaborative VR rehabilitation environment for users with compromised physical capability on the path to rehabilitation. CH is developing a Virtual Reality Helix, which will focus on developing a marketplace for the PRIME-VR2 exploitation.

4. ASTEP [EU H2020]: ASTEP will create a new innovative Solar Heating for Industrial Processes (SHIP) concept focused on overcoming the current limitations of these systems. CHX is developing a Solar Energy Helix, which will focus on developing a marketplace for the ASTEP exploitation.

5. ASTRAL [EU H2020]: ASTRAL will see CHX launch and manage a new Helix in the area of Aquaculture, focused on dissemination and exploitation of project results for the ASTRAL project and consortium. This Helix will also look to facilitate collaborative partnerships for further EU funded calls within the area of Aquaculture both during and beyond the lifespan of the project.


Crowdhelix Virtual Platform

Participant 33 MIREA - Russian Technological University, Russia

Russian Technological University (RTU MIREA)



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Russia

english.mirea.ru/


RTU MIREA is directly attached to the Ministry of Science and High Education of the Russian Federation. Recognized both in Russia and abroad as a modern educational and research center, university successfully combines classical traditions with modern technology in the educational system. Since its creation, RTU MIREA has always kept up to date constantly expanding the range of academic programs according to the state demand for engineering staff, increasing quality of specialists’ training and achieving international recognition. RTU MIREA is one of the leaders in the field of training of highly qualified specialists for science-intensive branches: telecommunications, information and computer technologies, automatic equipment, cybernetics, maritime affairs, chemistry, biotechnologies, etc. Today, RTU MIREA has more than 50 base departments at research institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences, design offices and hi-tech enterprises. Having blended general scientific theoretical training and students’ practical activities at the largest industry forming innovative enterprises with advanced technologies, RTU MIREA guarantees effective students’ training which meets the requirements of future employment. RTU MIREA has the wide network of research centers, scientific laboratories and students design offices. Its faculty includes 21 fellow and corresponding members of the Russian Academy of Sciences, as well as more than 280 members of other national and international academies and other scientific organizations. Internationally recognized achievements of scientific schools and researchers of MRTU MIREA serve as a basis for strong partnership with universities, scientific centers and large companies and corporations of Germany, France, South Korea, Singapore, Finland, China, Japan and other countries. The Institute of International Education of the University is training more than 800 foreign students from 66 countries. Exchange of teaching and research staff with universities in European countries and reciprocal internships have become traditional. Educational programs of academic exchange, including double diploma programs are actively developed as well. RTU MIREA is proud of its highly qualified faculty, modern technical and material base, vigorous scientific activity and extensive international links. One of the RTU MIREA institutes - The Institute for Integrated Studies of National Maritime Policy - has a unique experience and competence in research of the integrated development of the maritime affairs and coastal territories. For over 15 years, IIS actively participate in the projects on spatial development of the maritime affairs and innovative technologies for maritime activity regulation, on institutional economics of management, strategic forecasting and development planning for the Arctic zone, including by using foresight methodology.

Role in BRIDGE-BS

In BRIDGE-BS, RTU MIREA will contribute to activities under the WPs; WP4 Adaptive Management, WP6 Socio-economics and social innovations, WP8 Enhancing science-policy dialogue, and WP 9 Education and Capacity Building.


Andrei Lappo (male), PhD, Project manager, Academician of the National Academy of Tourism of Russia, member of the Board of the Guild of Town Planners of Russia. From 2003 to 2014. A. Lappo was the head of the NIIPGradostroitelstva, SPb – a leading federal spatial planning institute in Russia. Andrei Lappo work in the field of MSP, Blue Growths and Blue Economy since 2010, he steered the development of MSP Toolkit of the Russian Federation (NIIPGradostroitelstva, 2012) - the basic methodology document for further projects on Russian MSP and since 2018 managed a number of projects aimed to transboundary MSP in the Russian Baltic and Barents sea areas, in 2019-2020 he managed an activity on pilot planning in the Gulf of Finland of the Interreg project “BalticRIM – Baltic Sea Region Integrated Maritime Cultural Heritage Management”. Currently, Mr. Lappo is leading the development of the Russian MSP Roadmap (project-platform “Capacity4MSP”, program Interreg. Baltic Sea Region). Dr. Lappo is a member of the Joint HELCOM-VASAB Maritime Spatial Planning Working Group, an expert of the Committee on Ecology and Nature Management of the State Duma of the Russian Federation (2015-2017), member of the BS Blue Growth Initiative SRIA WG. A.Lappo is one of the authors of the Interactive simulation games “Maritime Spatial Planning. If I were a Decision-maker!” (BBNP, 2018-2020), «MCH&MSP» (BalticRIM, 2019) Education: Higher Engineering Technical School, The St. Petersburg State University


https://english.mirea.ru/


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Larisa Danilova (female), project coordinator- analyst. L. Danilova joined MSP and Blue Growth-relate activities in 2013 after the completion of the MSP Course for professionals organized by the Maritime Institute in Gdansk and Åbo Akademi University. Presently, Mrs. Danilova works in HELCOM-VASAB MSP WG, Drafting Group on Baltic Sea Region MSP Roadmap and The Baltic Sea Region MSP Data Expert Sub-group (http://www.helcom.fi/action-areas/maritime-spatial-planning/helcom-vasab-groups-on-msp). Since 2018 - member of the BS Blue Growth Initiative SRIA WG. L. Danilova coordinates Russian MSP Roadmap development and is responsible for stakeholders involvement and dissemination in a number of international projects – Capacity4MSP, BalicLINEs-RU, BalticRIM, etc. L. Danilova is one of the authors of the Interactive simulation games “Maritime Spatial Planning. If I were a Decision-maker!” (BBNP, 2018-2020), «MCH&MSP» (BalticRIM, 2019) Education: The St. Petersburg State University of Economics Alexey Konovalov (male), PhD, deputy director of the RTU MIREA Institute for Integrated Studies of National Maritime Policy; head of the Private Public Partnership Department of the Scientific and Expert Council of the Maritime Board at the Government of the Russian Federation. Alexey Konovalov was the head of the Department at the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences (2002-2005); deputy director of the Center for scientific support of the Maritime Board at the Government of the Russian Federation, director of the Center “World Ocean” at the Council of Productive Resources of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation and the Russian Academy of Sciences (2005-2011); lead adviser of the Strategic Planning Department at the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation; deputy director of the “World Ocean and Arctic Region” Division at the Council of Productive Resources of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation and the Russian Academy of Sciences (2011-2016). Alexey Konovalov take an active part in elaboration of the documents for strategic planning of the maritime affairs, scientific support of the Maritime Board at the Government of the Russian Federation. He is a member of the Scientific and Expert Council of the Maritime Board at the Government of the Russian Federation, member of the Working Group on the Arctic and the North of the Intergovernmental Russian-Canadian Economic Commission. Alexey Konovalov managed more than 35 projects aimed to strategic planning of the maritime affairs. Alexey Konovalov is an author of more than 70 scientific publications. Education: Bauman Moscow State Technical University. Galina Baturova (female) PhD, director of the Center for integrated research of the maritime activity, Arctic and Antarctic regions of the Institute for Integrated Studies of National Maritime Policy at the RTU MIREA, executive secretary of the Private Public Partnership Department of the Scientific and Expert Council of the Maritime Board at the Government of the Russian Federation; deputy executive secretary of the Scientific and Expert Council of the Maritime Board at the Government of the Russian Federation; executive secretary of the Private Public Partnership Department of the Scientific and Expert Council of the Maritime Board at the Government of the Russian Federation. Galina Baturova was the head of the Sector, director of the Center “World Ocean” at the Council of Productive Resources of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation and the Russian Academy of Sciences (2004-2016). Galina Baturova take an active part in elaboration of the documents for strategic planning of the maritime affairs, social and economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, scientific support of the Maritime Board at the Government of the Russian Federation and the State Commission on Development of the Arctic region. Galina Baturova is a member of the Scientific and Expert Council of the Maritime Board at the Government of the Russian Federation. Galina Baturova managed more than 13 projects aimed to strategic planning of the maritime affairs. Galina Baturova is an author of more than 40 scientific publications. Education: Lomonosov Moscow State University.


1. Lappo, Changing the boundaries of the city to include in its territory the sea area of the Water fund (Gulf of Finland), Architectural Petersburg, №3 (53) 2018, pp. 109-111

2. Lappo “On the way to the spatial organization of the Russian Federation”, Management of the land development, Perm, 2013

3. Sergey Semenov; Olga Filatova; Alexey Konovalov; Galina Baturova. Elaboration of Information System of Infrastructure Development of the Northern Sea Route. Part of the Communications in Computer and Information Science book series (CCIS, volume 1135). Springer, 2020. doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-39296-3_20.

4. Alexey M. Konovalov and Galina V. Baturova. Determination of environmental indicators critical values depending on their impact on various types of infrastructure in harsh climate. IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science. 2019. doi:10.1088/1755-1315/345/1/012009.



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5. Zorigto Namsaraev, Alexey Konovalov, Galina Baturova. Study of feasibility of local renewable resources for substitution of fossil fuels in the Far North of Russia. IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science. 2018. doi:10.1088/1755-1315/177/1/012022.


1. BalticLINEs-RU (Swedish institute) 2. BBNP (Sida) 3. BalticRIM (Interreg. Baltic Sea Region) 4. Interactive Simulation Games «MSP - If I were a Decision-Maker» and «MSP & MCН» (ErmakNW, Sida,

2017-2020) 5. "Integrated analysis of the state of national security of the Russian Federation in the field of maritime

activities " (Report to the Government of the Russian Federation, 2019-2027) 6. "Report on scientific and technical solutions for prioritization and forecasting of the system of

environmental indicators for the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation depending on their impact on various types of infrastructure in harsh climate " (2017-2019)

7. “Elaboration and justification of the project for the borders of the religious and historical landmark “Solovetsky archipelago”, with the requirements for regimes and regulations of the adjusted White sea area" (2018-2019)


RTU MIREA is one of the leading Russian institutes in terms of technical infrastructure with its wide range of modern pc equipment. Also, RTU MIREA has infrastructure for conducting face-to-face and remote events, including all necessary equipment. IKI is equipped with workstations, office and peripheral equipment, including the computing cluster system: Intel Xeon 42U 10xE5-2690v2 2xE5-2650v2 192G 74T 4x NVIDIA Tesla K20X Hybrid computing cluster http://www.meijin.ru/server-cluster • 7 TFlops estimated processing power (GPU GPU) • 9 computing nodes • 1 control node • 8U overall size (supplied in 19"rack) • 80 CPU CPU • 4 NVidia Tesla K20x-10752 CUDA computing cores • Infin InfiniBand 40GB/s • lan 1000 Mbit / s Extension features: 97 97 96 96 TFLOPS Software for a cluster - Windows Server Standard 2012R2 x64.

4.2. Third parties involved in the project (including use of third-party resources) In the BRIDGE-BS project, only 32-CROWDHELIX do have subcontractors or linked third parties and details are given below. For all the rest of the participants there are no third parties involved. Does the participant plan to subcontract certain tasks (please note that core tasks of the project should not be sub-contracted)

No

N/A Does the participant envisage that part of its work is performed by linked third parties Yes The Crowdhelix Ltd. Platform Development UK Team are being allocated to this project. This team will lead the platform development, and has been budgeted under Crowdhelix Ltd.’s parent company (PIC: 939904587, which is based in the UK). Roughly 4-person months will be allocated for additional support to the UK based Crowdhelix Platform Development Team, as the platform is where the Helix will be virtually hosted, both during and after the end of the project. Technology development work will be required during the project to support the development of the virtual helix. Does the participant envisage the use of contributions in kind provided by third parties (Articles 11 and 12 of the General Model Grant Agreement)

No

N/A Does the participant envisage that part of the work is performed by International Partners (Article 14a of the General Model Grant Agreement)?

No

N/A



BRIDGE-BS 85

Section 5: Ethics and Security 5.1 Ethics Ethical issues regarding the BRIDGE-BS implementation have been considered from the early stages of the proposal development. Self-assessment form for H2020 programme has been filled and used as a guide to map out the ethical issues that may arise in the project life cycle. Following issues have been identified. 5.1.1. Process of personal Data With its society-oriented component and bottom-up approach, BRIDGE-BS will heavily engage a broad range of stakeholders via living labs, citizen campaigns, summits, and more. During these activities, that will be completely of voluntary nature, processing personal data will be necessary. Data collection, protection and storage will be handled in compliance with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation No 2016/679 (GDPR). As the Coordinator, the Project Coordination Team based in METU will ensure that the rules set by the Regulation will be followed. Dedicated office for Data Safety Unit under The Directorate of Information Technologies at METU will support data process during the life-time of the project and the 5 years after the end of the project and ensure compliance with both the EU regulation and national laws. A detailed guide will be provided to the consortium members within the Project Management Guide, underlining the templates (informed consent forms) and procedures to follow for data process. The consent form will be designed to be easily digestible for general public and translated into the national languages of the Black Sea countries to make it more accessible. Informed Consent Procedures BRIDGE-BS will conduct activities in various formats (workshops, events, campaigns, open days etc.) whose target ranges from students to policy makers in local, regional and international level across different WPs. In all these events, a limited personal data will be collected (name, surname, e-mail address, phone number) on a voluntary basis. Before the data collection, informed consent procedures will be applied and participants will be also provided informed consent form prior to or at the activity premises, clearly stating the purpose of the activity, how their data (personal data, picture, footage, voice recordings etc.) will be stored and processed, potential risks and benefits from participating a certain event, the contact details of the Coordinator. It will also explicitly state that participation is voluntary and that anyone has the right to refuse to participate and to withdraw their participation, samples or data at any time without any consequences. In general, it will be made sure that potential participants have fully understood the information and do not feel pressured or coerced into giving consent. Some BRIGDE-BS activities may involve minors (primary and secondary schools) under WP9 Education and Capacity Building. In this case, informed consent form will be sought from the legally authorised representatives. Informed Consent Procedure will be applied in physical events with the consent form read and signed at the arrival event. In some physical events, expert opinions, ideas and comments of the participants will be gathered. The participants will be informed beforehand that their input may be used as a primary data to feed into reports. This input will be used anonymously such that the obtained data cannot be traced back to a specific participant. Participants will reserve the right to withdraw their input any time. In virtual meetings, the data collection and process procedures will be provided to potential participants prior to the event, before collection of any data. The same procedures will be applied for BRIDGE-BS newsletter. The dedicated webpage to be developed for BRIDGE-BS which expect to use cookies will provide privacy and cookies policy in an easily accessible and visible manner. Virtual Platforms and Data protection BRIDGE-BS Platform will be set up to provide the crucial ecosystem data and modeling results in an accessible form to scientists, public, and decision-makers. The platform will be set up and maintained in a cooperation with the dedicated task lead UkrSCES and METU. Black Sea Helix platform that will be on the Crowdhelix server will collect personal data from its users, and processes it in full accordance with applicable legislation, including GDPR. Among the types of Personal Data that Crowdhelix collects, by itself or through third parties, there are: Cookies; Usage Data; email address; first name; last name; company name; profession; workplace; field of activity; website; profile picture; academic background. Crowdhelix takes appropriate security measures to prevent unauthorised access, disclosure, modification, or unauthorised destruction of the Personal Data it collects. Internally, under the terms of a Group Data Processing Agreement (incorporating the GDPR Standard Contractual Clauses) both Crowdhelix (Ireland) and its parent company Crowdhelix (UK) are members of the same group of companies, and transfer data including Personal Data to each other for their usual business activities, in full accordance with applicable legislation and any specific confidentiality obligations entered into by either company. Members will be added to the platform after consent and reserve to opt out any time they wish.



BRIDGE-BS 86

A password-protected Intranet will be set up to act as a data repository for internal sue. The platform will be only accessible by registered members and unauthorized access will be prevented with registration track and limited login attempt. The content and the Intranet itself are blocked to search engine indexing. METU as the Coordinator will maintain the Intranet and will hold the authority to manage the access of the members. 5.1.2. Non-EU countries BRIDGE-BS consortium involves 15 countries consisting of 4 EU associated countries (Georgia, Moldova, Turkey, Ukraine) and 1 non-EU country (Russia). In dedicated pilot sites (in each Black Sea country) research activities will take place which also includes the 4 associated countries and the non-EU country. These activities do not raise any ethical issues listed in the self-assessment form. All research activities (regardless of the country of operation) will take place in a harmonized way which will comply with the EU regulations. No research activity that is forbidden in the EU, will take place in non-EU countries involved in the consortium within the context of BRIDGE-BS implementation. Research activities do not involve any testing/sampling on human embryos, foetuses, human beings, cells or tissues and animals. Data will be generated from the cruises and local workshops will take place in all Black Sea countries including the non-EU partners. This data will be open for the use of other partners. In case of data transfer, the data will be anonymous or include limited personal data if consent to transfer is provided by the participant. No resources from non-EU countries will be used. No benefit sharing activities planned in low and/or lower-middle-income countries. It is not foreseen that situation in the countries involved put individuals taking part in the research in danger. As they are not eligible for the EU funding, the Russian partners will seek national funding the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, if the project application has been successfully approved. 5.2 Security BRIDGE-BS activities or results will not raise any security issues. EU-classified information' as background or results will not be used.


Appendix A: Letter of Commitment of End-Users

Regional Institutions

• The Commission on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution (BSC) • UN Sustainable Development Solution Network for the Black Sea (UNSDSN) • Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC) • Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB)

Private Sector

• Cluster MareFVG (Italy) • ARCTUR (Slovenia) • Climate-KIC hub Greece • The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

International/European Entities

• The Seas, Rivers, Islands and Coastal Areas Intergroup (SEARICA) • Environmental Monitoring in the Black Sea (EMBLAS)


Commission on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution

7th July, 2020 Istanbul, Turkey

To: Dr. Baris Salihoglu Director, Professor Institute of Marine Sciences, METU Erdemli MERSİN e-mail: [email protected] web: http://www.ims.metu.edu.tr/cv/BarisSalihoglu/ Subject: Letter of Support for the Project BRIDGE-BS (Advancing Black Sea Research and Innovation to Co-Develop Blue Growth within Resilient Ecosystems) Dear Dr. Baris Salihoglu, In my capacity of Executive Director of the Permanent Secretariat of the Commission on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution (BSC PS), I hereby express our support for the Project ‘‘BRIDGE-BS (Advancing Black Sea Research and Innovation to Co-Develop Blue Growth within Resilient Ecosystems)’’, submitted by an International Consortium led by the Middle East Technical University (METU), in response to the H2020 call LC-BG-11-2020 Towards a productive, healthy, resilient, sustainable and better-valued Black Sea, without any financial responsibilities from our side. The basic objective of the Convention on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution (Bucharest Convention, 1994) was formulated “to substantiate the general obligation of the Contracting Parties to prevent, reduce and control the pollution in the Black Sea in order to protect and preserve the marine environment and to provide legal framework for co-operation and concerted actions to fulfil this obligation”. The Commission on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution (BSC), established to implement the provisions of the Convention on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution (as defined in Article XVIII), through its Permanent Secretariat (BSC PS) acts to promote the implementation of the Convention and its Protocols, makes recommendations on necessary measures and cooperates with competent international governmental and non-governmental organizations to achieve the purposes of this Convention. In that respect and in line with BSC objectives, we are pleased to admit that BRIDGE project, if selected, could help defining some missing elements that we need for future monitoring and activities. I would also like to mention here that the future research directions under Bucharest Convention may be reformulated, taking into account the current trends and challenges at the national, regional and global levels, and particular attention could be directed to the following research areas:

x Harmonization of monitoring parameters, activities and programs within the

Black Sea region, also in line with MSFD requirements; x Impacts of climate changes on the marine environment of the Black Sea;



http://www.ims.metu.edu.tr/cv/BarisSalihoglu/

2

x Marine litter and its implications on the marine environment and sustainable tourism;

x Impacts of the Marine noise on the marine ecosystem; x Development of “Green economy”, “Blue growth”, MSP and “Circular Economy”

concepts; x Application of EIA procedures for large transboundary projects in the Black Sea; x Satellite monitoring, data-bases and data processing etc.

Having read the summary and the potential outputs of BRIDGE, I am pleased to inform you that indeed BRIDGE could assist us not only in implementing the Black Sea Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Program (BSIMAP) 2017-2022 adopted by the BSC, but also could give us a great impetus to our future monitoring program. Traditionally the BSIMAP employs the DPSIRR (Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact, Response, Recovery) approach allowing detection of negative impacts, as well as the effects of measures taken, thereby enabling the necessary corrective actions to be decided, especially knowing the resilience of the ecosystem to multiple pressures. If something tangible and concrete could be achieved in BRIDGE, we would be ready to consider it and use it in our activities. Besides, our long-lasting cooperation with a number of institutions of the BRIDGE Consortium, in several projects and initiatives will facilitate our productive and efficient cooperation. Overall, the activities to be undertaken in the frame of this project proposal are considered of interest to the BSC PS and its expert network in the Black Sea region and beyond. If awarded, in our capacity of Regional Sea Convention for the Black Sea, the BSC PS could facilitate the exchange of relevant information and knowledge through its respective networks (without any financial responsibilities from our side). The BSC PS may also become member of project’ External Advisory Board and act as end-user of the deliverables produced. Yours sincerely,

Prof. Halil Ibrahim Sur BSC PS Executive Director Commission on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution Permanent Secretariat Tel: +90 2I2299 2940 or 90 272299 2946 Fax: +90 212 299 2944 Email : [email protected]

Maslak Mah. Büyükdere Caddesi, No 265, 34398 Sarıyer, Istanbul, Turkey



Postal Address: Division of Hydraulics & Environmental Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering,

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Greece Website: http://sdsn-blacksea.auth.gr Email: [email protected]

01/07/2020 Subject: Letter of support for cooperation in BRIGDE-BS project to be submitted in response to H2020 call LC-BG-11-2020 Towards a productive, healthy, resilient, sustainable and better-valued Black Sea. Dear Madam/Sir,

On behalf of UN Sustainable Development Solution Network for the Black Sea, I hereby to indicate our support for the project proposal ‘‘BRIDGE-BS (Advancing Black Sea Research and Innovation to Co-Develop Blue Growth within Resilient Ecosystems)’’ as a supporting entity.

SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. SDSN Black Sea is the regional network for the wider area of the Black Sea from the Mediterranean Sea and the Balkans, all around the Black Sea and reaching all the way up to the Caspian. The Leadership Council of SDSN Black Sea comprises representatives of the twelve member countries of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), SDSN Greece and SDSN Russia.

Aligned with the UN SDSN Black Sea’s vision and priorities, we recognize that the ecosystem services that Black Sea provides (food provision, recreation and climate services) are under threat and assessing the present state of Black Sea ecosystems, their services, their resilience to the multi-stressors and to create the means necessary to sustainably manage these ecosystems is more important than ever. We also endorse that a much better-connected Black Sea community, strengthened with a new generation of researchers that BRIDGE-BS will establish is needed to address emerging challenges potentially impacting on Black Sea marine ecosystems and their services.

From this perspective we confirm our support for the BRIDGE-BS project, having much experience working with AUEB within the BRIDGE-BS consortium.

As contribution to the success of the project, UN Sustainable Development Solution Network for the Black Sea is entitled to:

• Support the organization of a Black Sea High Tech Summit • Support stakeholders engagement at local, national and regional level • Contribute to the development of the Blue Economy Observatories • Contribute to the communication and diffusion of the project’s results


http://sdsn-blacksea.auth.gr/


http://www.bsec-organization.org/

https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.unsdsn.gr%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cc1549bb333564f670db908d74e18ac91%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637063740199375953&sdata=EJ0yD5e1nv9cfSsR8%2BlI7D1jEjrVT3%2BIZxkCQ5XRyeY%3D&reserved=0

https://www.ranepa.ru/eng/sdsn/sdsn-russia

We look forward to working in close collaboration with the consortium.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Nicolaos P. Theodossiou Chair of SDSN Black Sea Director of the Water Resources Engineering and Management Lab Division of Hydraulics & Environmental Engineering Dept. of Civil Engineering - Faculty of Engineering ARISTOTLE UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI GR 541 24 Thessaloniki, GREECE Tel - Fax: +302310 995660 Email: [email protected] URL: http://niktheod.webpages.auth.gr



http://niktheod.webpages.auth.gr/



To whom it may concern

Black[j Sea

Trade& Development

Bank

SECRETARY GENERAL

Re: Letter of Support for the Project BRIDGE-BS

21 July 2020

(Advancing Black Sea Research and innovation to Co-Develop Blue Growth within Resilient Ecosystems)

Dear Madam/Sir,

In my capacity as Secretary General of the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank, I hereby express our support for the Project "BRIDGE-BS {Advancing Black Sea Research and Innovation to Co-Develop Blue Growth within Resilient Ecosystems)'; submitted by an International Consortium led by the Middle East Technical University (METU), in response to the H2020 call LC-BG-11-2020 Towards a productive, healthy, resilient, sustainable and better-valued Black Sea.

The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) is an international financial institution established by Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine. BSTDB supports economic development and regional cooperation by providing loans, credit lines, equity and guarantees for projects and trade financing in the public and private sectors in its member countries.

Within this context, we believe that the objectives set out by the BRIDGE - BS project, which is to deploy an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together science, industry, policy and academia, to strengthen the resilience of Black Sea ecosystems and services to increase economic growth and boost innovation, align with our overall objectives. In particular, we note positively the provision of a dedicated Work Package to support the innovative and sustainable development of blue economy, including special attention to the potentials offered by 4.0 business models for the sector.

To this end, should the project get awarded, the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank confirms its intention to follow closely its developments and provide feedback on the exploitation of its results towards boosting the blue economies in the region, without any financial responsibilities from our side. Furthermore, we will provide support in the dissemination of its results through our channels.

1 Komninon str., 54624, Thessaloniki, Greece T: +30 2310 290400 F: +30 2310 221796, +30 2310 286590 E: [email protected] www.bstdb.org


2

Besides, the BSTDB's long-established cooperation with the Organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) and the International Centre for Black Sea Studies (ICBSS) will facilitate our productive and efficient cooperation with the BRIDGE-BS consortium.

In conclusion, the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank fully supports the abovementioned project, believing it can have significant impact in its particular filed in the wider Black Sea region. We look forward to being informed of a positive outcome and working in close collaboration with the consortium.

1 Komninon str., 54624, Thessaloniki, Greece T: +30 2310 290400 F: +30 2310 221796, +30 2310 286590 E: [email protected] www.bstdb.org


_________________________________________________________________________________ Maritime Technology Cluster FVG S. c. a r.l.

Via C. Cosulich,20 C.F./P. Iva 01138620313 www.marefvg.it

34074 Monfalcone (GO) Cap. Soc. €. 376.000,00 [email protected] Tel. +39.0481.723440 Uff. Reg. Imp. Gorizia [email protected]

Maritime Technology Cluster FVG S.c.ar.l. Monfalcone (GO) Italy

23rd June 2020 Subject: Letter of support for cooperation in BRIGDE-BS project to be submitted in response to H2020 call LC-BG-11-2020 Towards a productive, healthy, resilient, sustainable and better-valued Black Sea. Dear Madam/Sir, On behalf of Maritime Technology Cluster FVG, I hereby to indicate our support for the project proposal ‘‘BRIDGE-BS (Advancing Black Sea Research and Innovation to Co-Develop Blue Growth within Resilient Ecosystems)’’ as a supporting entity. Maritime Technology Cluster FVG (mareFVG) is the cluster management organization of maritime cluster of Friuli Venezia Giulia Region. It is a no profit, private, consortium of maritime stakeholders (big enterprises, SME’s, universities, research centres) and acknowledged by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR). The mission of mareFVG is to link industries and scientific institutions within a network of organized relationships finalized to develop Research, Innovation and Education projects with the aim to enhance competitiveness in the sector. The cluster focuses on stimulating innovation by fostering the networking among companies and research organizations both in a national and international perspective through boosting scientific and applied research, promoting the dissemination of results and the technology transfer, developing educational and training paths. We are interested in showcasing our expertise in supporting innovative and sustainable blue economy development, including and particularly in relation to the potentials offered by 4.0 business models for the sector. We therefore welcome the chance of discussing our international experience in the context of the specific challenges, needs and opportunities for a sustainable blue economy in the Black Sea. From this perspective we confirm our support for the BRIDGE-BS project as relevant action for our cluster both towards the development of relationships in Eastern Europe and in Eastern sea basins, as target areas for the stakeholders of the Region Friuli Venezia Giulia, and for strengthen collaboration already existing with partners in the Black Sea area. As contribution to the success of the project, Maritime Technology Cluster FVG is entitled to engage with the relevant tasks of WP5 (Acceleration of innovative and sustainable ‘Industry 4.0’ business models). This will be done particularly by: attending selected workshops and meetings, as well as being part of the Acceleration Panel jury (to be confirmed once the project is approved). We look forward to working in close collaboration with the consortium. Yours sincerely Lucio Sabbadini, CEO



ARCTUR d.o.o. Kromberk, Industrijska cesta 1a 5000 Nova Gorica Slovenia

Nova Gorica, 22nd of June 2020 Subject: Letter of support for cooperation in BRIGDE-BS project to be submitted in response to H2020 call LC-BG-11-2020 Towards a productive, healthy, resilient, sustainable and better-valued Black Sea. Dear Madam/Sir, on behalf of ARCTUR d.o.o., I hereby to indicate our support for the project proposal ‘‘BRIDGE-BS (Advancing Black Sea Research and Innovation to Co-Develop Blue Growth within Resilient Ecosystems)’’ as a supporting entity. ARCTUR is a Research & Development oriented SME and the main Central European commercial supplier of HPC (High Performance Computing) services and solutions. Arctur has its own HPC and Cloud Computing infrastructure and offers advanced solutions and innovative IT services in a distributed, high-redundancy environment. The company has extensive experience in development and deployment of complex IT systems in various areas: from Industry 4.0 to Tourism 4.0 and recently entering in the field of Health. Furthermore, Arctur has considerable experience in publicly funded R&D projects, contributing to numerous H2020, Interreg, Erasmus+, EMFF and national projects.

We are interested in showcasing our expertise in supporting innovative and sustainable blue economy development, including and particularly in relation to the potentials offered by 4.0 business models for the sector. We therefore welcome the chance of discussing our international experience in the context of the specific challenges, needs and opportunities for a sustainable blue economy in the Black Sea. From this perspective we confirm our support for the BRIDGE-BS project as it is of high value and importance for our future work in the Tourism 4.0 area. As contribution to the success of the project, ARCTUR d.o.o. is entitled to engage with the relevant tasks of WP5 (Acceleration of innovative and sustainable ‘Industry 4.0’ business models). This will be done particularly by: attending selected workshops and meetings, as well as being part of the Acceleration Panel jury (to be confirmed once the project is approved). We look forward to working in close collaboration with the consortium. Yours sincerely, Tomi Ilijaš, CEO & President


Climate-KIC GR Hub | 6 Artemidos & Epidavrou str.| GR-151 25 Maroussi, Greece

01/06/2020

Subject: Letter of support for cooperation in BRIGDE-BS project to be submitted in response to H2020 call LC-BG-11-2020 Towards a productive, healthy, resilient, sustainable and better-valued Black Sea. Dear Madam/Sir, On behalf of Climate-KIC hub Greece, I hereby to indicate our support for the project proposal ‘‘BRIDGE-BS (Advancing Black Sea Research and Innovation to Co-Develop Blue Growth within Resilient Ecosystems)’’ as a supporting entity. Climate-KIC hub Greece is part of the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme which accelerates climate innovation across Europe. The Greek hub is a focal point for organisations from across business and entrepreneurship, higher education, and research and technology, supporting knowledge sharing and integration and accelerating the journey of solutions from the lab through to market. Aligned with the Climate-KIC hub Greece’s vision and priorities, we recognize that the ecosystem services that Black Sea provides (food provision, recreation and climate services) are under threat and developing innovative solutions to better preserve their services, their resilience to the multi-stressors and to create the means necessary to sustainably manage these ecosystems is more important than ever. We also endorse that a much better-connected Black Sea community, strengthened with a new generation of researchers that BRIDGE-BS will establish is needed to address emerging challenges potentially impacting on Black Sea marine ecosystems and their services. From this perspective we confirm our support for the BRIDGE-BS, having much experience working with AUEB within the BRIDGE-BS consortium. As contribution to the success of the project, Climate-KIC hub Greece is entitled to:

• Support stakeholders engagement by supporting the implementation of system innovation tools • Support the identification and implementation of eco-innovations: BRIDGE will benefit from the

extensive network of EIT Climate-KIC innovative start-up, and experience of Climate-KIC hub Greece accelerator

We look forward to working in close collaboration with the consortium. Yours sincerely,

Prof. Dr. Phoebe Koundouri (BA, MPhil, MSc, PhD_Cambridge)


https://www.climate-kic.org/our-community/our-partners/eit-ris/

Climate-KIC GR Hub | 6 Artemidos & Epidavrou str.| GR-151 25 Maroussi, Greece Professor School of Economics Director ReSEES Research Laboratory ATHENS UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS President-Elect, European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists Director, EIT Climate-KIC Hub Greece @ ATHENA RC Co-Chair, UN SDSN Greece Chair, Scientific Advisory Board, ICRE8 International Research Center Chair, Scientific Advisory Board, European Forest Institute


*BENUJACU*

To Verify Document : http://belgedogrula.tobb.org.tr/dogrula.aspx?V=BENUJACUDumlupınar Bulvarı No:252 (Eskişehir Yolu 9. Km.) 06530 /ANKARA

Phone : +90 (312) 218 20 00 (PBX) ● Fax : +90 (312) 219 40 90 - 91 - 92E-Mail : [email protected] ● Web : www.tobb.org.tr

For more information : Sıla KAZAN SÜER Phone : E-Mail : [email protected]

TOBB implements ISO 9001:2015 QMS

F023/1/01.07.2003/2/14.11.2018 Sayfa / 1

TOBBTHE UNION OF

CHAMBERS AND COMMODITYEXCHANGES OF TURKEY

Date :No : 34221550-876.99-

Middle East Technical University (Institute of Marine Sciences)

Subject : Letter of Support

On behalf of The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), I hereby indicate our support for the project proposal ‘‘BRIDGE-BS (Advancing Black Sea Research and Innovation to Co-Develop Blue Growth within Resilient Ecosystems)'' as a supporting entity. The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) is the highest legal entity in Turkey representing the private sector. Similar to the patterns of guilds and syndicates, which traditionally organized and represented tradesmen and producers throughout the Turkish History, TOBB, adopted a representative role in a democratic and modern society as well. Today, TOBB has 365 members in the form of local chambers of commerce, industry, commerce and industry, maritime commerce and commodity exchanges. Aligned with the The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB)'s vision and priorities, we recognize that the ecosystem services that Black Sea provides (food provision, recreation and climate services) are under threat and assessing the present state of Black Sea ecosystems, their services, their resilience to the multi-stressors and to create the means necessary to sustainably manage these ecosystems is more important than ever. We also endorse that a much better-connected Black Sea community, strengthened with a new generation of researchers that BRIDGE-BS will establish is needed to address emerging challenges potentially impacting on Black Sea marine ecosystems and their services. From this perspective we confirm our support for the BRIDGE-BS project for representing private sector as the largest umbrella organization and have much experience working with TEPAV within the BRIDGE-BS consortium. As contribution to the success of the project, The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) is entitled to:- attend workshops and meetings, and- review policy proposals We look forward to working in close collaboration with the consortium. Sincerely yours,

Mustafa SARAÇÖZSecretary General

Bu belge, 5070 sayılı Elektronik İmza Kanununa göre Güvenli Elektronik İmza ile imzalanmıştır.

05.09.20207633



United Nations Development Programme Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS Istanbul Regional Hub

UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub• Key Plaza, Abide-i Hürriyet Cd. İstiklal Sk. No/11 Şişli, 34381, Istanbul, Turkey • E-mail: [email protected]

web: http://europeandcis.undp.org • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UNDPinEuropeandCIS

Subject: Cooperation in proposed BRIGDE-BS project (Horizon 2020 call LC-BG-11-2020: Towards a productive, healthy, resilient, sustainable and better-valued Black Sea) Dear Mr. Komorin, Herewith I would like to acknowledge the received information on the proposed project ‘‘BRIDGE-BS (Advancing Black Sea Research and Innovation to Co-Develop Blue Growth within Resilient Ecosystems)’’. In the context of the currently ongoing EU/UNDP Project: Improving Environmental Monitoring in the Black Sea, Selected Measures (EMBLAS-Plus) - implemented by UNDP, I would like to confirm the interest of UNDP to establish cooperation with the proposed regional project BRIDGE-BS. Considering the planned actions in the proposed project that include collation of existing knowledge from past and ongoing projects/initiatives and from different stakeholder groups of the Black Sea ecosystems, UNDP support the use of the Black Sea Water Quality knowledge generated through the EU/UNDP Project EMBLAS-Plus, and welcome any cooperation that further support a better-connected Black Sea communities to address emerging challenges potentially impacting the Black Sea marine ecosystems. We are looking forward to continuing the cooperation with UkrSCES, and to developing a fruitful cooperation with the BRIDGE-BS project, to further support the sustainable development of the Black Sea region.

Yours sincerely Gerd Trogemann, Manager of UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS

To: Mr. Viktor Komorin Director, Ukrainian Scientific Centre of Ecology of the Sea Odessa, Ukraine

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Commission européenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË - Tel. +32 22991111

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SEP-210673568 Proposal acronym: BRIDGE-BS - DTU Orbit