Black Sea Smart Marine Environmental Outcome System

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin

Date of latest update: 2025-12-18

Description

Description (EN):

The Black Sea has an important blue growth potential providing unique opportunities for a variety of blue economy sectors. Increasing ecosystem resilience, assessing, and mitigating the impacts of the increasingly complex array of multi-stressors, revealing their poorly understood interactions from the land-sea interface, including the connection with rivers and supporting the development of blue sectors, have become important challenges for the Black Sea. Advancing a shared vision for a productive, healthy, resilient, sustainable and highly valued Black Sea by 2030 has become an urgent priority in preventing the negative synergistic impact of natural and human induced pressures and supporting a clean and green region. For this reason, continuous observation is necessary to understand the ecosystem dynamics in coastal areas and to follow the changes. BS-SEOS is aiming to obtain a standardized communication means for databases collecting environmental and associated data from online mobile stations (smart buoys and autonomous surface vehicles) and from other national/European databases so as to enable partnering institutions and third-party organizations running their own environmental models including data from all regions and sharing their results. The main objective of this project is to establish a standardized communication system for collecting and sharing environmental data from mobile stations and existing databases in the Black Sea region. This will facilitate cross-border cooperation, bridge data gaps, and enable partnering institutions to run environmental models and share their results effectively. By leveraging AI forecasting techniques, the project intends to bring about a transformative change in the current situation. The integration of AI forecasting into the project allows to harness the power of data analysis, machine learning, and predictive modeling to generate accurate and reliable forecasts. This will enable us to make informed decisions, anticipate future trends, and effectively address the challenges in Black Sea. Within this scope, it will be possible to test both in situ and innovative methods, choose indicator parameters with high representative values for observing the marine environment, and implement methods that will provide continuous data flow. The most important five key parameters are chosen for continuous monitoring such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, Chlorophyll-a and pH for comprehensive assessment while monitoring marine ecosystem health. Key parameters will be observed by passive samplers and sensor technologies, which can complement satellite observations and provide continuous and real-time data flow by adapting to floating buoys, as well as by in situ research to validate and calibrate data collected through novel technologies. BS-SEOS has the potential to benefit scientists, environmental managers, policymakers, conservation organizations, fisheries and aquaculture industries, coastal communities, recreational users, and education and outreach initiatives. The project's outputs contribute to scientific knowledge, inform decision-making processes, guide conservation efforts, promote sustainable practices, and raise public awareness about the importance of marine ecosystem health. BS-SEOS will develop a dedicated platform for sharing data and results. This platform will serve as a centralized hub where participating organizations can upload, access, and analyze regional data, fostering collaboration and maximizing the collective benefits of regional efforts. The planned approach involves close collaboration among partnering institutions, environmental agencies, and relevant stakeholders across the Black Sea region. This cooperative effort will ensure the harmonization of data collection methods, data sharing protocols, and analysis techniques. By pooling resources, expertise, and data, the project will leverage the collective knowledge and capabilities of the participating organizations to address the common environmental challenges faced by the Black Sea region effectively. The establishment of a standardized communication system and the implementation of innovative data collection methods will require cross-border coordination and information sharing. By fostering transnational cooperation, the project will maximize the utilization of available resources and expertise, leading to a more comprehensive and robust understanding of the environmental dynamics in the Black Sea region.

Actual Achievements (EN):

During the first reporting period (October 2024 – January 2025), the BS-SEOS project made significant strides in setting a strong foundation for cross-border environmental monitoring in the Black Sea region. One of the most notable achievements was the successful organization of the Kick-off Meeting by the National Institute for Marine Research and Development (NIMRD) in Constanța, Romania. This event brought together all project partners—MESS (Turkiye), Istanbul University, the National Environmental Agency of Georgia, and NIMRD—to align strategies, define roles, and officially launch the project. The meeting not only introduced the partnership and project objectives but also initiated joint technical planning and stakeholder engagement discussions. It also hosted a press conference and outreach activities that reached a wide audience. A key technical milestone during this period was the completion of baseline reviews, including a comparative analysis of BS-SEOS innovations against existing environmental monitoring systems and a best practices study across Europe. These efforts helped shape the project’s implementation strategy and led to the identification of strategic sampling sites in all participating countries. In Georgia, Sarpi and Poti were selected for their transboundary relevance and high environmental value. In Romania, Mamaia and Eforie were chosen near aquaculture zones, while Istanbul University contributed to identifying potential coastal monitoring points in Türkiye. Technical requirements for smart environmental monitoring stations—such as Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) and sensor compatibility—were also jointly discussed and documented, forming the basis for upcoming procurement activities. Public visibility and communication were another area of strong performance. The project’s branding and visual identity were created by MESS, including the logo and templates for future dissemination. Although the procurement of dissemination materials was delayed due to internal procedures, early outreach was ensured through social media and institutional websites. Posts and updates on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram reached thousands of stakeholders, including the general public, universities, NGOs, public authorities, and sectoral agencies. Additionally, MESS and NIMRD developed initial stakeholder analyses and communication strategies, and the NEA began engaging with key Georgian institutions like Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University and the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. Through collaborative planning, the project established a shared digital space for coordination and weekly meetings to ensure smooth communication. Importantly, the project has already begun aligning with other EU and regional initiatives, establishing relationships with eight ongoing Black Sea projects to foster mutual learning and broader impact.

Project outputs: Establishment of Joint Data Center and Shared Database System of Black Sea (EN)
Development of Data Dashboard (EN)
Installation of BS-SEOS Stations (3 Turkey, 2 Romania, 2 Georgia)(EN)
Cross-Border Collaboration and Policy Integration Plan(EN)
Organization of 6 Stakeholder Meetings (2 Turkey, 2 Romania, 2 Georgia)(EN)
AI Models and Forecasting Methodologies(EN)
Black Sea Conference -Closing Event(EN)

Thematic information

Coastal management and maritime issues

Priority: (VI-B_BSB_P2) Clean and Green Region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.4. Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention and resilience, taking into account eco-system based approaches

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 060 Adaptation to climate change measures and prevention and management of climate related risks: others, e.g. storms and drought (including awareness raising, civil protection and disaster management systems, infrastructures and ecosystem based approaches)

Partners (4)

Lead Partner: Türkiye Metal Sanayicileri Sendikası

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 893690974

Partner’s ID if not PIC: TR6190018811 | 34-SND-017 | Registration Number (EN)

Department: MESS Technology Center (MEXT)

Address: Ferko Signature, Büyükdere Cad., 34394 ISTANBUL, Turkey

Department address: Barbaros Mah. G-105. Sokak Ağaoğlu MyNewwork, 34746 ISTANBUL, Turkey

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://mess.org.tr/en/

Total budget: EUR 362 473.20

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 326 225.88

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 36 247.32

Contractors:

Name: Force Brothers Danışmanlık A.Ş
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3881463888

გარემოს ეროვნული სააგენტო

Name: გარემოს ეროვნული სააგენტო

Department: Department of Hydrometeorology

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 971994127

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 204559691

Address: Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue N150, 0112, , 0112 Tbilisi, Georgia

Department address: Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue N150, 0112, , 0112 Tbilisi, Georgia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: https://nea.gov.ge/

Total budget: EUR 222 902.40

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 200 612.16

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 22 290.24

Contractors:

Name: შპს შპს ფი ქეი ეფ ჯორჯია
VAT registration or tax identification number: 205198212
Name: შპს შპს ოლგუდქეითერინგ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 404635114
Name: შპს ,,კონტური"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 202241751
Name: შპს ინტერპრინტჯორჯია
VAT registration or tax identification number: 205232639
Name: შპს შპს ბ-ი კ-ეი პროექტი
VAT registration or tax identification number: 445442977

INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MARINA ”Grigore Antipa”

Name: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MARINA ”Grigore Antipa”

Department: NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR MARINE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT “Grigore Antipa”

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998572903

Partner’s ID if not PIC: RO1869096

Address: Mamaia Bvd., 900581 Constanta, Romania

Department address: Mamaia Bvd., 900581 Constanta, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.rmri.ro

Total budget: EUR 307 646.40

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 276 881.76

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 30 764.64

Contractors:

Name: NAVTRON
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO11098746
Name: FATI INTERNATIONAL COMPANY
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO6884852
Name: HEIDELBERG GRAF
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO13468802
Name: FOCUSPRESS ONLINE
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO42123858
Name: CITYDIGITAL MEDIA
VAT registration or tax identification number: 38277824
Name: CUGET LIBER
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO11966827
Name: SOFRA TURKISH RESTAURANT
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO42249830
Name: STOP SRL -HOTEL OXFORD
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO4473850
Name: NEW METROPOLITAN TRANSPORT
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO47184694

İstanbul Üniversitesi

Name: İstanbul Üniversitesi

Department: Institute of Marine Sciences and Management

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998391222

Partner’s ID if not PIC: TR4810041495

Address: Istanbul University Rectorate , 34452 ISTANBUL, Turkey

Department address: Muskule Sok., 17, Vefa, 34134 ISTANBUL, Turkey

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.istanbul.edu.tr/en/

Total budget: EUR 398 425.20

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 358 582.68

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 39 842.52

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

The National Environmental Agency

Black Sea Smart Marine Environmental Outcome System

Partners and Projects info

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR MARINE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT “Grigore Antipa”

Black Sea Smart Marine Environmental Outcome System

Partners and Projects info

Istanbul University

Black Sea Smart Marine Environmental Outcome System

Partners and Projects info

Turkish Employers Association of Metal Industries

Black Sea Smart Marine Environmental Outcome System

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Black Sea Smart Marine Environmental Outcome System

Project acronym: BS-SEOS

Project ID: BSB00348

Project start date: 2024-10-01

Project end date: 2027-03-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

EU-Funded Programmes and Projects (EN) | The sphere of the activities (data monitoring) provides to avoid overlaps with ongoing projects. This application is not linked to any other proposal under preparation within other EU funds, also specifying the concerned EU-funded programmes, national or regional programmes. (EN), H2020: BRIDGE-BS (10.3030/101000240) “Advancing knowledge, delivering research, empowering citizens for sustainable and climate-neutral Black Sea” (EN) | The project aims to advance the Black Sea’s marine research and innovation to co-develop Blue Growth pathways under multi-stressors 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.
Therefore, BS-SEOS joint solutions, novel developments and innovations will be intermediary to contact with the mentioned project. Thus, joint cooperation mechanisms on tackling challenges in Black Sea will be ensured. (EN), H2020: DOORS (10.3030/101000518) “Developing Optimal and Open Research Support' for the Black Sea” (EN) | The project will be underpinned by co-development and co-creation of the research and innovation action with key actors from across the Black Sea to build mutual trust and understanding and ensure that stakeholder engagement is highly productive. The main objectives are: harmonsation of Scientific methods, integrate Interdisciplinary Scientific knowledge, realise Blue Growth Potential, bring the Black Sea Environment closer to society.
Therefore, BS-SEOS joint solutions, novel developments and innovations will be intermediary to contact with the mentioned project. Thus, joint cooperation mechanisms on tackling challenges in Black Sea will be ensured. (EN), ESA: EO4SIBS “Earth Observation Data For Science And Innovation In The Black Sea” (EN) | The objectives of Earth Observation data For Science and Innovation in the Black Sea:
- To develop a new generation of algorithms that can ingest the wealth of spatial, temporal and spectral information provided by recent sensors providing high quality reference products for the blue and green ocean.
- To collect new data to support the development of novel algorithms and to propose laboratory analyses of the highest quality
- To build novel composite products that integrate the satellite information with that from robotic platforms and numerical ocean models;
- To assess how the use of EO data improves our knowledge of good environmental status (GES) and climate change in the Black Sea
Therefore, BS-SEOS joint solutions, novel developments and innovations will be intermediary to contact with the mentioned project. Thus, joint cooperation mechanisms on tackling challenges in Black Sea will be ensured. (EN), Horizon Europe: MSP4BIO (10.3030/101060707), “Improved Science-Based Maritime Spatial Planning to Safeguard and Restore Biodiversity in a coherent European MPA network” (EN) | The project has an overall aim to support the implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, the Convention on Biological Diversity Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, as well as the EU Green Deal, by mainstreaming biodiversityar Ecological-Socio into policy decisions on different governance levels, and be developing an integrated socio-ecological management of the marine ecosystems. The main objective of MSP4BIO is to develop an integrated and modul-Economic (ESE) management framework for the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems, within its more general objectives of promoting sustainable blue growth, and integrating maritime policies. The ESE looks at the compatibility between maritime/coastal uses and protection measures
Therefore, BS-SEOS joint solutions, novel developments and innovations will be intermediary to contact with the mentioned project. Thus, joint cooperation mechanisms on tackling challenges in Black Sea will be ensured. (EN), DG MARE: EMODnet (EN) | The European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODNet) is a long-term marine data initiative of the European Commission which together with the Copernicus Marine Service delivers the European Union’s Marine Knowledge 2020 Strategy, supporting the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy. EMODnet is a large network of organisations developed to unlock fragmented and hidden marine data resources, with the philosophy to collect data once, use it many times. EMODnet constructed internet gateways to data archives managed by Member States and international organisations, allowing public or private users of marine data to access the standardised observations themselves, together with data quality indicators, but also data products such as sediment or physical habitat maps for entire sea basins
Therefore, BS-SEOS joint solutions, novel developments and innovations will be intermediary to contact with the mentioned project. Thus, joint cooperation mechanisms on tackling challenges in Black Sea will be ensured. (EN), H2020: ILIAD (10.3030/101037643) “Digital Twins of the Ocean” (EN) | ILIAD builds on the assets resulting from two decades of investments in policies and infrastructures for the blue economy and aims at establishing an interoperable, data-intensive, and cost-effective Digital Twin of the Ocean (DTO). It capitalizes on the explosion of new data provided by many different earth sources, advanced computing infrastructures (cloud computing, HPC, Internet of Things, Big Data, social networking, and more) in an inclusive, virtual/augmented, and engaging fashion to address all Earth Data challenges. It will contribute towards a sustainable ocean economy as defined by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Ocean, a hub for global, multistakeholder co-operation.
Therefore, BS-SEOS joint solutions, novel developments and innovations will be intermediary to contact with the mentioned project. Thus, joint cooperation mechanisms on tackling challenges in Black Sea will be ensured. (EN), National project PN23230101-"Integrated model for spatial assessment of the vulnerabilities of the marine and coastal environment and adaptation of the socio-economic system to the cumulative impact of pressures - support in the implementation of maritime policies and the Blue Economy" (EN) | The main objective of the project is to develop an integrated system of decision support ("Decision Support System") based on spatial modeling methods and tools to identify the vulnerabilities of the natural and socio-economic environment and analyze its resilience and adaptability. The project envisages the development of a spatial model of the marine and coastal zone by transposing natural and socio-economic characteristics into geospatial data and including pressure evolution and impact assessment models. The model will facilitate the realization of resilient scenarios and analysis and adaptation capacities of natural and socio-economic ecosystems to climate change and anthropogenic impact.
Therefore, BS-SEOS joint solutions, novel developments and innovations will be intermediary to contact with the mentioned project. Thus, joint cooperation mechanisms on tackling challenges in Black Sea will be ensured. (EN), EU Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA-II): IQVETIII: Design Academy
EU Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA-II): IQVETIII: A Multi-Layered Solution for VET: Change Agents
EU Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA-II) : Digital Transformation of SMEs in Turkey through Establishment of the Industry 4.0 Competence Center
EU Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA-II): Digital Transformation of Apparel Sector in Turkey
UK Tactical Fund : 5GAMMEX
Danish Innovation Programme,: Green Transformation Program for Turkish Industrial Companies
Istanbul Development Agency: Establishment of AI Laboratory for Research and Applied Consultancy
Istanbul Development Agency: MESS Digital Transformation and Competence Development Center: Our Direction is Tomorrow
(EN) | Currently, MESS is leading partner in 8 capacity building, R&D and TA projects funded by national and EU programmes on the topics of digitalisation, AI, manufacturing, innovation, sustainability, resilience, circular economy, climate change adaptation, access to finance, internationalization, and competitiveness of SMEs.
The synergy between the BS-SEOS project and MESS's involvement in the mentioned projects will facilitate knowledge exchange, enhance technological capabilities, and promote sustainable and innovative approaches within the Black Sea region's environmental monitoring and management efforts.
-Knowledge Exchange and Technological Enhancement: MESS's expertise in digital transformation and AI gained from its projects will facilitate the adoption of digital technologies and data analytics within the BS-SEOS project, enhancing its technological capabilities.
-Sustainability and Resilience: MESS's experience in sustainability-related projects will contribute to the environmental sustainability goals of the BS-SEOS project, promoting sustainable practices in the Black Sea region.
-Innovation and Competitiveness: The insights from MESS's projects related to innovation, competitiveness, and internationalization will drive the development of innovative solutions, foster collaboration with international partners, and enhance the region's competitiveness in environmental monitoring and management.
-Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer: MESS's involvement in projects like the establishment of an AI Laboratory will support the capacity building efforts of the BS-SEOS project by transferring knowledge, skills, and best practices in AI, data analysis, and research and consultancy services. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 291 447.20

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 162 302.48

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 90.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

SeaBasinStrategyBlackSea The Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for the Black Sea (SRIA) is considered as the Research and Innovation Pillar of the wider Common Maritime Agenda, coming from DG MARE, and was endorsed by Black Sea countries in 2019. Relying on the concepts and objectives of the SRIA, BS-SEOS will develop the links between scientists, local communities, and policy makers to ensure that the scientific output provides the evidence for policy- and decision-makers. The continuous data observation and research findings can help assess the current state of the marine environment, identify key challenges and pressures, and support the formulation of targeted actions and measures to address them. The project can inform the Agenda's objectives related to sustainable blue growth, maritime spatial planning, marine pollution reduction, and ecosystem-based management in the Black Sea.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion The project proposal’s main objective is to address common challenges together by the Black Sea region countries. That will create synergies and coordination between existing policies and initiatives existing in the region. The analogous are EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR). Project outcomes can inform the Strategy's objectives related to environmental protection, water quality improvement, and integrated river basin management, contributing to a more holistic understanding of the Danube-Black Sea nexus.
Other Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD)
BS-SEOS will provide data on key indicators addressing two of the descriptors: 5 (eutrophication), 7 (hydrographical conditions), and 6 (sea-floor integrity) to cover data gaps (temporal and spatial), thus increasing the Black Sea countries’ capacity for ecosystem state assessment. Combined with innovative methods, project outputs can provide valuable information on the status and trends of ecosystem health indicators, helping to assess the achievement of Good Environmental Status (GES) as required by the MSFD. As a good example, project can support the development of marine monitoring programs, the identification of pressures and impacts on the marine environment, and the formulation of targeted measures to achieve and maintain GES in the Black Sea.
Other Habitats Directive, Marine Protected Areas (Natura 2000 sites)
BS-SEOS will provide an efficient solution as a cost-benefit ratio for the acquisition of data on the marine environment both at the national and regional/local level, monitoring the quality of the habitat which is determined by the physical and chemical characteristics of the biotope according to the national methodologies and Marine Protected Areas (MPA) management plans. Also, project can help identify areas of ecological importance, support the assessment of MPA effectiveness, and guide the management and conservation actions within designated Natura 2000 sites.
Other European Neighborhood Policy (ENP)
BS-SEOS will uphold and leverage the positive experience of transnational scientific cooperation range of key stakeholders. The project's outputs can foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building initiatives among the EU member states and neighboring countries in the Black Sea region, aligning with the objectives of the ENP and promoting environmental sustainability and cross-border cooperation.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 115 - Public events across borders jointly organised, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-12-18

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

57 / 57 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

257 / 257 (100%)

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Black Sea Smart Marine Environmental Outcome System

Description

Thematic information

Partners (4)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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