Black Sea’s future will be transformed by pioneering environmental modelling

A cutting-edge data platform designed to monitor, understand, and address the environmental challenges facing the Black Sea is one of several outcomes from a €9 million European Commission-funded research and innovation project involving researchers from the University of Stirling.

Co-designed by Professor Andrew Tyler from the University’s Faculty of Natural Sciences, the Black Sea System of Systems platform brings together, in one place, a unique combination of information that can help provide a better understanding of the climate-induced and man-made challenges facing the Black Sea and its ecosystems – empowering everyone from researchers, industry and communities to respond.

The System of Systems builds on the University of Stirling’s established expertise in earth observation, using satellites, sensors and environmental data analysis to respond global challenges, from protecting and enhancing water quality to driving lower-carbon economic prosperity.

System of Systems shows concentrations of Chlorophyll a in the Black Sea

The platform was designed and built by researchers leading the Developing Optimal and Open Research Support for the Black Sea (DOORS) project, a four-year collaboration between 35 institutions across 15 countries linking science, policy and industry to support critical Black Sea regeneration.

As a one-stop-shop for data, the System of Systems enables users including conservationists and businesses to identify pollution hotspots, develop improved nutrient management strategies, and engage stakeholders in reducing harmful inputs to rivers and the sea, such as pesticides and microplastics.

Recent research published by Stirling, using the capabilities of the platform, revealed the devastating environmental shock to the Black Sea following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine.

Immense analytical power

Professor Andrew Tyler, Scotland Hydro Nation Chair at the University of Stirling, who led on the development of the novel platform, said: “The Black Sea System of Systems is a powerful tool that can unlock new capabilities in how we interact with the Black Sea and its environment.

“Its rich data, presented in an interactive format, brings immense analytical power to the fingertips of everyone from policymakers to industry.

“This is an important legacy from the DOORS project, which will help empower the region’s leaders with the latest intelligence to support environmental recovery while pursuing sustainable economic growth.”

Professor Andrew Tyler

Alongside developing the System of Systems, the project worked across the region to support the development of a Blue Economy on and around the Black Sea: where marine and coastal resources are used sustainably to support economic prosperity.

Partners in the consortium worked with businesses and entrepreneurs across the region to accelerate promising economic opportunities, while a dedicated Special Interest Group - chaired by University of Stirling Chancellor Lord Jack McConnell - championed these innovative prospects to a community of international investors.

The DOORS project also prioritised bringing the Black Sea closer to the 16 million people living around its 4,200km-long coastline through a combination of citizen science and ocean literacy initiatives, helping young people and communities to understand the Black Sea’s ecosystems and environment on their doorstep.

Empowering policymakers

The project has also invested in training the next generation of researchers, through postgraduate programmes and hands-on experience on board research vessels, ensuring the groundwork is laid for future scientific exploration and stewardship.

Professor Adrian Stanica, Coordinator of the H2020 DOORS Black Sea project, said: “The Black Sea was once regarded as the most polluted sea in Europe, due to decades of pollution, overfishing and the arrival of invasive species. Now, climate change and new pollutants risk jeopardising its fragile recovery.

“That’s why the DOORS project has developed tools to support the Black Sea region, and international community, to better understand and protect this vital resource, empowering policymakers and industry to take informed decisions, and stimulating businesses and citizens to embrace more sustainable ways of working.”