BLUE GROWTH: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
FOR THE BLACK SEA

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Session I: Oceanography and Observing the Black Sea, Session Chair - GeoEcoMar
A crucial element of the Black Sea restoration and rehabilitation initiatives is the implementation of a continuous monitoring and operational observing system in the Black Sea. Regular observations in the Black Sea basin started in the past century and quite a good multidisciplinary observing system operated in the 1970–1980s, mainly based on ship observations. Since then, many projects and initiatives have dealt with technological opportunities for improving both satellite and in situ infrastructures, able to support the R&D activities such as the modeling and assimilation capabilities, validation and verification of modeling and satellite products, real time monitoring, estimation of quality of physical variables, etc.
This session aims to increase the awareness of the importance of observation capacities in the Black Sea and highlight the progress made so far.
Join the discussion on the future of marine monitoring—submit your abstract to contribute to our collective observation strategy.



Session II: Biodiversity, Ecology, and Conservation of Marine Ecosystems, Session Chair - NIMRD “Grigore Antipa”
Marine ecosystems are subject to a variety of threats including disease, pollution, climate change, habitat alteration, overexploitation, and invasive species. Various conservation approaches are used to protect these ecosystems and involve monitoring, management, and international cooperation. Understanding the fundamental components as well as the interactions between aquatic organisms and their environment can help to better understand and conserve marine ecosystems.
The session “Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation of Marine Ecosystems” aims to bring together leading academic scientists and researchers to exchange and share their research results, latest findings, achievements and views on marine biodiversity, ecology and conservation.
Share your latest findings on ecosystem resilience—apply now to present your research to a global audience of specialists.



Session III: Sustainable Use of Marine Resources, Session Chair - NIMRD “Grigore Antipa”
Although the Black Sea is a unique basin that is rich in biodiversity, heritage and natural resources, it is increasingly under pressure due mainly to the impacts from human-induced factors, such as eutrophication and hypoxia, overfishing, and introduction of alien species, in addition to the effects of climate change. For these reasons, the sustainable use of the Black Sea resources is of utmost importance and research in these areas is essential.
This section covers topics focusing on living resources (fisheries, aquaculture, biotechnologies etc.) and non-living potential (mineral resources, energy, cultural heritage, tourism etc.), aiming at fostering the “blue transformation“ of the Black Sea.
Be part of the "Blue Transformation"—contribute your expertise on sustainable resource management today.



Session IV: Marine Geology and GeoEcology, Session Chair - GeoEcoMar
The Black Sea serves as the largest anoxic basin in the world, preserving a complex geological record established over the last 250 million years. This session focuses on the basin's tectonic and sedimentological evolution, specifically the intermittent connectivity with the Mediterranean that has left distinct lithological and geochemical imprints on the seabed. Discussions will cover the significant changes in fauna and flora composition from the Last Glacial Maximum through the Holocene, alongside the basin’s importance regarding potential hydrocarbon source rocks and unconventional resources like gas hydrates. Furthermore, the session addresses the geoecological state of the basin today, examining the presence and behavior of various pollutants within the geological framework and their impact on the contemporary marine environment.
Uncover the geological secrets of the Black Sea—submit your paper to lead the conversation on this topic!



Session V: Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) and Coastal/Deltaic Management, Session Chair - UOC
The development of coastal/deltaic areas and maritime space is a priority in the European Union together with its European Ocean Pact and sustainable blue economy aims. In the global context of resource depletion, climate change and biodiversity loss, the sustainable use of marine resources is a key issue in the framework of important regulations to be adopted through maritime spatial planning and coastal/deltaic processes, as well as land-sea interactions.
This session aims to emphasize sustainable blue economy policies and actions as a society response to current challenges in the Black Sea basin while building a collaborative long-term and integrated strategy of maritime space and coastal/deltaic areas development, based on the transfer of knowledge and innovation.
This session aims to raise awareness on the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of the Black Sea and its resources and to build an improved public knowledge base across the world's population regarding our global ocean.
Shape the future of coastal development—register now to collaborate on integrated maritime strategies.



Session VI: Ocean Literacy and Education, Session Chair - Mare Nostrum
Ocean Literacy represents the understanding of the ocean’s influence on us and our influence on the ocean, as well as the importance of the ocean to humankind, communication about the ocean in a meaningful way and responsibility about decisions regarding the ocean and its resources. Moreover, ocean literacy is not just educating or informing the public and the marine and maritime stakeholders about the importance of oceans - ocean literacy aims at facilitating the creation of an ocean literate society. Ocean literacy in the Black Sea region is a crucial aspect of understanding and conserving this unique marine environment.
Key points regarding ocean literacy in the Black Sea are representing by environmental challenges, biodiversity, education, research and collaboration.
This session aims to raise the awareness on the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of the Black Sea, enhancing Ocean Literacy concept to build an improved public knowledge by actively engaging with all the stakeholders.
Empower the next generation of ocean advocates—submit your educational initiatives and help build an ocean-literate society.