#EfxINNOs Instrumentation Training Workshop in Kavala
From July 2–4, the picturesque shores of Nea Peramos near Kavala became the epicenter of marine innovation as partners from across the Black Sea Basin gathered at the Fisheries Research Institute for the EfxINNOs training workshop. Hosted by Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) at the Fisheries Research Institute (FRI) facilities, this three-day event marked a pivotal moment in establishing a cutting-edge technology transfer network to power a sustainable blue economy. By blending theory, hands-on sea trials, and data-processing sessions, the workshop became a significant milestone for the advancement of the EfxINNOs marine monitoring network.
Workshop Highlights
The workshop featured presentations from EfxINNOs partners and Stakeholders, the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet), RTSYS and Metrica ( the AUV manufacturer and service provider), and the Fisheries Research Institute.
Dr. Manos Koutrakis, showcased FRI’s multidisciplinary expertise and leadership in Greece’s National Data Collection Framework and explained how EfxINNOs’ buoy, ROV, and micro-AUV deployments, high-resolution seabed mapping, and cross-border monitoring network could strengthen its research infrastructure and data precision.
Prof. Georgios Sylaios, Coordinator of the EfxINNOs, outlined how the project will deploy an innovative, cost-effective network of micro-AUVs and sensor platforms to map seagrass meadows and seabed habitats, monitor key physico-chemical parameters, and fill critical data gaps across the Black Sea Basin and North Aegean Sea. These insights will underpin evidence-based conservation policies, strengthen regional monitoring programs, and raise public and stakeholder awareness for a sustainable blue economy.
Cyrille Lohier and Sandrine Berthou from RTSYS unveiled the NemoSens micro-AUV as a compact, modular seabed survey platform—outlining its mission programming, safety protocols, real-time tracking, and versatile payloads (side-scan sonar, DVL, CTD probes, cameras). They then demonstrated how Cousteau software streamlines mission planning, execution, and data replay, using real-world test cases to showcase high-resolution seabed mapping in action.
Prof. Yelda Aktan, the head of the Istanbul University (IU) team, described how the recent launch of an ROV in the Bosphorus Straits signalled the beginning of a pioneering effort for mapping seafloor plants and habitats using underwater robots, aerial images, and GPS dives to gauge ecosystem health and human impact.
Prof. Ketevan Kupadatze, the head of the Ilia State University (ISU) team, presented the deployment of the surface buoy in Poti, designed to track water chemistry and algal activity to gauge coastal ecosystem health.
Dick Schaap, Coordinator of EMODnet Ingestion, guided the EfxINNOs teams on collecting water-quality measurements, seabed-litter records, and habitat maps and on uploading them via EMODnet’s portals, so that their data becomes openly available across Europe.
Prof. Georgios Sylaios, Coordinator of the EfxINNOs project, explained how establishing streamlined guidelines to harmonize and share marine datasets through EMODnet can boost data accessibility, reusability, and support for EU ocean research and policy.
Thomas Hasslacher, a key UBBSLA industry stakeholder, explained how sustainable geotextile bags and tubes offer EfxINNOs a low-impact way to reinforce shorelines and restore seagrass habitats, complementing AUV-based seabed mapping with rapid, sand-filled structures that integrate seamlessly into the coastal environment.
Fenya Psomouli of DUTH gave a thought-provoking presentation about automated detection and mapping of underwater objects and habitats using YOLO-powered machine learning on AUV‐collected imagery and sonar for scalable, standardized marine monitoring.
Dr Nikolaos Kokkos, a leading expert in underwater acoustics, illuminated how sweeping sonar pulses and advanced signal-enhancement algorithms can bring the seabed to life, transforming faint echoes into stunning, high-resolution mosaics that expose hidden habitats, guide conservation, and revolutionize marine research.
Immersive At-Sea AUV Trials
Building on these solid theoretical modules, covering everything from buoy deployment and ROV data workflows to EMODnet ingestion and ML-driven image processing, participants put theory into practice during intensive at-sea trials. Under the guidance of staff from instrumentation manufacturer and service provider, RTSYS and METRICA respectively, the teams from NIMRD and DUTH, with active input from the Fisheries Research Institute and partner teams from Bulgaria (TUV), Turkey (IU), and Georgia (ISU), self-programmed missions, deployed NemoSens micro-AUVs, and retrieved high-resolution seabed and water-quality datasets. They then used intuitive analysis and mapping software (Python and QGIS) to turn raw measurements into clear visual insights. This immersive blend of theory and hands-on training not only cemented technical skills but also forged a true cross-border network for next-generation marine monitoring.
EfxINNOs on Track Towards a Thriving Blue Economy
The Kavala workshop showcased more than technology—it demonstrated the power of regional cooperation, shared expertise, and a common vision for a healthier Black Sea. As EfxINNOs moves to widespread deployment, the fusion of AUV-driven science and harmonized data promises to safeguard vital seagrass “lungs,” bolster fisheries, and help coastal communities thrive.
Stay tuned for more updates as EfxINNOs charts the course toward a sustainable, innovative marine future in the Black Sea Basin!
