JemsFostering the innovation capacities and skills for marine robotics deployment for monitoring and marine environment protection (MARROBO)
Priority Axis 1: Smart investments in research, innovation and competitive entrepreneurship
Operation start date: 15 July 2024
Operation completion date: 14 July 2026
Budget: EUR 635.083,62
Number of partners: 4
Operation purpose and expected achievements:
The project aims to deal with the problem of pollution in the Adriatic Sea, namely seawater and seabed with microplastics and metals, as well as noise, with a new innovative application of marine robotics in the monitoring and protection of the marine environment, and with newly developed methods and methodologies for detecting sea pollution. The project will result in smart investments in R&I robotics for monitoring and protecting the nature and biodiversity of the Adriatic Sea, reducing pollution and promoting the blue economy through an innovative training program for the application of maritime robotics and the acquisition of innovative skills on maritime robotics for monitoring and protecting the marine environment. The newly developed training program will be tested at 3 pilot locations (Neum, Dubrovnik and Kotor) by collecting and analysing samples for the presence of microplastics and metals, as well as the presence of noise in the seabed.
Beneficiaries:
The Lead Partner (LP), University of Zagreb, Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences (HR), will provide a methodology to conduct the validation of the training programme with particular reference on consultations with stakeholders. LP will procure communication and promotional materials, and will implement communication activities (producing materials for social media, organize public events and publish promotional articles in daily newspapers, publicise article at international scientific/R&D event presenting projects results, participate at Promo Tour). LP will also provide inputs for Plan for transferability.
Municipality of Neum (BA) is responsible for procurement of marine robotic and related equipment for monitoring (marine robotics sonar, boat, underwater cameras, noise measuring equipment) and collection of data on microplastics and metals and noise pollution in seawater. The first phase of the pilot action is determining the 4 sites in Neum aquatorium, where pilot action will take place based on analysis of marine traffic, tourism and aquaculture activities. PP2 will also provide inputs for Plan for transferability, and organize public event in Neum for target groups and implement other project communication activities.
University of Dubrovnik, Maritime Department (HR) is responsible to provide inputs for finalizing the training programme and methodology for validation of the training programme (with particular reference on consultations with stakeholders). PP3 will determine the piloting sites in Dubrovnik aquatorium, based on analysis of population concentration, tourism activities, aquaculture activities and marine traffic. Procured innovative marine robotics will be used for sampling (micro plastic and metals) and recording of noise at piloting sites. PP3 will also provide inputs for Plan for transferability, organize public event in Dubrovnik and implement other project communication activities.
University of Montenegro, Faculty of Maritime Studies Kotor (ME) is responsible to provide inputs for methodology to conduct the validation of the training programme with particular reference on consultations with stakeholders and their inputs, establish and equip Marin Robotic Innovation Center (MARIC) in Kotor as innovation centre dedicated to research and education in the field of marine robotics and remote sensing for intelligent and reliable operation in the underwater environment. PP4 will determine the 5 piloting sites in Kotor aquatorium and procure innovative equipment (marine robotics, sonar, underwater cameras, diving and safety equipment) which will be used for sampling (micro plastic and metals) and recording of noise at piloting sites. PP4 will also provide inputs for Plan for transferability, certification of “Innovative Marine Robotic Deployment” training, organize public event in Kotor, and implement other project communication activities (including organization of final conference).