MEDSEAPLAN
Over a 3-year period, MEDSEAPLAN will focus on enhancing data and scenarios to support a sustainable Mediterranean Blue Economy. The project aims to develop scientifically based tools that improve Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) through an Eco-System Based Approach (EBA). MSP in the Mediterranean is still in its early stages, with one of the main challenges being limited data availability. To address this, Hereon has joined the project’s Work Package 4 “Information Pillar: Improving Data for MSP” lead by CTN (see link below).
Tasks and Goals

Hereons Automatic Profiling Buoy demonstrator sampling south of Madeira Island. [image: Thomas Kock]
Within Work Package 4 Hereon leads Task 4.2 “Design and demonstration of a Floating Data Buoy” aiming to develop a straightforward, low-cost profiling buoy for collecting oceanographic and meteorological in-situ data. These “MetOc” buoys must be highly robust, self-sustaining systems capable of withstanding harsh conditions over extended periods of time. Profiling buoys, in particular, present unique challenges in collecting vertical profiles of oceanographic data. Hereon leverages its design expertise and experience with a demonstrator buoy developed before MEDSEAPLAN to tackle these challenges.
In MEDSEAPLAN, the objectives include reducing buoy system costs, enhancing component reliability, and integrating novel sensors. To test the system, a one-year deployment of the new data buoy is planned for the Marmara Sea in Turkey, scheduled for 2025 and 2026. hroughout and beyond this period, the system will provide essential data to address data gaps in remote regions critical for future MSP decision-making.
Collaborating with the University of Twente (NL), Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi and Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University (both Turkey) new methodologies will be developed to monitor sensor degradation over time and process data in near real-time, ensuring high quality data for MSP stakeholders. By delivering new and high-quality datasets, Hereon contributes to informed, ecosystem friendly decision-making.
Funding
This project is funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund under the EMFAF-2023-PIA-FLAGSHIP Call- Agreement No.: 101124818.
Beteiligte Abteilungen
KDD - Radar Hydrographie
TKE - Elektronics
Further Information
More information on our internal project page Further information on the website of the World Ocean CouncilsPartner organizations
World Ocean Council (Project Lead)
Centro Tecnológico Naval y del Mar (WP4 Lead)
University Twente
Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi
Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University
Contact

Ingenieur
Institute of Carbon Cycles/ Marine Carbon Cycling
Phone: +49 (0)4152 87-1552

Head of Department
Institute of Coastal Ocean Dynamics/ Radar Hydrographie, Ocean Surface Dynamics
Phone: +49 (0)4152 87-1530