Scientists Urge Public Help to Monitor Adriatic Sea

Scientists at the Ruđer Bošković Institute (IRB) are calling on the public to contribute to marine research and conservation efforts in the Adriatic Sea. The campaign, titled "Not one more from the sea. One FOR the sea!", encourages citizens to photograph marine species, algae, jellyfish, shells, fish, sea flowers, invasive species, marine waste, or unusual occurrences. Observations can be reported via the "Crafting the Sea" application.

"The campaign's message is clear: we are not looking for the most beautiful photo of the sea, but for observations that can help science," stated Mirta Smodlaka Tanković, head of the IRB's Center for Marine Research in Rovinj. She emphasized that participants do not need to be experts; careful observation, photography, and reporting are sufficient.

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The campaign's message is clear: we are not looking for the most beautiful photo of the sea, but for observations that can help science.

The initiative was launched as part of the "Ocean and Blue Innovation Day 2026: Science and Innovation for a Sustainable Sea" event. This event showcased projects focused on monitoring changes in the Adriatic, identifying invasive species, implementing smart marine monitoring, and fostering innovations for a sustainable blue economy. During the "Blue Walk – Crafting the Sea Experience" program, participants practiced using the application to convert their observations into valuable data for the scientific database.

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The Crafting the Sea application demonstrates how citizens can engage in monitoring marine life, while autonomous vessels and sensors show how science is developing increasingly precise tools to understand changes in the sea.

Advanced monitoring technologies were also presented, including the unmanned autonomous vessel BRIGANTINE ASV, equipped with cameras and specialized sensors for data collection, seabed mapping, and underwater condition monitoring. "The Crafting the Sea application demonstrates how citizens can engage in monitoring marine life, while autonomous vessels and sensors show how science is developing increasingly precise tools to understand changes in the sea," Smodlaka Tanković added.

The campaign, introduced in Rovinj on World Oceans Day, will continue throughout the summer. Organizers urge everyone spending time by the sea to participate in monitoring the marine environment. The campaign's slogan is: "We already have enough photos from the sea. This summer, let's take one FOR the sea."

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We already have enough photos from the sea. This summer, let's take one FOR the sea.