Researchers from the Institute of Oceanology of BAS marked International Black Sea Day with an Open Day initiative in Varna and Sofia. Schoolchildren, students, and enthusiasts of marine science and nature met with marine researchers and had the opportunity to learn more about the challenges facing the Black Sea. At the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, scientists presented a poster exhibition showing the unique features of the Black Sea and the impact of human activities on its sustainability as well as short films about the activities of the Institute of Oceanology of BAS.
Marine measuring systems were demonstrated, including an underwater and aerial drone, an Argo probe, a wave measurement buoy, a radar sensor for sea level, and others. The “Journey with the Ocean Observers” comic book and “The Invisible in the Black Sea” booklet were given as gifts to the children who visited the Academy.
In the building of the Institute of Oceanology in Varna, visitors had the opportunity to view the laboratories of the various sections and the research mini-submarine.
The International Black Sea Day is a regional initiative that aims to raise awareness of the need for cooperation between Black Sea countries to protect this unique water basin. Since 1996, the six Black Sea countries have been celebrating October 31, the date of the signing of a Strategic Action Plan for the Black Sea, with various initiatives. In 2025, the initiative is expanding as part of the Black Sea Blue Academy 2025 project’s program, supported by OMV Petrom, targeting students in the capital.
