LandSeaLot Integration Week 2025 Recap: Towards a Common Observation Strategy in Lisbon
LandSeaLot’s first Integration Week encapsulated the project’s motto, “Let’s Observe Together.” The event brought together diverse stakeholders involved in the observation of land-sea interface areas – including scientific experts from the LandSeaLot Science Community Forum and representatives of the LandSeaLot Co-Designer forum, involving Research Infrastructures and long-term European initiatives like Copernicus and EMODnet. These stakeholders met – some for the first time – in Lisbon from 20-24 January 2025 to begin work on a novel and complex process: co-designing a common strategy for observing land-sea interface areas across Europe.
Monday: Opening Presentations at the Lisbon Oceanarium
Events began at the Lisbon Oceanarium on Monday 20 January with presentations from the different work packages, allowing all partners to gain further insight into each other’s work. The session concluded with a visit to the Oceanarium where attendees had the chance to consider the land-sea interface area in the context of the different marine species they encountered – from local seagrass meadows that are crucial to biodiversity in the nearby Sado Estuary, to the sea birds that make land-sea interface areas their home.
LandSeaLot is grateful to Oceano Azul Fundation for helping to coordinate this engaging first day.
Tuesday: Scoping Observation Challenges
Tuesday’s discussions were key to shaping a common approach to observing the land-sea interface area. Detailed presentations from the nine LandSeaLot Integration Labs sparked important conversations about the criteria that will be used to select LandSeaLot “test” cases for integrated observations in each of the Labs. These test cases will showcase the integration of different types of data – including satellite, in-situ, and numerical modelling – being done by LandSeaLot to better study the land-sea interface area. Discussions also covered planned data flows for data gathered from the use of cost-effective technology, including via citizen science, and how to shape and harness the Citizen Science Hub for long-term impact of the action.
Wednesday: Observing the Local Land-Sea Interface Area
On Wednesday attendees had a special opportunity to explore the surrounding area, guided by the coordinators of the Tagus and Sado Estuaries System LandSeaLot Integration Lab and partners. Located in the Lisbon metropolitan area, the Tagus Estuary is the second largest in Europe. It is home to a natural reserve and a major harbour, as well as being a significant centre for the aquaculture industry. Many migratory birds visit the mud and marshes on their journeys, with thousands of flamingos arriving in autumn. But this essential economic and environmental resource is also under threat, including increased flooding from storms and rising sea levels, and altered nutrient and sediment levels due to rising sea levels and increased salinity.
The rain and winds that accompanied attendees throughout the day served as stark reminders of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. These conditions underscored the importance of LandSeaLot’s work in land-sea interface observations to support better protection and adaptation strategies in the face of climate change.
The day started with a stop at the Trancão River, once considered the most polluted in Europe, and a presentation exploring water quality from the Portuguese Environmental Agency.The visit continued to the Samouco Saltmarsh, where representatives of the Fundação para a Protecção e Gestão Ambiental das Salinas do Samouco explained the vital role of these habitats for nature and society. Originally used for salt production, the marshes have become crucial sanctuaries for both local and migratory birds. But as the salt industry relocates and marshes are abandoned or repurposed, these important habitats are disappearing.
The next stop was Moinho da Mourisca, a tidal mill that was used by locals to make flour using the power of the tides. Here Fernando Lima from Electric Blue installed a sensor to measure water temperature in one of the nearby piers. LandSeaLot plans to install sensors in oyster farms to observe parameters like temperature and salinity. Aquanostra, a sustainable hatchery located in the Sado that is partnering with LandSeaLot, then offered attendees a taste of locally cultivated oysters.
Panoramic stops at the Fort of São Filipe de Setúbal, the Arrabida mountain range and the Cristo Rei statue with views of the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge , provided spectacular views
of the land-sea interface. As Alexandra Almeida from CCDR Lisboa e Vale do Tejo explained, comprehensive observation of this area in collaboration with LandSeaLot is crucial for encouraging innovation and investment in the Atlantic.
Thursday: Shaping a Common Observation Strategy
On Thursday, important first steps were taken towards co-creating a Common Observation Strategy for the land-sea interface area. Members of the LandSeaLot Science Committee and the LandSeaLot Co-Designer Forum – including LandSeaLot consortium partners, Research Infrastructures and high-level European organisations and institutions – met to discuss the first draft of the Strategy and the next steps in their collaboration. Presentations by DANUBIUS-RI, JERICO-RI, EMBRC, EPOS, ICOS, eLTER and LifeWatch, and the rich exchanges amongst participants, provide a stepping stone for a sustained dialogue and discussions.
Why do we need a Common Observation Strategy?
- To reduce gaps in observations at the land-sea interface and improve understanding of key environmental processes
- To evolve an array of consistent, interoperable in situ and satellite observations and integrated application of numerical models
- To enable the collection and sharing of data in ways that are free and accessible for all
- To inform science-based management and policy responses that maintain healthy and resilient ecosystems
Friday: Wrapping Up
The event concluded on Friday with the LandSeaLot Steering Committee taking stock of recommendations gathered throughout the week. The first LandSeaLot Integration Week was an exciting chance for partners and stakeholders to understand the activities taking place in the project and immerse themselves in the context of local actions and collaborations. Together, they are paving the way for jointly defining and realising a common observation strategy. Stay tuned for more updates.
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