LandSeaLot meets boaters, water sports enthusiasts and citizen scientists at boot Düsseldorf in collaboration with EMODnet, CS-MACH1 and The Ocean Race
LandSeaLot partners were delighted to attend the Düsseldorf International Boat Show (boot Düsseldorf) in January 2026, one of the world’s premier boat shows.
LandSeaLot drops anchor at “Love Your Ocean” exhibition area
The “Love Your Ocean” exhibition stand at boot Düsseldorf is a major collaboration effort between marine conservation and education projects and initiatives, offering activities for citizens, families and children.
LandSeaLot hosted a joint stand with three partners from across the marine data, recreation and citizen science domain: the EU-funded project CS-MACH1, which aims to improve marine citizen science community efforts and data flows; the major long-distance yacht race, educational and environmental initiative The Ocean Race, and the European Commission’s in-situ marine data service component EMODnet.
The stand was coordinated by Arianna Liconti, representing OutBE, CS-MACH1 and The Ocean Race, with Melanie Symes of TransEurope Marinas representing LandSeaLot. They were joined by Lucille Frascari (OutBe, CS-MACH1) and Stefan Raimund (The Ocean Race).
Sharing citizen science tools and insights
The stand served as a dedicated corner for showcasing the potential of citizen science to boot attendees, including boaters, sailors, teachers and families. Visitors were invited to explore the Ocean Pack from The Ocean Race (a device installed on board IMOCA 60s to collect ocean data during races) as well as a selection of cost-effective sensors: small, handy devices that can be easily used by citizens to gather ocean and coastal data.
By equipping coastal communities like marinas and water sports enthusiasts with these devices, LandSeaLot is seeking to bridge the gap between scientific research and boating communities. Project partners are working to increase awareness of citizen science methods and tools among these groups, and ultimately increase participation in data collection.
Connecting with the international boating community
Marina operators, national boating industry leaders and the European Boating Industry (EBI) team were invited to visit the stand. Marinas and boating industry leaders found the sensors very attractive, within a larger framework of helping marinas participate in sustainable efforts.
A growing scuba diving network expressed interest in collaborating, with various options for divers to participate in identification of marine debris and data gathering.
LandSeaLot looks forward to deepening these connections in 2026.
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