Unlike the earlier visit, this stage moves beyond introductory training. Stakeholders are already familiar with the tools and methods, so the focus now shifts to expanding the observation network. Around eight miniaturized sensors will be positioned at intervals along the river channel and through the delta to track how saltwater intrusion moves and evolves through the system. This monitoring is essential to protect freshwater and delta ecosystems and support agricultural water management, as river water is widely used to irrigate adjacent farmlands during the summer irrigation period.

In addition to the sensor network, teams will install new water-level sensors and a nutrient analyser to provide additional information on how the river-sea interface interacts. Combined with the salinity and saltwater intrusion data collected by the sensor network, these instruments will provide a more comprehensive, real-time understanding of hydrological and nutrient dynamics at the land-sea interface.

Manta Net sampling will continue, and the macroplastics monitoring cameras installed along the Erythropotamos and Ardas rivers will continue providing data to support efforts to trace the origin and movement of plastic pollution through the river basin.

In addition to the field monitoring activities, the visit will also provide an opportunity to meet with local communities and stakeholders to begin planning the next LandSeaLot Week, scheduled to take place in Alexandroupoli in April 2027.

By growing and diversifying the observation network, the September mission represents the next step in the evolution of the LandSeaLot monitoring system at the North Aegean LIL. The data collected will strengthen the Evros River Management Unit’s and regional authorities’ capacity to respond more effectively to challenges such as seawater intrusion and pollution inflows, while improving scientific understanding of the hydrological and ecological processes shaping this unique land-sea interface.