Odesa State Agrarian University is pleased to announce the successful completion of a key research assignment carried out in the framework of the international project «Harnessing Algae Power for Pollution Reduction and Blue Growth» (AlgaeRevive, BSB00091), co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme.
About the Work Completed
OSAU ensured successful data collection under Activity 1.2 «Mapping and Monitoring of Algae Communities Using an AI-Based Tool». The core objective was to collect, analyse, and systematise historical and current data on algae blooms (phytoplankton) across key water bodies of Odesa Oblast, Ukraine — to train the AlgaeSense artificial intelligence system for real-time monitoring and forecasting of Harmful Algae Blooms in the Black Sea region.
Key Results Achieved
The research team conducted comprehensive work across five water bodies: Kuyalnitskyi Liman, Khadzhibeyskyi Liman, Dniester Estuary (Liman), Kuchurgan Reservoir (Liman), and Yalpug Lake (Reservoir).
The main outcomes include: a review and analysis of over 60 scientific sources from 2010–2025; structured datasets for 1,330 algae bloom events, including data on phytoplankton concentration, species composition, hydrochemical parameters, and hydrometeorological conditions; field expeditions with water sampling and laboratory analysis using standardised methods; high-quality satellite imagery from Sentinel-2 and Landsat radiometers selected for all identified bloom periods; and development and testing of a satellite monitoring methodology based on the Normalized Difference Chlorophyll Index (NDCI), enabling chlorophyll-a estimation with a spatial resolution of 10–30 metres.
All results have been structured in tabular format compatible with integration into the AlgaeSense AI system.
Significance
This work directly contributes to the development of an innovative early-warning tool for algae bloom monitoring in the Black Sea region — supporting evidence-based environmental decision-making and the protection of coastal ecosystems and communities.
OSAU remains an active and committed partner of the AlgaeRevive project and invites all researchers, environmental professionals, and interested stakeholders to explore the results and join the collaboration
The project is being implemented between September 3, 2024, and March 2, 2027, and has a total value of €1470899.04 of which €1329809.13 is funding provided by the European Union through the (Interreg VI-B) NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme. As a partner, Odesa State Agrarian University partner eligible budget is €219564,00.
“Harnessing Algae Power for Pollution Reduction and Blue Growth
Odesa State Agrarian University
https://osau.edu.ua/en
osau@osau.edu.ua
Publishing date February 23, 2026
The responsibility for the content of this material is that of the author(s). The content of this material does not necessarily represent the official position of the European Union. Reproduction is authorized, provided the source is acknowledged, and any changes are indicated”
