| Special Session 1 |
Extreme Weather Events DANIEL & ELIAS: Impacts on Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
Conveners: Alexandra Pavlidou, Elias Dimitriou
Climate change and climate variability are of great concern around the world. Understanding the patterns of climate change and climate variability and their impacts on aquatic environments and human health has been the focus of many researchers. This Special Session encourages scientists to contribute to the understanding of aquatic environment responses to climate-related stressors, with a particular focus on extreme storm events such as Daniel, as well as on the analysis of extreme weather events and their response to climate change and climate variability trends.
The purpose of this Special Session is to present research contributions addressing the description and understanding of climate extremes and hazards in the Mediterranean region, their past trends and future evolution, and their impacts on societies and aquatic and marine ecosystems. Contributions addressing one or more of a wide range of hazards and extreme phenomena are welcome.
More specifically, authors can consider one or more of the following aspects:
- Pathways and drivers, characteristics, and predictability of extreme events, with emphasis on Storm Daniel.
- Structure and trends of extreme events in the Mediterranean Sea.
- Extreme events and hazards under future climate scenarios.
- Interactions and feedback mechanisms between climate change, extreme weather, and climate events.
- Impacts of extreme events and hazards on societies.
- Impacts of extreme events on aquatic and marine environments.
- Biological responses to extreme events.
- Impacts of extreme events on food security.
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| Special Session 2 |
WFD / MSFD Monitoring Implementation: Challenges and Advances
This Special Session will address scientific, methodological, and policy-related aspects of monitoring inland, transitional, coastal, and marine waters under the Water Framework Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Contributions may focus on monitoring design, indicators, ecological status assessment, data integration, methodological advances, and implementation challenges.
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| Special Session 3 |
From Genes to Ecosystems: Advancing Aquatic Biodiversity, Biogeography, and Biomonitoring through DNA-Based Studies
Conveners: Zoltán Csabai, Michal Grabowski, Panagiotis Madesis and Alexandros Triantafyllidis
DNA-based approaches have become essential tools in aquatic biodiversity research, offering new opportunities to explore patterns and processes from the genetic level to entire ecosystems. This Special Session aims to bring together researchers working on diverse applications of DNA-based methods in freshwater, brackish, and marine environments, with a particular focus on biodiversity assessment, biogeography, ecology, conservation, and biomonitoring.
Contributions are welcome on DNA barcoding, metabarcoding, megabarcoding, environmental DNA, phylogenomics, population genetics, mitogenomics, and other molecular approaches addressing questions related to aquatic organisms and ecosystems. Topics may include species discovery and integrative taxonomy, cryptic diversity, reference library development, community ecology, trophic interactions, dispersal and connectivity, invasion biology, phylogeography, responses to environmental change, and the implementation of DNA-based tools in monitoring and management.
The session will provide a broad platform for recent methodological advances, case studies, regional initiatives, and conceptual developments, particularly encouraging contributions that combine molecular data with ecological, taxonomic, biogeographical, or environmental information. By covering a wide range of organism groups, habitats, and methodological frameworks, the session seeks to foster discussion, collaboration, and knowledge exchange at the interface of molecular biology, aquatic ecology, taxonomy, and conservation science.
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| Special Session 4 |
Artificial Intelligence in Marine Sciences in Greece: Current Advances, Challenges and Future Perspectives
Conveners: Dimitris Politikos, Katerina Kikaki and Ioannis Kakogeorgiou
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming marine sciences by enabling the analysis of complex datasets, automating monitoring processes, and supporting the sustainable management of marine and aquatic ecosystems. Recent advances in machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision are driving innovative solutions from ecosystem understanding to operational decision-making.
This Special Session aims to highlight current advances, challenges, and future perspectives of AI in marine and aquatic sciences in Greece. Contributions are invited on innovative methodologies, case studies, and operational applications demonstrating the potential of AI across different marine domains. Topics of interest include:
- AI applications in fisheries science, including stock assessment, species identification, otolith ageing, and ecosystem modelling.
- Remote sensing and computer vision for coastal monitoring, marine habitat mapping, biodiversity assessment, phytoplankton blooms, and pollutant detection.
- Smart aquaculture solutions for fish monitoring, welfare assessment, growth estimation, and farm optimisation.
- Detection, monitoring, and modelling of marine litter pollution and oil spills.
- AI-driven analysis of oceanographic, ecological, and biodiversity datasets.
- AI for marine conservation, ecosystem-based management, and sustainable Blue Growth.
The session seeks to bring together researchers, engineers, data scientists, and marine experts, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge exchange, and discussion on the challenges, opportunities, and future of AI-driven marine research in Greece.
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| Special Session 5 |
Advances and Challenges in Mediterranean Marine Benthic Invertebrate Research
Conveners: Katsiaras Nikolaos, more TBA
This Special Session will showcase innovative approaches and identify knowledge gaps and broader challenges in Mediterranean marine benthic invertebrate research, with the aim of strengthening community-building across the field. It will bring together research groups to share ongoing activities and explore collaboration opportunities.
The session will also create space for open discussion, including a panel of leading experts addressing key challenges, emerging priorities, and future directions. Together, participants will work towards producing a shared perspective for the community, delivering an opinion paper synthesizing the main outcomes from the discussion, while also suggesting longer-term initiatives.
Contributions may focus on recent advances in areas such as biodiversity assessment, community and functional ecology, monitoring approaches, as well as other topics relevant to Mediterranean marine benthic invertebrates.
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| Special Session 6 |
Autonomous Observation Platforms for Monitoring Nearshore Seafloor Processes
Convener: Evangelos Alevizos
Coastal environments are highly vulnerable to climate perturbations, sea-level rise, extreme events, and increasing human pressures, requiring accurate, repeatable, and high-resolution monitoring approaches. Emerging autonomous sensing technologies, such as uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), have transformed our ability to map and monitor nearshore features such as bedforms, reefs, and biogenic structures at unprecedented spatial and temporal scales.
This session welcomes contributions addressing UAV and USV applications for understanding surface processes in coastal and marine environments. The following topics are particularly encouraged:
- Temporal mapping of nearshore morphobathymetry.
- 3D geomorphic reconstruction of rocky substrates, including biogenic reefs and coastal cliffs.
- Change detection.
- Integrated workflows for monitoring sediment dynamics and/or benthic habitats, including soft substrates, reefs, and restoration sites.
The session places special emphasis on innovative sensing technologies, data processing with AI and machine learning, physics-based models, and sensor fusion.
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| Special Session 7 |
Ocean and Water Literacy, Capacity Development and Science Empowerment: Building Knowledge, Skills and Partnerships for Sustainable Ocean and Water Futures
Conveners: Argiro Andriopoulou, Sofia Giakoumi, Panayota Koulouri
This special session will explore how Ocean and Water Literacy, Capacity Development and science empowerment can strengthen the relationship between society, science and the aquatic environment, enabling individuals, institutions and communities to actively contribute to sustainable ocean and water futures. Aligned with the objectives of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, particularly Challenges 9 and 10, the session will highlight innovative approaches that enhance scientific understanding, foster critical thinking, build capacities, and support inclusive participation in environmental decision-making.
The session will examine how education, research, innovation and stakeholder engagement can work together to develop the skills, competencies and collaborative networks required to address current and emerging challenges affecting marine and freshwater ecosystems. Particular emphasis will be placed on empowering young people, students, educators, researchers and Early Career Professionals through lifelong learning opportunities, interdisciplinary cooperation and science-based solutions.
Special attention will be given to the Greek and Mediterranean context, showcasing initiatives that promote Ocean Literacy and Water Literacy, strengthen national and international partnerships, connect scientific knowledge with society, and support the development of resilient and environmentally responsible communities. The session will provide a platform for sharing experiences, good practices, policy perspectives and future priorities that contribute to a more informed, engaged and capable society, advancing the vision of the “Ocean We Want” and fostering sustainable growth through empowered minds.
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| Special Session 8 |
Marine Restoration: Approaches, Advances and Challenges for Shallow to Deep Sea Habitats under the EU Nature Restoration Regulation
Chairs: Maria Salomidi, Nadia Papadopoulou, TBA
With the EU Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) now legally binding and members states submitting their draft NRPs, marine restoration faces a critical shift from policy ambition to practical delivery. This session presents diverse marine restoration approaches and examines how they contribute to major conservation objectives, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s 30×30 target, the EU Biodiversity Strategy’s 10% strict protection goal, Habitats Directive Favourable Conservation Status, and MSFD Good Environmental Status, as well as NRR implementation itself.
We will address the ecological, scientific, technical, institutional and societal conditions needed to enable active and passive restoration across coastal, shelf and deep-sea ecosystems, drawing on insights from EU projects including CLIMAREST, ARTEMIS, REEFOREST, REDRESS, MED BLUEFORESTS, LIFE TRANSFER, CRADLES, MIRAMAR, LIFE DREAM & LIFE Mapper.
The discussion will focus on key gaps and challenges: prioritising habitats and actions, financing restoration, balancing restoration obligations with sustainable use, and building public support. The session welcomes contributions from scientists, practitioners and policymakers, and will close with a synthesis of where the field stands and what is needed to meet the NRR’s ambitions, paving the way toward a joint publication.
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| Special Session 9 |
Emerging Contaminants in the Aquatic Environment
Conveners: Dimitra Lampropoulou, Ioannis Karaouzas
This special session will explore the occurrence, fate, transport, effects and environmental risks of emerging contaminants in marine and freshwater ecosystems. Contributions may address a wide range of contaminants, including pharmaceuticals and personal-care products, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance, pesticides and biocides, PFAS and other persistent chemicals, microplastics and nanoplastics, industrial chemicals, and contaminants of emerging concern associated with urbanisation and wastewater discharge.
The session will also welcome studies on mixtures and cumulative effects, contaminant interactions with climate change and other environmental stressors, bioaccumulation and trophic transfer, effects on aquatic organisms and ecosystem functioning, and the development of novel approaches for monitoring and risk assessment. Contributions linking emerging contaminants to ecological status, biodiversity conservation and the protection of aquatic ecosystem services are particularly encouraged.
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| Special Session 10 |
From Beach Vulnerability to Coastal Resilience: Eco-Friendly Solutions under a Changing Climate and the ECO-BEACHTECH Initiative
Conveners: Isavela Monioudi, Evangelia Manoutsoglou
Coastal zones are among the most dynamic and vulnerable environments, increasingly affected by coastal erosion, extreme hydrodynamic events, and sea-level rise. These challenges are particularly critical for island and tourism-dependent regions, where beaches provide essential ecological, economic, and social services while acting as a natural first line of defense against coastal flooding. Sustainable and adaptable solutions are therefore urgently needed to enhance coastal resilience while preserving natural ecosystems.
The ECO-BEACHTECH initiative adopts an integrated approach to assess beach vulnerability and develop innovative, environmentally friendly solutions under present and future climate conditions. It combines advanced field monitoring, geophysical and sedimentological investigations, hydrodynamic and morphodynamic modelling, climate-change scenarios, and innovative coastal engineering technologies. Particular emphasis is placed on submerged artificial reefs and on the identification and characterization of offshore sand resources for sustainable beach nourishment.
This Special Session invites contributions addressing beach vulnerability, coastal resilience, and climate adaptation, including:
- Beach morphodynamics, erosion, and vulnerability assessment
- Coastal flooding, sea-level rise, and extreme events
- Nature-based, eco-friendly, and hybrid coastal protection
- Marine surveying for the detection of offshore sand deposits
- Beach nourishment and sustainable sediment management
- Coastal monitoring, remote sensing, and numerical modelling
The session aims to foster interdisciplinary exchange and promote innovative and transferable solutions for resilient and sustainable beaches.
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