Ivelin Petkov, an engineer at the the Institute of Oceanology in Varna, Bulgaria, is leading the project "Harmonising Bulgarian Black Sea Zooplankton Data in EMODnet: A Step Toward Open Science", together with Assoc. Prof. Kremena Blagovestova Stefanova. from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. The project unlocks a decade of meso- and macrozooplankton data (2012–2021) collected by IO-BAS through long-term monitoring, harmonising, validating, and formatting it to meet FAIR principles and ensure full interoperability.
This work is one of the ten winning projects from the second DTO-BioFlow Open Call. The interview was recorded during the exclusive data training workshop in Paris, held from 3–5 June 2025. The immersive event brought together experts and project teams for hands-on sessions in data transformation, quality control, metadata management, and collaborative discussions, refining methodologies and strengthening connections across the growing marine biodiversity data network.
Read the full written interview
Who are you, and what is the name of your institute?
Hello, my name is I'm Petkov, and I am an engineer at the Institute of Oceanology in Varna, Bulgaria.
Can you tell us more about the Institute of Oceanology and its mission?
The Institute of Oceanology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences is the leading institution for marine research in our country, with extensive experience in studying the marine environment. Our institute operates in the Bulgarian part of the Black Sea, where we collect a wide range of data — including physical, chemical, geological, and marine litter parameters.
What is the focus of your current project?
Our project enhances existing regional data systems such as SeaDataNet, EMODnet, and the Black Sea Commission data networks by providing high-quality, long-term datasets. We aim to close knowledge gaps related to coastal dynamics and ecosystems in the Bulgarian sector of the Black Sea.
What is the Institute’s role within European marine data initiatives?
We are a partner in five EMODnet thematic programs, including chemistry, biology, sea habitats, seabed habitats, and data ingestion. Through this project, we will deliver enriched datasets that support both national and regional marine science.
How will the improved data contribute to policy and environmental monitoring?
Improved data will contribute to EU policies by enabling better monitoring and early detection of hazards such as hypoxia and pollution. This will support more effective marine conservation.
How will the project strengthen your institute’s capabilities?
The project will modernise our data infrastructure, expand the observational network, and reinforce our role within the European marine research community. It will also foster knowledge exchange and capacity building among our researchers and engineers.
What are your thoughts on the Digital Twin Ocean initiative?
The Digital Twin Ocean is an exciting step forward for ocean management. We see ourselves as a key regional contributor in building a dynamic, data-driven digital representation of the Black Sea — one that will support science, policy, and society.