In December, the SeaInsights partners held the fifth project meeting, which took place online. The purpose of the meeting was to review progress in the final phase of the project, exchange experiences, and coordinate the steps that lie ahead. Despite the virtual format, the atmosphere was highly collaborative, and discussions were lively and constructive.
Partners presented updates from each work package, ranging from eDNA laboratory analyses and dolphin monitoring to social science research, communication activities, and the preparation of technical guidelines. We are pleased that most activities are progressing according to plan, and many results already offer valuable insights into the marine environment and dolphin populations of the northern Adriatic.
A special part of the meeting was dedicated to organizational matters. Interreg proposed a one‑month project extension, allowing partners to complete conference‑related activities and final reporting without time pressure. The proposal was unanimously supported, as the extension brings no major financial or technical changes but ensures a higher quality of the final outputs.
The partners also discussed upcoming events, including the cross‑border stakeholder meeting in Trieste at the end of January, where draft eDNA guidelines and dolphin monitoring guidelines will be presented. The event will be open to Slovenian and Italian stakeholders and organized in two thematic sessions.
The meeting concluded with a strong sense of shared progress and direction. The coming months will be intensive, but they also offer an opportunity to present the results of several years of collaboration to the wider professional and local community.
The next online meeting is planned for late February or early March 2026.
