Real-Time Monitoring of the Freshwater Lens on Vis Island Begins

We are pleased to announce an important milestone of the From Sea to Summit project: from now on, the freshwater lens of Vis Island can be monitored in real time thanks to the successful Swiss–Croatian scientific collaboration. The newly established monitoring system is now publicly accessible through the project platform: Real-time data portal

Field activities carried out on 22 April 2026, fittingly on Earth Day, were completed successfully and marked the transition from planning to operational monitoring. During the campaign, the project team installed a new Automatic Weather Station (AWS), providing continuous meteorological observations essential for recharge assessment and hydrological interpretation. In parallel, real-time monitoring equipment was installed at the BO6 piezometer, enabling continuous observation of groundwater dynamics within the freshwater lens system.

Additional fieldwork included groundwater and spring-water sampling for geochemical analyses at the Korita well field and the Pizdica spring, which will support the hydrogeological characterization of the island aquifer and improve understanding of freshwater–seawater interactions.

At Pizdica Spring, the team also evaluated several approaches for future discharge monitoring. Different measurement concepts were tested, including V-notch structures, stable-profile methods, area–velocity sensors, radar techniques, and other potential solutions, with the aim of identifying the most reliable and environmentally suitable method for long-term monitoring.

This achievement represents a major step forward in building an integrated observation system for sustainable water management on Vis Island.

We thank all project partners and collaborators who contributed to this successful field campaign