What can the Danube sediment data tell us? A diagram of the global temperature curve with several peaks and valleys – this is perhaps what the first results of the annual suspended sediment load (SSL) of the Danube, from the source to the estuary (see image; copyright: Sándor Baranya), can be compared with. In contrast, data from the 1950s and 1960s shows that the amount of SSL was historically higher, with a notable increase of suspended sediment in the middle part of the Danube River.

Data collection in the DanubeSediment project is still on-going. Currently, several work packages are collecting data simultaneously in order to achieve a better understanding of the many aspects of sediment transport in the Danube. This includes, e.g. the identification of key drivers that may impact the sediment regime or the assessment of historical maps of the Danube River.

Towards the end of the first year, the DanubeSediment partners met for the 4th time on the 21st and 22nd of November 2017 in the premises of the Technical University of Munich, hosted by the Bavarian Environment Agency (LfU). The partners discussed the progress of data collection, the deployment of future project results and the involvement of stakeholders within the project. Two of the first national stakeholder workshops were held in Hungary and Germany and six others are scheduled for the first quarter of 2018.

Furthermore, a Steering Committee Meeting was held, chaired by Mr. János Józsa, Rector of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME). As it was attended by Mr. Gustav Csomor from the DT Programme, it gave the opportunity for a direct interaction between project partners and the DTP Joint Secretariat, e.g. on current project steps and future results. During the course of both days, most partners had the opportunity to enjoy a sightseeing walk through the city of Munich as well as a Bavarian style dinner.