Diversifying aquaculture production with emphasis on low-trophic species

The main goal of this opportunity is to support the transition to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture within the EU and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. It focuses on diversifying aquaculture production, especially by promoting low-trophic species and innovative methods such as integrated multi-trophic and organic aquaculture. The initiative aims to give consumers more access to a variety of healthy aquatic foods, boost the competitiveness and profitability of the aquaculture industry, and reduce environmental impacts. It also seeks to increase consumer awareness about the benefits of aquatic foods and stimulate economic growth and job creation in coastal and rural regions. International cooperation, innovation, and multi-actor approaches are strongly encouraged.

• Proposals must follow the page limits and formatting requirements specified in the application guidelines.
• Participants must be from eligible countries, mainly the EU, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and certain non-EU countries with specific funding provisions.
• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial and operational capacity.
• Projects must focus on edible aquatic organisms, with an emphasis on low-trophic species and sustainable production methods.
• Collaboration with European research infrastructures and accredited laboratories is recommended.
• Proposals should integrate social sciences and humanities, and consider previous relevant projects for alignment.

Examples:

• A project testing new sustainable techniques for farming seaweed and shellfish in coastal EU regions.
• A partnership between European and African research teams to develop integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems.
• An initiative to increase consumer knowledge about the benefits of low-trophic aquaculture products through educational campaigns.

• Personnel costs for project staff
• Costs for research and development activities
• Purchase of equipment and materials for aquaculture production
• Travel and subsistence for project-related activities
• Costs for external expertise and consulting
• Subcontracting of specific project tasks
• Costs for communication, dissemination, and educational activities
• Participation fees for conferences and workshops
• Access to research infrastructures and laboratory services
• Project management and coordination expenses

Restrictions may apply according to the Horizon Europe Guide; applicants should consult the official documents for details.

• Budget for this Call: 12.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Budget per project: 6.000.000€

• Applicants must be legal entities established in eligible countries (EU, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, or those with special provisions).
• Applicants must show financial and operational capacity to carry out the project.
• Projects should involve collaboration with relevant research infrastructures or laboratories when possible.
• Effective integration of social sciences and humanities is required.
• International cooperation is encouraged, especially with Central and Eastern Europe, EU outermost regions, and Africa.
• Alignment with previous relevant projects and strategic guidelines for sustainable aquaculture is expected.
• Eligibility may depend on forming networks or partnerships, especially for multi-actor or international projects.