In a significant stride towards fostering sustainable maritime development, the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) recently announced the commencement of ten pioneering projects under its Regional flagships call. With a substantial budget of EUR 7.6 million, these initiatives are set to address critical challenges and opportunities in EU sea basin cooperation, with a specific focus on the Atlantic, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea Region, and the EU Outermost Regions.
Atlantic Region: FISATUR – Nurturing Coastal Economies through Fishing Tourism
Under the theme of “Diversification of fisheries activities in the Atlantic area,” the FISATUR project has embarked on a 28-month journey with an EU contribution of EUR 667,880.21. Aimed at synergizing the fishery and tourism sectors, FISATUR seeks to propel economic growth in coastal fishing regions by integrating and promoting innovative Atlantic tourist products and services linked to fishing and maritime heritage. The project envisions a trade mission navigation route from Portugal to France, fostering collaboration and idea exchange.
Black Sea: Strengthening Response to Marine Pollution
In the Black Sea, two distinctive projects, Black Sea SIERRA and RESPONSE, are set to address the challenges of marine pollution. Black Sea SIERRA, with a duration of 36 months and an EU contribution of EUR 599,999.5, focuses on enhancing preparedness and response to marine pollution resulting from civil and military activities. RESPONSE, spanning 36 months with an EU contribution of EUR 479,803.39, aims to develop and test new training schemes for monitoring, reporting, and managing marine pollution, particularly arising from armed conflicts.
Mediterranean: Advancing Green Shipping and Sustainable Transport
The Mediterranean region witnessed three groundbreaking projects. GREEN MARINE MED, with a duration of 24 months and an EU contribution of EUR 932,469.91, seeks to establish a comprehensive network for monitoring and technology foresight on green shipping. GreenMED, spanning 24 months with an EU contribution of EUR 740,868, aims to contribute actively to EU emission targets by promoting decarbonisation pathways in the Mediterranean. POWER4MED, an 18-month initiative with an EU contribution of EUR 638,435, focuses on supporting the transition to carbon neutrality in maritime transport, particularly for fishing boats, commercial vessels, and marinas.
North Africa: CALLMEBLUE – Strengthening Maritime Clusters for a Sustainable Blue Economy
In a bid to accelerate north-south regional cooperation processes, CALLMEBLUE is set to strengthen existing maritime clusters in the Mediterranean over 24 months, supported by an EU contribution of EUR 780,987.86.
Outermost Regions: TWINNEDbySTARS and ecoRoute – Innovating Maritime Tourism
TWINNEDbySTARS, spanning 36 months with an EU contribution of EUR 996,630.11, aspires to transform European outermost regions into internationally recognised maritime ecotourism destinations. ecoRoute, a 30-month initiative with an EU contribution of EUR 999,996.15, aims to foster smart underwater cultural and nature tourism in participating Outermost Regions.
Baltic Sea Region: COOL BLUE BALTIC Revolutionising Ocean Farming
COOL BLUE BALTIC, a 24-month initiative with an EU contribution of EUR 599,937.77, focuses on regenerative aquaculture to diversify income for fishermen and farmers and promote ecosystem restoration.
It’s key to note that the information on these projects is provisional and subject to the final signature of the Grant Agreements. The EMFAF Regional flagships represent a significant investment in sustainable maritime practices, showcasing the EU’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges and promoting economic growth in coastal regions.