HORIZON-MISS-2026-03-OCEAN-03: By fishers, for fishers: co-management of marine and freshwaters ecosystems and resources

HORIZON-MISS-2026-03-OCEAN-03: By fishers, for fishers: co-management of marine and freshwaters ecosystems and resources. This topic focuses on developing adaptive co-management approaches to reconcile fisheries with environmental sustainability, ensuring long-term viability of both marine and freshwater ecosystems and local livelihoods through direct engagement and empowerment of fishers as custodians of nature.  

Objectives: 

Expected outcomes from projects are:  

• Measurable improvements in the status of critical marine and/or freshwater habitats (including blue carbon sequestration capacities) and species through active and passive conservation and restoration measures; 
• Increased sustainability of fishing practices and tools and enhanced implementation of ecosystem-based approaches as outlined in the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP); 
• Measurable socio-economic benefits for local communities, skill development and job creation opportunities; 
• Enhanced governance in the co-management of ecosystems and resources at local and basin level and overall strengthened Mission governance framework; 
• Improved cross-border coordination in fish movement data collection and exchange processes.  

Successful applicants will be required to: 

• Empower fishers, including small-scale and recreational fishers, towards sustainable fisheries transition by engaging them in co-management of marine and freshwater ecosystems and resources, particularly in protected areas and reserves where fishing is allowed;
• Demonstrate active involvement of fishers from project initiation and test science-based approaches for co-management of marine and freshwater resources;
• Implement demonstration activities in at least 5 sites across 3 different Member States or Associated Countries within one Mission basin, involving fishers in habitat protection and restoration activities including regenerative practices, ecosystem management, invasive species control, and fish stock recovery plans;
• Develop training and communication activities for fishers and stakeholders, including local/regional authorities, to build capacity and promote sustainable developments and business opportunities;
• Ensure continuous monitoring and assessment of ecological and socio-economic impacts, measuring contribution to Mission objectives and targets;
• Contribute to data collection and sharing through EMODnet and support the Digital Twin Ocean;
• Address governance issues to ensure effective implementation and foster multi-level governance across national, regional and local levels. 

Eligible applicants: 

The conditions are described in General Annex B. The following exceptions apply: 

If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used). 

The following additional eligibility criteria apply: in addition to the standard eligibility conditions, the consortium must carry out demonstration activities in at least 5 sites in 3 different Member States or Associated Countries of the basin addressed by the proposal (i.e.: 1. Atlantic and Arctic basin or 2. Mediterranean Sea basin or 3. Baltic and North Sea basin or 4. Danube River basin, including Black Sea), and include, as beneficiaries, legal entities established in these respective countries.  

Budget: 

The total indicative budget for the topic is EUR 31.00 million, with four projects to be funded under this topic. The Commission estimates that an EU contribution of between EUR 7.00 and 7.75 million would allow these outcomes to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of a proposal requesting different amounts. 

Duration: 

The project is expected to start in early 2026, following grant agreement preparation, and should typically run for a duration of 3 to 4 years, depending on the scope of the proposed work. 

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