The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) has announced the launch of four new flagship projects under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), aimed at advancing sustainable blue economy across EU sea basins.
These projects are funded under the EMFAF, following the call for proposals for smart specialisation and regenerative ocean farming, focused on two key areas:
Smart Specialisation and Innovation in the Sustainable Blue Economy
Regenerative Ocean Farming and Algae Innovation
With a total budget of €5.7 million, the initiative supports strategic interregional partnerships and innovative solutions in sectors such as aquaculture, fisheries, marine renewable energy, blue biotechnology, and coastal tourism.
Spotlight on the Atlantic Region: ATL.A.HUB and SEAGROW
Among the four selected projects, two are directly aligned with the goals of the Atlantic Maritime Strategy, reinforcing the region’s leadership in marine innovation and ecological sustainability.
ATL.A.HUB – Atlantic Hubs to boost Marine Algae Land-based Aquaculture and Biotechnology
This project will establish a Blue Innovation Hub in the Atlantic region, fostering smart specialisation and collaboration among stakeholders.
It aims to accelerate innovation in key blue economy sectors such as aquaculture, marine renewable energy, and blue biotechnology, strengthen strategic partnerships across Atlantic coastal regions and facilitate knowledge exchange and joint development of innovative solutions.
The partners will use two of the largest facilities in Europe for algae cultivation and processing as launch pads for the development of new algae-based products. The facilities are in Pozo Izquierdo (Gran Canaria, Spain) and Vila Franca de Xira (Lisbon, Portugal).
ATL.A.HUB will serve as a catalyst for regional transformation, enabling stakeholders to co-create and scale up sustainable blue economy initiatives.
Duration: 36 months
EU contribution: EUR 1,578,076.28
SEAGROW - Seaweed in Ecosystem Enhancing Aquaculture for Growth and Sustainability
SEAGROW focuses on regenerative ocean farming in the Atlantic basin, demonstrating the environmental benefits of cultivating local seaweed species and shellfish.
It also boosts algae innovation through the development of new algae-based products and services, contributing to sustainable aquaculture and biotechnology.
The project will test innovative seaweed farming systems in Galway Bay (Ireland), by combining ecological restoration with economic development, SEAGROW will help unlock the potential of sustainable aquaculture and contribute to biodiversity and climate resilience in the region.
Duration: 36 months
EU contribution: EUR 1,578,076.28
These projects reflect the EU’s commitment to a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable blue economy, and reinforce the Atlantic region’s role as a leader in marine innovation and ecological stewardship.
For more details, visit the CINEA website