The Horizon Europe Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters” opened a funding opportunity to develop and demonstrate adaptive co-management approaches for marine and freshwater ecosystems and resources. The call places fishers at the centre of ecosystem protection and sustainable resource management, recognising their role as custodians of aquatic environments.
Why it matters
The call seeks to reconcile sustainable fisheries with ecosystem restoration and the long-term viability of coastal communities. Projects should improve the condition of habitats and species, support more sustainable fishing practices, strengthen participatory ecological monitoring and generate measurable socio-economic benefits, including new skills and employment opportunities.
Who can apply
The opportunity is particularly relevant to fishers’ organisations, fisheries cooperatives, producer organisations, coastal communities, marine research institutes, universities, environmental and fisheries authorities, NGOs and marine protected-area managers. Projects must meaningfully involve fishers and demonstrate solutions in at least five test sites across a minimum of three eligible countries per sea basin.
- More information: EU Funding & Tenders Portal
- Call reference: HORIZON-MISS-2026-03-OCEAN-03
- Call budget: €31 million
Deadline: 23 September 2026, 17:00 CEST