Unleashing the potential of sustainable small-scale aquatic food production and recreational fisheries for prosperous local communities
Support for sustainable small-scale aquaculture and recreational fishing for thriving local communities. Applications accepted until 23.09.2027.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The goal is to advance economic prosperity, resilience, as well as environmental and climate protection in local coastal, marine, and inland water communities through innovative approaches in small-scale aquaculture, fisheries, and recreational fishing. This includes developing new business models, digital tools, and nature-based solutions, as well as analyzing socioeconomic effects.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Material costs
- Travel expenses
- Subcontractor services
Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of real estate
- Retroactive costs
- Debt settlement
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Non-profit Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Public Institutions
- Founders
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
Funding requirements
- At least three independent institutions from different EU/associated countries
- Coordination by a lead procurer in collaborative projects
- Headquarters and contribution in an EU member state or associated country
- Compliance with Horizon Europe financial and exclusion criteria
Documents required for application
- Application via Funding & Tenders Portal
- Project Description
- Dissemination and Exploitation Plan
- CVs of Key Personnel
- Financial Plan
- Legal Founding Documents
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Contribution to climate and environmental protection goals
- Economic and social benefits for local communities
- Quality and efficiency of implementation
Description
The EU initiative to promote sustainable small-scale aquaculture and recreational fisheries aims to advance economic prosperity, resilience, and environmental and climate protection in coastal, marine, and inland water communities. Interested consortia consisting of at least three independent entities from different EU Member States or associated countries may submit applications until 23 September 2027, 17:00 CEST. Funding is available for small-scale aquaculture and small-scale fisheries operators, recreational fisheries stakeholders, as well as municipalities and stakeholders in local communities seeking to develop innovative business models, digital tools, and nature-based solutions. Within collaborative projects, a lead procurer will coordinate activities. The project duration is 36 months, with a funding rate of up to 70% of eligible costs. A maximum of EUR 5 million is available per project, with a total commitment of up to EUR 10 million.
Eligible costs include personnel, material, and travel expenses, as well as subcontractor services. Excluded are real estate acquisitions, retroactive costs, and debt settlement. The selection process is based on an evaluation of the level of innovation, contribution to climate and environmental protection objectives, socio-economic benefits for local communities, as well as the quality and efficiency of implementation. A transparently developed dissemination and exploitation plan, meaningful CVs of key personnel, and a detailed financial plan form the basis of the application. Following successful evaluation, contract signing is expected within eight months after the application deadline. Further information and the necessary application documents are available on the European Commission’s Funding & Tenders Portal.