By fishers, for fishers: co-management of marine and freshwaters ecosystems and resources

The grant aims to foster adaptive co-management approaches to reconcile fisheries with environmental sustainability, ensuring the long-term viability of both marine and/or freshwater ecosystems and local livelihoods. Projects should empower fishers, including small-scale and recreational fishers, and actively engage them in the co-management, conservation, and restoration of marine and freshwater ecosystems and resources. Activities should include ecological monitoring, demonstration of sustainable science-based co-management solutions, and measures such as habitat restoration, prevention of invasive species, sustainable fishing technologies, and citizen science. Proposals must address one specific basin and demonstrate outcomes at least in 5 sites across 3 different countries. Expected results include measurable improvements in habitats and species, sustainable fishing practices, socio-economic benefits for local communities, enhanced governance, and improved cross-border data coordination.

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Agency	HORIZON (EU)
Region	EU
Country	N/A
Legal form	Company, NGO, Government organization, Other
Start date	4 Feb 2026
End date	23 Sep 2026
Max funding	Up to 7,750,000 EUR per grant
Budget	31,000,000 EUR for this topic in 2026
Coverage	Funding rates according to Horizon Europe Innovation Actions; see programme guide for specifics

Grant application conditions

Eligible countries	EU Member States and Associated Countries (as defined in Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annex B) are eligible. Some non-EU/non-Associated Countries may participate under specific provisions.
Consortium composition	The consortium must carry out demonstration activities in at least 5 sites in 3 different Member States or Associated Countries within the proposed basin, and include legal entities established in those countries.
Project scope	Empower and actively involve fishers—including small-scale and recreational fishers—in co-management of ecosystems. Address one designated sea or river basin per proposal: Atlantic and Arctic, Mediterranean, Baltic and North Sea, or Danube River/Black Sea. Engage fishers from the start, including in protected areas or reserves where fishing is allowed. Demonstrate sustainable, inclusive and science-based co-management solutions.
Budget and duration	Minimum EU contribution per grant: 7,000,000 EUR Maximum EU contribution per grant: 7,750,000 EUR
Open science, data management	Projects collecting in-situ and marine observation data must make them openly available through the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet), following FAIR principles.
Ethical practices	Fishers must adopt ethical and sustainable fishing practices that prioritize animal welfare and prevent unnecessary harm to marine and freshwater species.
Replication and basin focus	Each project must address a single basin and demonstrate replication potential for proposed solutions, including action plans and roadmaps by the project’s end.
Additional eligibility (Copernicus/Galileo)	If satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, or timing data are used, projects must utilize Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS services.
Documentation	https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-MISS-2026-03-OCEAN-03

Eligible expenses

Evaluation criteria

Business exclusions

Reporting

Application process

Application requirements