Strong response to EMFAF calls for proposals on smart specialisation, algae and scientific advice for fisheries

CINEA has received a total of 42 project proposals for the two calls for proposals under the Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund that have just closed. Up to 11 grants in total are expected to be funded, demonstrating the high interest raised by these EMFAF calls.

Call for proposals on Smart specialisation and regenerative ocean farming 

With a budget of € 5.7 million, the call for regional flagships projects supporting sustainable blue economy in EU sea basins - Smart Specialisation and Regenerative Ocean Farming and Algae Innovation (EMFAF-2025-PIA-FLAGSHIP) closed on 18 February 2025.

For topic 1 on smart specialisation and Innovation in the Sustainable Blue Economy, CINEA received 16 proposals. They cover the sectors targeted in the call, including aquaculture and fisheries, tourism, marine renewable energy, tourism and blue biotechnology. 

For topic 2 on regenerative ocean farming, CINEA received 10 proposals, which cover the areas specified by the call. These include farming of local seaweed species or seaweed in combination with shellfish; and testing and demonstration of innovative algae-based products and services to bring them closer to market.

Call for proposals on Scientific advice for fisheries

With a budget of € 2.6 million, the call for proposals on scientific advice for fisheries closed on 20 February 2025.

CINEA received 16 project proposals to improve scientific knowledge to strengthen the science-basis of management decisions under the Common Fisheries Policy.

Next steps

Following a full eligibility and admissibility check, the evaluation will start towards the end of February.

The applicants may receive information on the result of the call towards June. 

Follow us on LinkedIn, X and this section of the website for up-to-date information on these calls.

Background

The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) supports the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy and of the Union's maritime policy along four priorities:

• Fostering sustainable fisheries and the conservation of marine biological resources,
• Contributing to food security in the Union through competitive and sustainable aquaculture and markets,
• Enabling the growth of a sustainable blue economy and fostering prosperous coastal communities,
• Strengthening international ocean governance and enabling safe, secure, clean and sustainably managed seas and oceans.

For the period 2021-2027, it has an overall budget of EUR 6.108 billion to promote a growth and job-based recovery in Europe. The budget is divided between shared (managed by Member States) and direct management (managed by the European Commission, agencies and international organisations).

The majority of the EMFAF actions in direct management delegated to CINEA are targeted at supporting policy development by the European Commission and implemented by way of procurement (purchase of services) and grants (contribution to specific actions).