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Sustainable and Ecosystem-based Approach for Fisheries through the Utilization of Technology to Uphold Resilient Environments

Project description

Advanced technologies to address threats to Mediterranean seafood

The EU-funded SEA4FUTURE project advances an ecosystem-based approach to Mediterranean and Macaronesian fisheries by developing and testing multi-scale technological solutions to enhance fishing selectivity and significantly reduce bycatch. The project integrates innovative gears, monitoring tools and modelling frameworks with adaptive management of Marine Protected Areas and Fisheries Restricted Areas to support fish stock and fisheries recovery through optimised spatial planning. By combining ecological data, advanced modelling and participatory processes, SEA4FUTURE co-designs evidence-based management measures with fishers and stakeholders. The project also addresses sustainability across the seafood value chain through the assessment of certification schemes, targeted audits of non-sustainable fisheries and the development of tailored transition roadmaps, strengthening traceability, market transparency and long-term socio-economic resilience and sustainability.

Objective

SEA4FUTURE is dedicated to catalysing a blue transformation in the Mediterranean's seafood sector, addressing environmental degradation and socio-economic vulnerability, while leveraging successful practices from Madeira. From citizen science to best practices design, fishers are central actors of the project. SEA4FUTURE will develop a multi-scale set of tools, devices and gears to increase selectivity, and reduce bycatch. SEA4FUTURE also acknowledges the critical role of Marine Protected Areas and Fisheries Restricted Areas in fish stock recovery. By integrating MPA/FRAs management with advanced modelling practices, the project aims to boost the effectiveness of these protected zones and co-design new ones. Crucially, SEA4FUTURE will engage with local communities in the co-design of science-based solutions, filling critical knowledge gaps and ensuring that innovations are culturally and contextually appropriate.This approach aligns with broader conservation goals, ensuring that the Mediterranean remains a vital source of food and economic activity for future generations. SEA4FUTURE will address the rest of the seafood value chain by benchmarking existing certification schemes and auditing non-sustainable fisheries providing tailored roadmaps. The project aim at increasing sustainable seafood visility by directly targeting seafood buyers through knowledge sharing, dedicated content and events with fishers.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-IA - HORIZON Innovation Actions

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MISS-2024-OCEAN-01

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Coordinator

UNIVERSIDAD DE ALICANTE
Net EU contribution
€ 1 167 420,00
Address
CAMPUS DE SAN VICENTE RASPEIG
03690 Alicante
Spain
Region
Este Comunitat Valenciana Alicante/Alacant
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
€ 1 167 420,00

Participants (21)