The Horizon Europe project SEA4FUTURE officially started on 1 January 2026 with the goal of accelerating a “blue transformation” of the Mediterranean seafood sector. The project tackles major challenges such as environmental degradation, overexploited fish stocks and socio-economic pressures on coastal communities, and held its kick-off meeting in Alicante on 29–30 January 2026.

Funded by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) under the Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters,” SEA4FUTURE will run for four years with an EU contribution of €7.99 million. Coordinated by the University of Alicante, the consortium brings together 22 partners from eight countries, including research institutes, universities, SMEs, NGOs, a regional authority and a fishers’ cooperative, with additional support from the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (Egypt).

SEA4FUTURE places fishers at the centre of innovation, engaging them as data collectors and co-designers of new fishing gears and management measures. The project combines citizen science approaches, such as eDNA and genomics surveys, with trials of selective fishing technologies and bycatch reduction devices. These innovations will be supported by decision-making tools and efforts to improve seafood certification schemes and develop new sustainable markets.

The project will test its solutions in seven living labs across the Mediterranean and adjacent regions, including Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Türkiye and Madeira. By integrating scientific knowledge, technological innovation and local expertise, SEA4FUTURE aims to demonstrate that Mediterranean fisheries can support both marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods.

More information will be available soon at sea4future.eu.

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Read the full press release: here.