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Strategic Analysis
A winning proposal must select one distinct sea basin (Atlantic/Arctic, Mediterranean, or Baltic/North Sea) and deploy robust commercial-scale fishing demonstrations across at least three basin countries. Success hinges on uniting fishers, gear technologists, and marine scientists to co-design selective gear and operational strategies that demonstrably eliminate bycatch and juvenile mortality while securing economic viability through ecolabelling and premium market valorisation.
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1demonstrating mitigation measures and sustainable fishing tools, e.g.: innovative gears and techniques improving selectivity and addressing incidental bycatch, such as exclusion devices, use of frangible gear, acoustic deterrent devices, escape panels, and other solutions; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2demonstrating mitigation measures and sustainable fishing operations, such as restricting fishing activities in targeted areas, temporal and/or spatial closures, safe handling of bycaught species and reducing mortality of discarded species, experimental restocking programmes and other solutions; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3carrying out specific activities to assess operational feasibility in commercial fishery situations and to support fishers in taking-up the solutions as well as to promote sea-food products from sustainable fisheries. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1Reduced, and where possible elimination of incidental catches of sensitive species and juvenile fish as well as reduced discard and damage to catch, for an accelerated transition towards more sustainable and economically viable fishing practices; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2Improved effective mitigation measures to protect either or both sensitive species and juvenile fish as well as their habitats; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3Enhanced knowledge related to incidental catches of both sensitive species, juvenile fish, including spawning grounds, locations of nursery areas as well as recruitment processes; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO4Increased value of seafood-products from sustainable fisheries, e.g. through ecolabelling schemes sustainable certification schemes, etc. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Open access to in-situ marine data via EMODnetIf projects collect in-situ data and marine observations, beneficiaries must make them openly available through the European Marine Observation and Data network (EMODnet), based on FAIR principles. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Mandatory use of Copernicus and Galileo/EGNOS earth observation and navigation servicesIf projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Capitalisation on existing EU programmes and marine scientific bodiesProjects should build and capitalise on knowledge and lessons learnt from initiatives funded under Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, EMFF, EMFAF, and LIFE, as well as work by ICES, GFCM, STECF, and basin-level bodies. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Collaboration with Horizon Europe project HORIZON-CL6-2023-BIODIV-01-5Projects could benefit from cooperation and sharing of information and data through collaboration with Horizon Europe projects selected under the topic 'Understanding and reducing bycatch of protected species' (HORIZON-CL6-2023-BIODIV-01-5). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5Active involvement of end-users, fisheries communities, and management authoritiesProjects should actively involve end-users and fisheries communities in their activities, tailoring actions to sea basin specificities and engaging local/regional authorities such as Fisheries Management authorities when relevant. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ6Replication action plans and stakeholder engagement for scaling upProjects must demonstrate significant replication potential by identifying relevant stakeholders who could replicate solutions and drawing up action plans and roadmaps for scale-up by project end. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ7Encouraged participation of EU Outermost RegionsProposals addressing the EU Outermost Regions are explicitly encouraged, given these regions' natural assets. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ8Animal health and welfare complianceDemonstrated solutions, practices, and processes must specifically respect animal health and welfare during mitigation and commercial fishing operations. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ9Assessment of energy efficiency and climate neutralityProposals should consider the energy efficiency and climate neutrality of the proposed solutions, contributing to the energy transition of the EU fisheries sector. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| No expected impacts in this call. | |||
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1common fisheries policyThe Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is the EU's regulatory framework for managing European fishing fleets and conserving fish stocks. It aims to ensure that fishing and aquaculture are environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable, mandating Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) and the landing obligation. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2technical measures regulationRegulation (EU) 2019/1241 establishes conservation measures governing how, where, and when commercial fishers may operate. It focuses on gear specifications, spatial-temporal closures, minimum conservation reference sizes, and measures to protect sensitive marine species and benthic habitats. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3eu biodiversity strategyThe EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 is a comprehensive, long-term plan to protect nature and reverse ecosystem degradation. In the marine domain, it commits to protecting at least 30% of EU seas, with 10% strictly protected, and eliminating or reducing bycatch of protected marine species. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4nature restoration lawThe Nature Restoration Law is a proposed EU regulation aiming to put in place legally binding targets for nature restoration across various ecosystems, including agricultural lands, forests, and marine areas. It seeks to reverse biodiversity loss, enhance ecosystem resilience, and help the EU achieve its climate mitigation and adaptation goals by restoring degraded habitats and species. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL5marine action planThe EU Marine Action Plan outlines actions to bridge fisheries and environmental legislation to restore marine ecosystems while securing a sustainable future for the fishing sector. It focuses on phasing out mobile bottom-contact fishing in marine protected areas (MPAs) and protecting sensitive species from incidental catches. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL6marine strategy framework directiveThe Marine Strategy Framework Directive (Directive 2008/56/EC) establishes a framework for Member States to achieve or maintain Good Environmental Status (GES) in marine waters through regional cooperation and descriptor-based targets. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL7eu sea basin strategiesEU sea basin strategies (such as those for the Atlantic, Western Mediterranean, and Baltic Sea) provide regional macro-strategic frameworks to foster the sustainable blue economy, marine protection, and cross-border cooperation tailored to specific marine regions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
LMIC entities auto-eligible
Low/middle-income country entities are automatically eligible for funding.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
Consortium legal entities from demonstration countries required
In addition to the standard eligibility conditions, the consortium must carry out demonstration activities in 3 different countries of the basin addressed by the proposal (i.e.: 1. Atlantic and Arctic basin or 2. Mediterranean Sea basin or 3. Baltic and North Sea basin), and include, as beneficiaries, legal entities established in these respective countries.
4 key insights you must internalise before writing. Each is grounded in the call text and tells you what evaluators will actually look for. Share these with your consortium before drafting.
A proposal will be rejected at the eligibility check if it fails to target exactly one sea basin or lacks legal entities from at least three countries within that specific basin. The consortium must physically host the commercial-scale demonstration activities in these three countries, meaning your partner selection directly dictates your geographic eligibility.
Source: Eligibility rules
Evaluators will heavily scrutinize the economic viability of the proposed mitigation measures. A proposal must explicitly demonstrate real-world commercial fleet buy-in and prove that the transition to selective gears or spatial closures will not compromise commercial margins. You must integrate ecolabelling and premium market valorisation directly into the business model to offset potential operational costs.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
The integration of specific EU data infrastructures is a strict compliance factor. Proposals must embed Copernicus or Galileo services for any spatial tracking or closure operations and explicitly map workflows for feeding in-situ marine observations into EMODnet. Treat these as mandatory methodological pillars rather than optional add-ons.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
The portfolio selection rules guarantee funding for at least one project per sea basin (Atlantic/Arctic, Mediterranean, Baltic/North Sea). Consortia should strategically assess their regional strengths and tailor their solutions to the specific geopolitical and ecological challenges of their chosen basin, as they are primarily competing against other proposals targeting that exact same region.
Source: Eligibility rules
Specific requirements
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
Consortium legal entities from demonstration countries required
In addition to the standard eligibility conditions, the consortium must carry out demonstration activities in 3 different countries of the basin addressed by the proposal (i.e.: 1. Atlantic and Arctic basin or 2. Mediterranean Sea basin or 3. Baltic and North Sea basin), and include, as beneficiaries, legal entities established in these respective countries.
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1. Admissibility conditions: described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes
Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System
2. Eligible countries: described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes
A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
The following additional eligibility criteria apply: in addition to the standard eligibility conditions, the consortium must carry out demonstration activities in 3 different countries of the basin addressed by the proposal (i.e.: 1. Atlantic and Arctic basin or 2. Mediterranean Sea basin or 3. Baltic and North Sea basin), and include, as beneficiaries, legal entities established in these respective countries.
If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used).
3. Other eligibility conditions: described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes
4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion: described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes
To ensure a balanced portfolio covering the 3 different sea basins (1. Atlantic and Arctic sea basin, 2. Mediterranean Sea basin, 3. Baltic and North Sea basin), grants will be awarded to applications not only in order of ranking but at least also to one proposal that is the highest ranked within each sea basin, provided that the applications attain all thresholds.
Award criteria, scoring and thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes
Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual
Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement: described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes
Beneficiaries will be subject to the following additional obligations regarding open science practices: If projects collect in-situ data and marine observations, beneficiaries must make them openly available through the European Marine Observation and Data network (EMODnet), based on FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) principles.
6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants: described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes
7. Specific conditions: described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme]
Call documents:
Standard application form — call-specific application form is available in the Submission System
Standard application form (HE RIA, IA)
Standard application form (HE CSA)
Standard evaluation form — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
Standard evaluation form (HE CSA)
MGA
HE Main Work Programme 2023–2024 – 1. General Introduction
HE Main Work Programme 2023–2024 – 12. Missions
HE Main Work Programme 2023–2024 – 13. General Annexes
HE Framework Programme and Rules for Participation Regulation 2021/695
HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment
EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement
Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual
Evaluators will strictly verify eligibility: the consortium must carry out demonstration activities in 3 different countries within the chosen sea basin and include legal entities established in those countries. Portfolio selection rules guarantee at least one funded project per sea basin. Reviewers will scrutinise real-world commercial fleet buy-in under @SC3, mandatory integration of Copernicus/Galileo for spatial tracking/closure operations, FAIR data feeding into EMODnet, and measurable progress against CFP and Nature Restoration targets without compromising commercial margins.
TRL 4 → 8
Based on programme defaults
demonstrating mitigation measures and sustainable fishing tools, e.g.: innovative gears and techniques improving selectivity and addressing incidental bycatch, such as exclusion devices, use of frangible gear, acoustic deterrent devices, escape panels, and other solutions;
demonstrating mitigation measures and sustainable fishing operations, such as restricting fishing activities in targeted areas, temporal and/or spatial closures, safe handling of bycaught species and reducing mortality of discarded species, experimental restocking programmes and other solutions;
carrying out specific activities to assess operational feasibility in commercial fishery situations and to support fishers in taking-up the solutions as well as to promote sea-food products from sustainable fisheries.
Reduced, and where possible elimination of incidental catches of sensitive species and juvenile fish as well as reduced discard and damage to catch, for an accelerated transition towards more sustainable and economically viable fishing practices;
Improved effective mitigation measures to protect either or both sensitive species and juvenile fish as well as their habitats;
Enhanced knowledge related to incidental catches of both sensitive species, juvenile fish, including spawning grounds, locations of nursery areas as well as recruitment processes;
Increased value of seafood-products from sustainable fisheries, e.g. through ecolabelling schemes sustainable certification schemes, etc.
No expected impacts identified for this destination.
Common Fisheries Policy (CFP)
highThe Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is the EU's regulatory framework for managing European fishing fleets and conserving fish stocks. It aims to ensure that fishing and aquaculture are environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable, mandating Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) and the landing obligation.
Evaluators expect proposals to detail how gear modifications, fishing practice alterations, or monitoring solutions directly support CFP objectives, including bycatch reduction, compliance with landing obligations, and minimizing seabed impact.
Technical Measures Regulation
highRegulation (EU) 2019/1241 establishes conservation measures governing how, where, and when commercial fishers may operate. It focuses on gear specifications, spatial-temporal closures, minimum conservation reference sizes, and measures to protect sensitive marine species and benthic habitats.
Evaluators look for proposals to provide technical solutions such as innovative gear selectivity or deterrent technologies that align directly with or exceed the standards established under the Technical Measures framework.
EU Biodiversity Strategy
highThe EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 is a comprehensive, long-term plan to protect nature and reverse ecosystem degradation. In the marine domain, it commits to protecting at least 30% of EU seas, with 10% strictly protected, and eliminating or reducing bycatch of protected marine species.
Evaluators expect applicants to demonstrate quantifiable contributions to marine conservation, detailing how project outcomes will mitigate pressures on vulnerable species and sensitive marine habitats within protected and unprotected waters.
Nature Restoration Law
highThe Nature Restoration Law is a proposed EU regulation aiming to put in place legally binding targets for nature restoration across various ecosystems, including agricultural lands, forests, and marine areas. It seeks to reverse biodiversity loss, enhance ecosystem resilience, and help the EU achieve its climate mitigation and adaptation goals by restoring degraded habitats and species.
Proposals should demonstrate how their activities contribute to the restoration targets set by the law, particularly concerning soil and water ecosystems. This includes measures for improving ecological integrity, hydrological functions, and overall ecosystem health, directly addressing the degradation of natural areas and the soil-water nexus.
Marine Action Plan: 'Protecting and restoring marine ecosystems for sustainable and resilient fisheries'
highThe EU Marine Action Plan outlines actions to bridge fisheries and environmental legislation to restore marine ecosystems while securing a sustainable future for the fishing sector. It focuses on phasing out mobile bottom-contact fishing in marine protected areas (MPAs) and protecting sensitive species from incidental catches.
Evaluators expect proposals to propose concrete pathways and testing of gear and operational alternatives that reduce physical disturbance to the seabed and mitigate bycatch, directly facilitating the transition outlined in the Action Plan.
Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD)
highThe Marine Strategy Framework Directive (Directive 2008/56/EC) establishes a framework for Member States to achieve or maintain Good Environmental Status (GES) in marine waters through regional cooperation and descriptor-based targets.
Evaluators expect projects to map their expected outcomes to specific MSFD descriptors, specifically Descriptor 1 (biodiversity), Descriptor 3 (commercial fish/shellfish populations), and Descriptor 6 (sea-floor integrity).
EU sea basin strategies
highEU sea basin strategies (such as those for the Atlantic, Western Mediterranean, and Baltic Sea) provide regional macro-strategic frameworks to foster the sustainable blue economy, marine protection, and cross-border cooperation tailored to specific marine regions.
Evaluators expect proposals to tailor their validation and deployment actions to the specific geopolitical and ecological challenges of the targeted sea basins (Atlantic/Arctic, Mediterranean, Baltic/North Sea) and align with regional governance bodies.
Habitats Directive
mediumCouncil Directive 92/43/EEC aims to promote the maintenance of biodiversity by requiring Member States to establish conservation measures for natural habitats and wild fauna and flora of Community interest, forming the Natura 2000 network.
Evaluators expect proposals to address the mitigation of fishery impacts on Annex-listed marine habitats (such as reefs and sandbanks) and species (including marine mammals and turtles), providing clear conservation monitoring and impact assessment metrics.
Birds Directive
mediumDirective 2009/147/EC provides comprehensive protection to all wild bird species naturally occurring in the EU, mandating the identification and management of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) to safeguard their habitats.
Evaluators expect proposals to show practical strategies to prevent and monitor incidental seabird bycatch in fishing gears (e.g., longlines, gillnets) in accordance with the directive's strict conservation requirements.
Nothing to show for this call yet.