Open Call for Marine Litter and Pollution – Smart and Low Environmental Impact Fishing Gears

Deadline: 27-Sep-22

The European Commission (EC) is calling for proposals for Marine Litter and Pollution – Smart and Low Environmental Impact Fishing Gears Programme.

Scope

• Proposals under this topic are expected to identify a set of suitable innovative smart and sustainable solutions to be tested, validated and demonstrated in real conditions, to address negative impacts of fishing gears on marine life and habitats and promote long-term sustainability in their ocean and seas.
• Interdisciplinary approaches and close cooperation between researchers, fishing industry, fisheries managers and other stakeholders will be fundamental to the development, introduction and acceptance of innovative, smart and sustainable fishing technologies.

Funding Information

The check will normally be done for the coordinator if the requested grant amount is equal to or greater than EUR 500 000, except for: 

• public bodies (entities established as a public body under national law, including local, regional or national authorities) or international organisations; and 
• cases where the individual requested grant amount is not more than EUR 60 000 (lowvalue grant).

Expected Outcomes

Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes:

• Portfolios of solutions for low-environmental impact fishing gears and minimised end-of life waste, including through recycling and reuse;
• Reduced marine pollution caused by waste from fishing activities, in line with among others the Single Use Plastic Directive and the Port Reception Facilities Directive;
• Preserved marine fauna and reduction of accidental catches (mainly of Endangered, Threatened and Protected (ETP) species), including the harmful effects of ghost fishing gears;
• Improved and preserved marine habitats, including seabed, and reduced negative effects of abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gears;
• Improved mapping, tracking and recovery of abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gears.
• Contributed to the implementation of EU legislation, e.g.: the Directive on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment (Directive 2019/904)31;
• Increased users’ choices and responsible user behaviours.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for funding, applicants must be established in one of the eligible countries, i.e.:

• the Member States of the European Union, including their outermost regions;
• the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) linked to the Member States;
• eligible non-EU countries:
  • countries associated to Horizon Europe;
  • low- and middle-income countries.

For more information, visit European Commission.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3FFGVwk