Regenerative ocean farming in the Baltic Sea Region - Regional flagships projects supporting sustainable blue economy in EU sea basins (EMFAF-2023-PIA-FLAGSHIP)

As a concrete example of ecosystem restoration, this topic aims at reorienting fishers from extraction to ocean regeneration activities. It will support fishers and other interested stakeholders to assess the interest and feasibility of setting up new regenerative ocean farms or restoring coastal marine ecosystems, including by testing these approaches, if possible, in connection with marine protected areas. 
In line with the  Strategic Guidelines for a More Sustainable and Competitive EU Aquaculture, the main themes to be addressed are:

• Knowledge creation and sharing and promotion of innovative approaches for regenerative ocean farming, including technical, economic, environmental and social aspects linked to the reorientation process;
• Identification of skills and training needs;
• Access to space and water, in particular in connection with marine protected areas;
• Permitting and authorisation processes for the installation of new regenerative ocean farms;
• Demonstration activities for setting and operating regenerative ocean farming.

The proposals should focus on job maintenance and job creation for local communities, on reskilling needs and the development of future business opportunities that will both create added value while regenerating marine ecosystems.