EU invests €119 million in 17 new projects to restore and protect our ocean and waters
EU invests €119 million in 17 new projects to restore and protect our ocean and waters https://pharosproject.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/image-1024x536.png 1024 536 PHAROS Project https://pharosproject.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/image-1024x536.pngFrom cleaner rivers and seas to restored waterfronts and islands, a new wave of action is taking shape across Mission Ocean and Waters.
The European Union has selected 17 new projects to support the implementation of its Mission Ocean and Waters. The projects were chosen under the 2025 call ‘Supporting the implementation of the Restore our Ocean and Waters Mission’ (HORIZON-MISS-2025-03). They represent a total investment of €119 million and bring together more than 340 organisations from across Europe.
The selected projects cover a wide range of activities. They span research, innovation and real world application. Their work will contribute to the Mission’s objectives by strengthening marine protection, tackling pollution, accelerating the green and digital transition in fisheries and aquaculture, and restoring ecosystems and coastal environments.
Four main focus areas
1. Strengthening marine protection
SPHERE will help establish a coherent European network of strictly protected marine areas. This means creating a connected network across European seas where marine life can thrive with minimal human disturbance.
2. Preventing and reducing plastic pollution
DANUBINA will focus on the Danube River Basin and the Black Sea. It will develop tools to monitor, prevent and remove litter and microplastics from river to sea.
RIPPLE addresses plastic pollution at its source. It will engage with communities through citizen science, education and reuse to prevent plastic waste from reaching rivers and seas.
3. Accelerating the green and digital transition in fisheries and aquaculture
DANUBEAQUA will demonstrate how renewable energy and digital technologies can improve the sustainability and resilience of aquaculture in the Danube and Black Sea region.
LIBFISH aims to reduce the environmental footprint of bottom trawling. It will test new fishing technologies to reduce seabed damage, fuel use and emissions.
4. Restoring ecosystems and coastal environments
ROWER will demonstrate place based and people centred restoration approaches across 13 case study areas. These areas cover more than 5,000 square kilometres of marine, coastal, estuarine and river environments.
REMEDIES 5.0 will work across 13 locations in European sea and river basins. It will combine ecosystem restoration, pollution reduction and circular blue economy solutions.
Isla Bonita will support island authorities and communities in developing locally adapted solutions for ecosystem restoration, pollution prevention and a climate resilient blue economy.
Coordination, Lighthouses and Digital Twin Ocean
Some projects will strengthen the coordination and implementation of Mission Lighthouses. Others will contribute to advancing the EU Digital Twin Ocean infrastructure, supporting more informed and sustainable ocean management.
MEDCONNECT will strengthen cooperation across the Mediterranean by connecting 22 partners from 15 countries through regional structures and National Hubs.
OCEANITY will advance the European Digital Twin Ocean by developing three high readiness applications for coastal and urban resilience, marine spatial planning and sustainable maritime operations.
Demonstration and replication
Many of the newly funded projects will establish demonstration and replication sites to test innovative solutions in real life conditions. Local communities, public authorities, businesses and other stakeholders will be actively involved in their development and implementation. This helps ensure that successful approaches can be taken up and replicated across Europe.
Collectively, these 17 projects bring together more than 340 organisations. They show the momentum of the Mission as it moves into its delivery and uptake phase.
