Ocean and Waters Projects Events – Jan 2026

• January 14, 2026

PHAROS actively participates in the Mission Ocean and Waters Communication Collaborative as part of its mandate to build strategic links with other EU Missions, European Blue Parks, Mission lighthouses, and related initiatives. The Collaborative brings together communications representatives from partner projects, CSAs, the Mission Implementation Platform, and European Commission leaders for monthly coordination meetings where participants share project updates and align messaging. The following updates reflect activities and developments shared by participating members during the January 2026 meeting cycle.

---

Horizon Europe Info Days – EU Missions: 20-21 January 2026

The European Commission invites potential applicants to join the EU Missions Info Days on 20-21 January 2026 at 09:00 CET to learn about funding opportunities under the Work Programme 2026/2027 for projects addressing critical challenges in health, climate, and the environment.

• What: The two-day online event will provide comprehensive information about new 2026 topics and calls across all five EU Missions: Adaptation to Climate Change, Cancer, 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030, Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030, and A Soil Deal for Europe. The Work Programme contains mission-specific calls and topics designed to support full implementation of each mission according to their strategic plans.
• Who: Researchers, organizations, public authorities, private sector entities, NGOs, and stakeholders interested in contributing concrete solutions to societal challenges in climate adaptation, cancer prevention, urban sustainability, ocean restoration, and soil health are encouraged to participate.
• Where: Online attendance.
• When: 20-21 January 2026, starting at 09:00 CET.
• Why: The event aims to inform potential applicants about funding opportunities that support the EU Missions goals. Participants will gain detailed insights into call requirements and thematic priorities, enabling them to prepare competitive proposals for addressing some of the greatest challenges facing society.

---

SEACURE Open Call – First Information Webinar – 26 January 2026

The SEACURE project invites regional and local authorities to join an information webinar on 26 January 2026 at 12:00 CET to learn about funding opportunities to combat nutrient pollution in soil and water systems.

• What: The webinar will provide practical guidance on the SEACURE Open Call, which offers funding of €200,000 to €2,000,000 per project for public authorities implementing innovative nutrient pollution solutions.
• Who: Local and regional authorities involved in land or wastewater management from EU Member States and associated countries are eligible to apply.
• Where: Online attendance via dedicated registration link.
• When: 26 January 2026, 12:00 CET.
• Why: The call aims to scale up SEACURE’s proven solutions for preventing, reducing, and remediating nutrient pollution across European basins, with applications accepted until 28 February 2026 at 17:00 CET.

---

Horizon Europe Missions Brokerage Event 2026 – 28-29 January 2026

NCP4Missions and the European Commission invite Horizon Europe applicants to a brokerage event on 28-29 January 2026 to build consortia and develop competitive proposals for the 2026 Missions calls under the Work Programme 2026/2027.

• What: The event begins with a plenary session on 28 January at 10:00 CET providing essential information on upcoming Horizon Europe calls in the Missions Work Programme. This is followed by bilateral meetings on 28-29 January where participants can connect with potential partners, present their expertise, and discuss collaboration opportunities. The event covers all five EU Missions: Adaptation to Climate Change, Cancer, Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030, 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030, and A Soil Deal for Europe, plus cross-cutting activities.
• Who: Companies, universities, research and technology organizations, public sector bodies, NGOs, and any other entities eligible to participate in Horizon Europe calls are encouraged to join.
• Where: Online participation with dedicated bilateral meeting platform.
• When: Plenary session: 28 January 2026, 10:00-11:00 CET, Bilateral meetings: 28 January 2026, 10:20-19:30 CET, Bilateral meetings: 29 January 2026, 10:00-19:30 CET,
• Why: The event facilitates consortium building for the 2026 Missions calls, enabling participants to meet potential partners from across Europe and beyond. The brokerage event is organized in cooperation with the EU Missions Info Days taking place on 20-21 January 2026, providing a comprehensive support framework for applicants.

---

PHAROS Canary Islands Living Lab Mega Event – 29–31 January 202

The PHAROS project will host a major living lab event in the Canary Islands from 29–31 January 2026, bringing together stakeholders to advance marine ecosystem restoration and sustainable blue economy initiatives.

• What: The mega event will showcase living lab innovations and foster collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and local communities working on ocean and water-related challenges within the Atlantic and Arctic regions.
• Who: Project partners, local authorities, researchers, and community representatives.
• Where: Canary Islands, Spain.
• When: 29–31 January 2026.
• Why: The event serves as a platform to demonstrate practical solutions for ocean protection and sustainable resource management under the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030.

---

EDITO Call 1 – Information Session on Digital Ocean Platform – 29 January 2026

The European Digital Twin Ocean (EDITO) initiative will hold an information session on 29 January 2026 at 11:00 CET to introduce its first call for financial support to third-party projects.

• What: The session will provide details on EDITO’s call for funding to help existing applications, models, and datasets integrate onto the EDITO platform, advancing the co-creation of the European Digital Twin Ocean.
• Who: European, national, regional, and local projects interested in contributing to the digital twin ecosystem are invited to attend.
• Where: Online via Zoom.
• When: 29 January 2026, 11:00 CET.
• Why: EDITO aims to build a collaborative platform for marine knowledge sharing and community development, enabling projects to leverage interoperable marine data and infrastructure for ocean research and policy-making.

---

Shore Project Webinar: Empowering Blue Education – 28 January 2026

Discover how to bring ocean literacy into schools by joining an online webinar on 28 January 2026 at 17:00 CET, featuring platforms developed by the Shore, Blue LightS, and ProBleu projects.

• What: The webinar will showcase digital platforms and educational resources designed to promote ocean literacy and sustainable practices among students, helping teachers integrate blue education into classroom curricula.
• Who: Educators, school administrators, and stakeholders interested in advancing ocean awareness and marine conservation education.
• Where: Online webinar – registration required here
• When: 28 January 2026, 17:00 CET.
• Why: As ocean challenges intensify, blue education equips the next generation with knowledge and awareness to make informed decisions about marine ecosystem protection and sustainable consumption.

---

PartArt4OW – Third Open Call for Participatory Art & Ocean Projects – January 2026 (Opening)

PartArt4OW launches its third and final open call seeking innovative projects that blend art, science, and community engagement to advance sustainable and equitable blue economies.

• What: The open call invites artists, researchers, NGOs, and civic society organisations to develop participatory art initiatives that engage coastal and inland communities in rethinking ocean and water economies, with funding up to €50,000 per project.
• Who: Individuals, consortia, and organisations from EU Member States and Horizon Europe-associated countries, with priority given to projects involving underrepresented and socially excluded groups.
• Where: Eligible applicants based in EU Member States or associated countries in Europe.
• When: Opening: 8 January 2026 (applications ongoing); specific closing date available on
• Why: The call seeks to catalyze innovative collaborations that foster community-led solutions for sustainable blue economies while making ocean literacy accessible to diverse audiences through creative expression.

---

Ocean Sciences Meeting – 22–27 February 2026

The International Association for Physical Sciences of the Ocean convenes global experts at the Ocean Sciences Meeting in Glasgow from 22–27 February 2026, featuring presentations from leading ocean research initiatives including EDITO.

• What: The meeting brings together marine scientists, oceanographers, and ocean policy experts to present cutting-edge research, exchange knowledge, and discuss solutions for ocean sustainability and climate resilience.
• Who: Researchers, scientists, policymakers, and ocean professionals from around the world. Where: Glasgow, United Kingdom.
• When: 22–27 February 2026.
• Why: The meeting serves as a critical forum for advancing ocean science-policy dialogue, accelerating the implementation of ocean protection strategies aligned with EU Mission objectives and global sustainability goals.

---

SUNDANSE Open Call – Danube Sedimentation Innovation – Through 18 February 2026

The SUNDANSE project is accepting applications from local and regional authorities across Danube-bordering countries for its open call focused on river sedimentation and restoration, with the deadline set for 18 February 2026 at 17:00 CET.

• What: The call provides up to €100,000 in funding for associated regions to replicate SUNDANSE’s sedimentation methodologies and implement innovative solutions for flow monitoring, sediment quantity and quality assessment, and awareness-raising initiatives. More information can be obtained via webinar that will be held on Jan 15 11:00am – Jan 15 12:30pm.
• Who: Local and regional authorities from Germany, Slovakia, Moldova, Hungary, and Croatia are eligible to apply (countries where SUNDANSE partners are not already based).
• Where: Applications submitted via F6S Platform.
• When: Open: 17 December 2025; Deadline: 18 February 2026, 17:00 CET. Project implementation: 9-month duration starting in 2026.
• Why: The call supports the Danube region’s capacity to adopt sustainable sedimentation management practices, addressing river health and supporting the transition toward climate-resilient water systems across Associated Regions.

---

MPA Day 2026: Uniting a Global Community for Ocean Protection – 10 February 2026

The OCTO (Open Communications for the Ocean) group invites marine conservation professionals, MPA managers, researchers, and ocean advocates to join a webinar on 10 February 2026 at 16:00 CET to learn about the evolution and global expansion of Marine Protected Areas Day.

• What: The webinar will highlight the evolution of MPA Day and its growing reach as more regions join in celebrating and promoting the value of MPAs. Judy Mann-Lang, Founder of MPA Day, will discuss the origin and early growth of the initiative, while Katja Laingui, European Coordinator for MPA Day, will outline steps taken to broaden MPA Day outreach into Europe and foster connections with emerging partners worldwide.
• Who: Marine conservation professionals, MPA managers, researchers, ocean advocates, and anyone interested in supporting global efforts to protect marine biodiversity are encouraged to participate.
• Where: Online attendance via dedicated Zoom registration link.
• When: 10 February 2026, 16:00 CET (17:00 EET, 15:00 UTC, 10:00 EST, 07:00 PST).
• Why: The webinar aims to share practical ways organizations and individuals can participate in MPA Day, celebrated annually on 1 August, to amplify collective efforts to protect the ocean. Marine Protected Areas are essential for conserving biodiversity, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and building climate resilience.

---

SEACURE Open Call – Deadline for Nutrient Pollution Solutions – 28 February 2026

Public authorities managing land and water resources are invited to apply for SEACURE funding to implement innovative solutions for nutrient pollution across Europe, with applications due 28 February 2026 at 17:00 CET.

• What: SEACURE offers €200,000 to €2,000,000 per project to regional and local authorities implementing customized solutions addressing nutrient pollution challenges, paired with 18 months of technical assistance from SEACURE consortium experts.
• Who: Local and regional public authorities (municipal governments, regional councils, environmental agencies, water authorities) from EU Member States and associated countries.
• Where: Applications via SEACURE REDCap Form; eligible regions in nutrient-pollution basins across Europe.
• When: Open Call: 1 December 2025 – 28 February 2026, 17:00 CET. Project implementation: November 2026 – April 2028.
• Why: The initiative accelerates the scaling and replication of proven nutrient pollution solutions, supporting the EU’s Green Deal objectives and reversing the environmental impact of nutrient runoff on water systems.

---

VeriFish – CWA Revision and Documentary Recognition – Ongoing

The VeriFish project advances its work on sustainable aquafood indicators with its CEN Workshop Agreement (CWA) approaching final review stages, while the project has gained international recognition through a Euronews documentary highlighting consumer-focused apps for sustainable seafood choices.

• What: VeriFish is finalizing its CWA, a framework of verifiable sustainability indicators for aquafood production, while simultaneously promoting consumer awareness through innovative tools including a multilingual card game titled “Overfished.” The project’s efforts were featured in a Euronews documentary (December 2025) alongside the MrGoodFish app, showcasing how consumer applications can drive sustainable seafood markets.
• Who: VeriFish consortium (10 partners from Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Switzerland, and United Kingdom); retailers, consumers, and seafood industry stakeholders.
• Where: Online access to CWA comments, Euronews article, Card game
• When: CWA public comment period ongoing; final conference: 10–12 March 2026, Brussels.
• Why: By developing transparent, science-based indicators and accessible consumer tools, VeriFish empowers citizens and retailers to make informed seafood choices that support sustainable fishing practices and marine ecosystem protection.

---

VeriFish Final Conference – 10–12 March 2026

VeriFish will host its final conference in Brussels from 10–12 March 2026, bringing together industry, policymakers, researchers, and consumers to discuss the future of sustainable aquafood communication and consumption.

• What: The conference will showcase VeriFish’s sustainability indicator framework, media products, and recommendations for communicating responsible seafood choices, featuring expert presentations and stakeholder dialogue on scaling sustainable aquafood systems.
• Who: Aquaculture industry representatives, policymakers, retailers, scientists, environmental advocates, and engaged consumers.
• Where: Brussels, Belgium.
• When: 10–12 March 2026 (consensus meeting on CWA: 9 March 2026).
• Why: The conference marks the culmination of VeriFish’s work to bridge the information gap between producers, retailers, and consumers, catalyzing market-driven change toward sustainable seafood systems aligned with ocean restoration goals.

---

4th Mission Ocean and Waters Forum – 5 March 2026

Europe’s premier conference on ocean and water restoration convenes on 5 March 2026, bringing together policymakers, researchers, innovators, and stakeholders to advance the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030.”

• What: The forum features keynote presentations, thematic panel discussions, exhibition halls showcasing innovative projects, and networking sessions focused on marine biodiversity protection, sustainable blue economies, pollution prevention, and blue science initiatives across Europe.
• Who: EU officials, national governments, research institutions, NGOs, social enterprises, industry leaders, and ocean conservation advocates.
• Where: Brussels, Belgium (location to be confirmed in full agenda).
• When: 5 March 2026; registration deadline: 13 February 2026.
• Why: The forum provides the central platform for the European ocean community to demonstrate progress toward 2030 restoration targets, foster cross-sectoral collaboration, and align stakeholder efforts on interconnected ocean and water challenges.

The deadline to register for attendance at the 4th Mission Ocean and Waters Forum is 13 February 2026, with the event taking place on 5 March 2026.

---

BlueActionAA Community-Led Pilot Action Open Call – Through 29 May 2026

BlueActionAA opens its Community-Led Pilot Action call, inviting consortia-based initiatives from Atlantic and Arctic regions to propose innovative solutions for marine and freshwater ecosystem restoration, with the application deadline set for 29 May 2026 at 14:00 CET.

• What: The open call funds 5–15 community-led actions addressing EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030” objectives, offering grants of €200,000 to €2,000,000 per project over 6–24 months, with priority given to projects demonstrating tangible local impact and long-term sustainability.
• Who: Consortia (minimum 2 partners from different stakeholder groups) based in eligible Atlantic and Arctic countries: France, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Iceland.
• Where: Webinar Information & Registration, Applications via official submission portal. Projects targeting Atlantic and Arctic regions.
• When: Call opening: 28 November 2025; deadline: 29 May 2026, 14:00 CET. Results announcement: 30 September 2026.
• Why: By mobilizing community-led action, BlueActionAA accelerates the implementation of locally-rooted solutions for marine biodiversity protection, pollution prevention, and carbon-neutral blue economies, creating measurable environmental and social impact across Atlantic and Arctic ecosystems.

---

About the Mission

The EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030” is an action-driven programme deploying research, innovation, and targeted investment to reverse decades of degradation across Europe’s marine and freshwater ecosystems before the end of this decade.

The Mission Ocean and Waters Communication Collaborative is a coordination group comprised of communications representatives from EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters” partner projects, CSAs (Coordination and Support Actions), the Mission Implementation Platform, European Commission communications leaders, and other EC-funded stakeholders.

Its primary purpose is to facilitate information sharing and ensure all parties have the necessary tools, information, and assets for enhanced communication of Mission Ocean and Waters activities. The group operates through monthly meetings where CSA partners take turns leading sessions, working from an open agenda that any communications partner can contribute to.

The Communications Collaborative serves as a strategic coordination mechanism to align messaging, share resources, and strengthen the collective communication capacity across the diverse ecosystem of projects and organizations working toward the Mission’s 2030 objectives. If you work on communications for a Mission Ocean and Waters project, you can request to join by contacting MIP-editorialboard@technopolis-group.com.