The ocean is our planet’s life support system, producing over half of the oxygen we breathe, regulating the climate, and sustaining communities worldwide. But as plastic pollution, chemical contaminants, overexploitation, and climate change intensify, how can we protect these waters?
F6S Blue Economy Synergy unites 15 EU-funded projects, some also supporting the EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters, to foster clean waters, ocean restoration, and sustainable growth through smart innovation. Organised into nine clusters, these projects tackle critical areas of water protection through collaborative innovation.
Discover how each cluster is shaping solutions for healthier, more resilient waters.
Ocean Pollution
Millions of tonnes of plastic and chemical pollutants enter our seas each year – around 80% from land-based sources and 20% from fishing, shipping, and other marine activities. Jambeck, J. R., et al. (2015). “Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean.” Science.
Our Ocean Pollution cluster addresses this challenge with projects driving innovation, from prevention and monitoring to removal and valorisation:
Freshwater
Freshwater systems are vital lifelines, carrying life and energy across borders. The Danube, Europe’s second-longest river, flows through ten countries, making it highly vulnerable as pollution in one nation impacts all downstream. The Freshwater cluster unites projects restoring and protecting these ecosystems:
- Restore4life: Restoring wetlands for a sustainable future
- DALIA: Danube Region Water Lighthouse Innovation Action
- SUNDANSE: Sustainable Sediment solutions for the Danube – Black Sea system
Marine Protected Areas
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are crucial for biodiversity and sustainable fisheries, yet 60–90% lack effective management despite covering over 8% of the ocean. The Marine Protected Areas cluster works to turn these “paper parks” into thriving, well-protected ecosystems through:
- EFFECTIVE: Enhancing social well-being and economic prosperity by reinforcing the eFFECTIVEness of protection and restoration management in Mediterranean MPAs
Blue Technologies
The future of our seas relies on smart innovation that monitors, protects, and sustains marine ecosystems while enabling responsible growth. Blue technologies drive this transformation, bridging the gap between ocean health and human development. Our Blue Technologies cluster brings this vision to life through:
Transition & Governance
Achieving the goals of the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030” requires more than innovative technologies, it also demands clear roadmaps, supportive policies, and strong frameworks that allow solutions to scale. The Transition & Governance cluster addresses this need by funding and guiding systemic change, building the conditions for successful deployment across regions and sectors, through:
- TASC-RestoreMed: Mobilising €9 million to scale up Mediterranean solutions and develop Transition Agendas linking innovation, policy, and governance for lasting impact.
Maritime Security
Ensuring safety at sea goes beyond external monitoring, it also means protecting vessels, crews, and infrastructure from risks within. Structural failures, hazardous inspections, and undetected damage can threaten lives, disrupt operations, and cause serious environmental harm. The Maritime Security cluster focuses on innovations that safeguard ships and marine infrastructure through prevention, safety, and resilience, including:
- AUTOASSESS: An autonomous robotic system for AI-driven vessel inspections to improve safety and efficiency.
Maritime Surveillance
Modern maritime surveillance integrates drones, satellites, underwater vehicles, and data platforms to deliver real-time insights. From combating illegal fishing to enhancing safety, these technologies are vital for security and sustainability. The Maritime Surveillance cluster leads this frontier with:
- I-SEAMORE: Integrated surveillance ecosystem for European Authorities responsible for Maritime Operations leveraged by reliable and enhanced aerial support
Marine Resources
Our seas hold resources that drive sustainability and innovation when used responsibly. Seaweed and mussels provide economic value and vital ecosystem services like water filtration, nutrient removal, and carbon capture. The Marine Resources cluster advances these nature-based solutions through:
- AlgaeProBanos: Accelerating Algae product development for a more sustainable future
- I3-4-Seaweed: Investing in Seaweed innovation across Europe
- BalticMuppets: Baltic Mussel Products for Pet-foods
Ocean Literacy
True change starts with awareness. Ocean literacy empowers especially young minds to understand, value, and protect our waters, fostering collective action for a healthier planet. The Ocean Literacy cluster champions this mission through:
- SHORE: Empower students as the agents of change
Join the wave of change!
Would you like to collaborate with us? The F6S Blue Economy Synergy welcomes researchers, innovators, stakeholders, and other projects wanting to share proposals for sustainable blue solutions, co-create, and organise workshops and events. We will be happy to connect!
📩 Contact us: blueeconomy@f6s.com
