The EU-funded SEA4FUTURE project advances an ecosystem-based approach to Mediterranean and Macaronesian fisheries by developing and testing multi-scale technological solutions to enhance fishing selectivity and significantly reduce bycatch. The project integrates innovative gears, monitoring tools and modelling frameworks with adaptive management of Marine Protected Areas and Fisheries Restricted Areas to support fish stock and fisheries recovery through optimised spatial planning. By combining ecological data, advanced modelling and participatory processes, SEA4FUTURE co-designs evidence-based management measures with fishers and stakeholders. The project also addresses sustainability across the seafood value chain through the assessment of certification schemes, targeted audits of non-sustainable fisheries and the development of tailored transition roadmaps, strengthening traceability, market transparency and long-term socio-economic resilience and sustainability.

USC coordinates WP6 of SEA4FUTURE, which focuses on the development of new business models and more sustainable certification schemes for the fisheries sector. In particular, it leads Task 6.1, aimed at assessing the sustainability of the project’s solutions from a life-cycle perspective, including environmental, economic and social impacts, and Task 6.2, focused on analysing and improving existing eco-labelling and certification schemes, with the aim of moving towards more inclusive roadmaps adapted to the sustainability of the sector.

With a duration of four years and financed with 8 million euros by the Horizon Europe program, this alliance involves more than twenty universities and centers from Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, linked to the fishing sector in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.