Improving scientific knowledge to strengthen the science-basis of management decisions under the CFP
Improving scientific knowledge to strengthen the science-basis of management decisions under the CFP supports fisheries scientists with policy-oriented research funding to improve fisheries management advice.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: February 23, 2027, at 17:00 CET (Submission)
Funding Amounts: Expected grants of €400,000–€600,000 for 18–36 months, covering 80% of eligible costs; €1.8 million total budget
Summary: Supports policy-oriented fisheries science addressing knowledge gaps needed for Common Fisheries Policy management decisions.
Key Information: Consortia need at least two independent beneficiaries from two different EU Member States, with an EU-based coordinator.
Description
This European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) call supports scientific knowledge needed for fisheries conservation and management under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), it seeks to improve the evidence underpinning scientific advice, optimise existing data, strengthen cooperation between scientists and fisheries stakeholders, and sustain scientific expertise and regional knowledge-transfer networks.
Projects should produce operational results usable by fisheries advisory bodies, rather than general marine research or market-ready commercial innovations. Supported activities include research, trials, meta-analysis, model development and validation, preparation and reuse of existing data, and justified fieldwork outside national data-collection programmes. Progress beyond the state of the art is strongly encouraged, alongside early, meaningful involvement of policy stakeholders and the fishing sector.
