[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

September 17, 2026

Up to €10,000,000 per project; typically one grant awarded under this topic.

Funds research to advance assessment and mitigation of anthropogenic underwater noise impacts on marine ecosystems and their services.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity from the European Commission supports research projects aimed at improving scientific understanding and monitoring of the effects of anthropogenic underwater noise on marine organisms, ecosystems, and the services they provide. The goal is to develop or enhance scientific methods, tools, and indicators to evaluate both continuous and impulsive underwater noise, considering regional differences and cumulative impacts with other environmental pressures. Projects should also propose mitigation measures to safeguard critical ecosystem services (such as carbon sequestration) and deliver evidence-based methodologies for environmental authorities to assess and protect marine environments, in line with EU standards and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the High-Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean Declaration, supporting efforts to restore a quieter ocean for marine life and biodiversity. --- ## Due Dates - Full application deadline: September 17, 2026 (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Indicative budget for this topic: €10,000,000 - Expected number of grants: 1 - Type of action: Horizon Research and Innovation Action (RIA) - Project duration and budget specifics may vary; see the [topic page](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-01?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=6&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) for details. --- ## Eligibility - Proposals must be submitted by consortia including at least three independent legal entities, each established in a different EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. - Additional eligibility criteria, including admissibility, financial and operational capacity, and exclusion criteria, are detailed in the [Horizon Europe General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). - Participation from non-EU/non-Associated Countries may be possible if specific provisions are made (see the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf)). --- ## Application Process - Single-stage application process. - Proposal submission opens April 17, 2026. - Applications must be submitted electronically via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-01?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=6&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Applicants must use the standard forms provided in the portal and adhere to page limits and formatting as specified in the call documents. - Evaluation criteria and process are described in the [General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) and [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual). --- ## Additional Information - Projects are expected to deliver results that inform EU policy and regulatory standards for marine noise and ecosystem protection. - Proposals should address both scientific advancement and practical applicability for environmental authorities. - Collaboration and multi-disciplinary approaches are encouraged. --- ## External Links - [Call Topic Details and Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-01?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=6&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [General Annexes and Eligibility Rules](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) - [Online Manual for Applicants](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [European Commission Funder Homepage](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiries | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | IT/Portal Support | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Toward a comprehensive assessment of the disturbance of marine ecosystems by anthropogenic underwater noise - European Commission

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