Across all our activities and solutions, the emphasis was on ensuring continuity and making sure that coordination efforts, networks, and outputs could support implementation in the years ahead. In that light, we are eagerly awaiting the proposals that will be submitted by 2026 under our BlueActionBANOS 9 million EUR funding programme, which we launched just three months after the project’s start on November 2025. 

Read along to find out what moved us across the seas this year. 

Mission Ocean work moved towards deployment 

One of the most significant milestones of the year was the conclusion of BlueMissionBANOS. After several years of coordination across the Baltic and North Sea region, the project formally closed in 2025. Its final phase focused on synthesis and handover, ensuring that lessons learned, stakeholder networks, and coordination mechanisms will continue to be used in BlueActionBANOS, which we started on September 2025, and the upcoming second phase of BlueMissionBANOS, expected to start by mid-2026. 

As part of this work, the Mission Arena series reached its final milestone with Mission Arena 4 in Sopot. The event brought together regional actors, projects, and policymakers to focus on deployment-oriented Mission Ocean actions in the South Baltic. It closed the Arena cycle for the BANOS region and marked a transition from dialogue toward implementation. 

BlueMissionBANOS 
https://bluemissionbanos.eu 

Mission Arenas 
https://bluemissionbanos.eu/mission-arenas 

Although not formally part of BlueMissionBANOS, the spirit of our Mission Arenas was reflected in the Mission Ocean and Waters conference under the Danish EU Presidency in Nyborg this autumn, which was organised with the help of our Danish BlueMissionBANOS partners SDU and DTU. 

Mission Ocean & Waters DK EU Presidency Conference 
https://event.sdu.dk/missionoceaneu/the-roadmap 

Marine protection gained a shared structure 

In 2025, the MPA Community Network was launched to provide a shared structure for projects and practitioners working on marine protected areas. It connects initiatives across governance, planning, monitoring, and restoration, supporting exchange and continuity beyond individual project cycles. 

MPA Community Network 
https://mpacommunitynetwork.eu 

Algae work connected innovation and policy 

Algae-related activities reached a visible high point in October with the EU Algae Awareness Summit in Berlin. The event brought together around 250 participants from policy, research, industry, and projects, creating a shared space to connect algae innovation with EU policy priorities and market development. Being part of the large-scale EU4Algae initiative, key highlights of the Summit were the signature of the Algae Declaration by several EU Member States and the presence of EU Commissioner Costas Kadis and German Minister Alois Rainer. 

EU Algae Awareness Summit 
https://algae-awareness.eu 

EU4Algae 
https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/eu4algae_en 

Alongside this, several algae-focused support mechanisms moved into action. Through I3-4-SEAWEED, open calls support SMEs working on seaweed and macroalgae innovation across cultivation, processing, and product development. In parallel, the AlgaeProBANOS Accelerator provided targeted mentorship to startups and SMEs, supporting business development and scale-up across the algae value chain. Together with our seven other algae-related projects, these initiatives helped move algae solutions closer to market and implementation. 

I3-4-SEAWEED 
https://i3-4-seaweed.eu 

APB Algae Accelerator 
https://submariner-network.eu/algae-accelerator 

Art–science collaboration expanded through TIDAL ArtS 

In 2025, TIDAL ArtS opened new pathways for art–science collaboration focused on ocean and water challenges. The Lighthouse Calls launched early in the year attracted more than 600 applications from 16 countries, reflecting strong interest in cultural and interdisciplinary approaches to engagement, literacy, and community involvement. 

The response underlined the role of artistic and creative practice as a complementary entry point to Mission Ocean objectives, extending participation beyond traditional research and policy formats. 

TIDAL ArtS 
https://tidalarts.eu 

Skills, inclusion, and recognition gained room 

Work on skills and inclusion continued across sea basins through the WIN-BIG project. Activities took place in the Mediterranean and Baltic regions, including events in Rome and Kiel focused on gender equality and capacity building in the blue economy. In November, WIN-BIG received the Atlantic Award for Blue Skills, recognising its contribution to training, mentoring, and inclusion. 

WIN-BIG 
https://winbigproject.eu 

In 2025, Blue Bio Techpreneurs (BBT) brought academia (students) and industry (companies) together through hands-on challenge solving at the BBT Baltic Hackathon in Poland and BBT’s Atlantic Hackathon, in collaboration with the Ocean Hackathon in Portugal. In parallel, BBT also ran a webinar series featuring inspiring stories from across the blue bioeconomy, spotlighting real journeys, lessons learned, and the people driving change. 

BBT results and impressions, as well as SUBMARINER Network project outputs, combined with stories from blue economy startups and companies, including SUBMARINER members and friends, are showcased in five BBT Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). These courses highlight opportunities in the blue economy, connecting theory with real-world challenges, solutions, and role models. In 2025, 2,300 learners participated in the interactive course series covering the following topics: 

C1: Introduction to Blue Bioeconomy Entrepreneurship 
C2: Beyond the Shore: Innovating the Blue Bioeconomy on Land 
C3: Introduction to Blue Bioeconomy Entrepreneurship 
C4: Integrated Ocean Planning: Marine Protected Areas, Multi-Use and Business Pathways 
C5: Blue Biotechnology Entrepreneurship and Careers: Innovation to Impact 

Blue Bio Techpreneurs 
https://qrco.de/bbtQR 

BlueBioMatch: Community collaboration expanded across the blue bioeconomy

In 2025, BlueBioMatch continued to grow as a community-driven platform supporting collaboration across the blue bioeconomy and beyond. The community now includes over 1,400 active members, ranging from entrepreneurs, researchers, industry actors, and students to marine conservationists, ocean artists and creatives, and future blue professionals, reflecting a steadily widening scope across the blue economy. 

This growth was accompanied by more relevant content and opportunities on the platform. The Product Showcase features over 30 community products, while 210 opportunities related to jobs, partnerships, pilots, and collaboration calls were shared. The platform also hosts 78 mentors and strengthened engagement through thematic groups, including the newly established BlueActionBANOS community. 

A platform rebranding is planned for 2026 to reflect BlueBioMatch’s expanding scope and growing community. 

From analysis to application 

Several outputs in 2025 illustrated a shift from analysis toward practical use. A BSH-commissioned study on ocean multi-use in the German EEZ was published in English and presented internationally, linking technical assessment directly to spatial planning and governance contexts. 

German EEZ multi-use study 
https://submariner-network.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SummaryReport_MultiUseStudy_BSH_sPro_Final_ENG.pdf 

SUBMARINER contributed to key EU policy-facing moments during the year, including European Ocean Days in Brussels and Mission Ocean-related discussions. These engagements helped connect project-level work with broader EU policy processes, particularly in relation to the European Ocean Pact and Mission Ocean and Waters. 

European Ocean Days 
https://oceandays.eu 

Mission Ocean 
https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/eu4algae_en 

Looking ahead 

Towards the end of the year, another longer-term step became clear. 

In November, SUBMARINER received confirmation that the EIT Water consortium it participated in had been selected, opening opportunities for deeper engagement in innovation. 

EIT Water 
https://eitwater.eu 

As 2026 approaches, the focus is increasingly on implementation and continuity: advancing BlueActionBANOS, supporting marine protection and Mission Ocean action, and continuing to link innovation, policy, and practice across sectors. 

Of course, none of this work has or will happen in isolation. We would like to thank SUBMARINER’s network members, project partners, and wider stakeholder community for yet another year of constructive cooperation, all contributing in different ways to healthier and more resilient Baltic and North Sea regions. 

We wish you a peaceful and restorative holiday season and look forward to continuing the work together in 2026. 

The post SUBMARINER Network 2025 appeared first on Submariner Network for Blue Growth.

Participants benefit from high-level exposure within Monaco’s leading ocean institutions, guidance from experts across science, innovation, impact investment, and the blue economy, and opportunities to connect with partners, investors, philanthropies, and global ocean networks.

All finalist teams are invited to Monaco for the Grand Finale, with travel and accommodation covered. The finalist experience itself is designed as a key part of the programme’s support, ensuring equal access and international visibility regardless of background or resources.

Application deadline: 13 February 2026

Further information, including submission guidelines and the application link, is available at: https://monaco-opc.com

SUBMARINER Network encourages researchers, students, and early-stage innovators working on algae solutions and ocean-positive technologies to share this opportunity within their networks.

The post Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge 2026 opens its call for applications appeared first on Submariner Network for Blue Growth.

The Strategy prioritises actions that are directly relevant to the blue bioeconomy:

• clearer regulatory pathways and investments to bring bio-based innovation to market
• support for advanced biorefineries, biotechnology and circular materials
• responsible biomass use, including the valorisation of marine and aquatic resources
• improved resilience through diversified supply chains and global partnerships

The Commission highlights algae-derived chemicals as an example of high-value innovation, reinforcing the role of aquatic biomass in Europe’s shift away from fossil-based materials.

Alligments with SUBMARINER’s work

SUBMARINER and its network already advance many of the priorities outlined in the Strategy. Our initiatives promote sustainable algae and aquaculture development, regional biorefining capacity, investment-readiness and coherent regulatory dialogue. We work to ensure that the Baltic and North Sea regions act as frontrunners in demonstrating circular, regenerative blue bioeconomy solutions.

Read more about our solutions here:

Looking ahead

The new Strategy provides a renewed mandate for Europe to scale sustainable bio-based industries. For SUBMARINER, it strengthens the policy context for our ongoing efforts to develop responsible blue value chains and support coastal regions as active contributors to a competitive and nature-positive European bioeconomy.

Read More: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_2819

The post What the EU’s New Bioeconomy Strategy Means for the Blue Economy appeared first on Submariner Network for Blue Growth.

The BlueActionBANOS project is opening two funding opportunities for actors across the BANOS region, offering direct support for initiatives that advance Mission objectives. The calls are open until the end of May 2026.

Community-Led Actions Open Call

Supports implementation-ready projects that deliver measurable progress in pollution reduction, ecosystem restoration, or circular blue economy solutions.

• Funding: EUR 200,000 to 2 million
• Who can apply: Consortia of 2–12 organisations
• Process: Begin with a Project Idea Form and individual consultation

Transition Agendas Open Call

Supports the development of strategic local action plans guiding climate adaptation and sustainable blue economy pathways.

• Funding: Up to EUR 100,000
• Who can apply: Individual entities or small consortia (up to three partners)
• Process: Start with a Project Idea Form and consultation

More Information: https://www.blueactionbanos.eu/

The post Funding Opportunities Now Open for Baltic and North Sea Stakeholders appeared first on Submariner Network for Blue Growth.

Through four Mission Arena events across the region, the project convened over 1 200 participants to explore shared challenges, identify opportunities for innovation, and align regional efforts with EU-level ambitions.

A key legacy of the project is its comprehensive database of initiatives, stakeholders, and solutions active across the region. This resource enhances transparency, supports better coordination, and improves understanding of where concrete action is already under way and where further efforts are needed.

The consortium also contributed actively to the wider Mission Ocean ecosystem, helping to ensure cross-project learning and coherence in support of Europe’s transition to healthy marine and freshwater environments.

The full catalogue of results, including project factsheets and key takeaways, is available at:
https://bluemissionbanos.eu/results/

The post BlueMissionBANOS Ends with Key Insights and Regional Impact appeared first on Submariner Network for Blue Growth.

Public authorities are invited to join SEACURE as Associated Regions to enhance their capacity in preventing, reducing, and remediating nutrient pollution in soils and water bodies.
Deadline: 28 February 2026
More information

TASC-RestoreMed – Mediterranean Regions Call

The TASC-RestoreMed project seeks participants from the Mediterranean interested in restoration, resilience, and innovation actions linked to Mission objectives.
Deadline: 13 March 2026
More information

SoS2LearnDBS – Danube & Black Sea Community Call

This call supports community-level actors working along the Danube–Black Sea continuum, with a focus on education, engagement, and source-to-sea restoration.
Deadline: 25 May 2026
More information

BlueMissionAA – Atlantic & Arctic Community-Led Action Call

BlueMissionAA invites proposals for community-driven initiatives supporting Mission implementation in the Atlantic and Arctic basins.
Deadline: 29 May 2026
More information

These calls provide opportunities for regional authorities, community groups, and innovation actors across Europe to contribute to basin-level restoration and Mission Ocean & Waters objectives.

The post Mission Ocean & Waters: Current Open Calls to Note appeared first on Submariner Network for Blue Growth.

EIT Water aims to position Europe as a global leader in sustainable water solutions, strengthening competitiveness, employment and innovation capacity across the continent. It will unite leading universities, research organisations, and companies to deliver entrepreneurial education, innovation-driven research, and business creation programmes. The new Knowledge Innovation Community (KIC) will also build synergies with existing EU initiatives such as Horizon Europe and the Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters,” ensuring a coherent, cross-sectoral approach.

The AllWaters consortium brings together 50 partners from 24 countries and will receive up to €5 million in start-up funding through 2026 to establish governance structures and operations. Full activities are planned to begin in 2027. In total, eight Co-Location Centres will be created across Europe—in Aarhus, Leeds, Antwerp, Vienna, Šibenik, Málaga, Varna, and Berlin—ensuring regional access to EIT Water’s network and resources.

As the host of the Co-Location Centre for the Central and Baltic region, SUBMARINER will coordinate regional activities, connect innovators and stakeholders, and support education and entrepreneurship.

Further details on SUBMARINER’s role and next steps will be shared in the coming months. For now, we celebrate this important step towards a more resilient, innovative and water-smart Europe!

Read more: EIT Water launched: new innovation community to tackle Europe’s water challenges

Read more: EIT Water launched: new innovation community to tackle Europe’s water challenges

The post SUBMARINER selected as Co-Location Centre in the winning EIT Water consortium appeared first on Submariner Network for Blue Growth.

Der Bericht zeigt, wie Offshore-Windparks mit weiteren Nutzungen wie Aquakultur, passiver Fischerei, ökologischer Wiederherstellung und Forschung kombiniert werden können, und gibt Empfehlungen für rechtliche, technische und planerische Rahmenbedingungen.

Lesen Sie das vollständige Gutachten (Deutsch) hier.

The post Gutachten zur Mehrfachnutzung von Flächen in der deutschen AWZ der Nordsee und Ostsee appeared first on Submariner Network for Blue Growth.

It focuses on combining offshore wind farms with additional uses such as aquaculture, passive fisheries, ecological restoration and research, outlining technical, legal and spatial planning conditions for their integration.
The report supports future policy development and planning frameworks for sustainable, multi-purpose use of ocean space in the North and Baltic Seas.

Read the english summary here.

The post Study on Ocean Multi-use in the German Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the North and Baltic Sea appeared first on Submariner Network for Blue Growth.

By joining our network, ReefCircular reinforces our shared focus on circular economy, marine habitat restoration and scalable innovation in the blue economy. We look forward to facilitating collaboration between ReefCircular and our members working on coastal infrastructure, ecosystem restoration, materials innovation and policy alignment!

We encourage our members to connect with ReefCircular, explore synergies, and consider opportunities for joint initiatives, pilot deployments or knowledge-sharing.

Learn more about their work at reefcircular.com.

The post ReefCircular Joins the SUBMARINER Network as Associated Member appeared first on Submariner Network for Blue Growth.