Submariner Network for Blue Growth https://submariner-network.eu/ Together we improve the blue environment and economy Thu, 07 May 2026 10:45:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://submariner-network.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cropped-Submariner-Logo-Website-32x32.png Submariner Network for Blue Growth https://submariner-network.eu/ 32 32 SUBMARINER at the 3rd Baltic Sea Business Day https://submariner-network.eu/submariner-at-the-3rd-baltic-sea-business-day/ Thu, 07 May 2026 08:07:19 +0000 https://submariner-network.eu/?p=22794 The 3rd Baltic Sea Business Day brought together over 600 participants from across the Baltic Sea region in Rostock on 16 April — policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors, all gathering around a shared recognition that the region's future depends on deeper, more deliberate collaboration. As Mayor of Riga Viesturs Kleinbergs put it, if the Baltic Sea region were a state, it would be the third largest economy in the world. It is an economy shared across nine countries, dependent on a sea under growing ecological and geopolitical pressure, and with no single government to steer it. What it has instead are networks, agreements, and conversations like the one that took place in Rostock.

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As the coordinator of Blue Mission Banos and Blue Action BANOS, the EU Mission Ocean Lighthouse for the Baltic and North Seas, SUBMARINER Network was well placed to engage with the full scope of what the day covered. The sessions spanned maritime security, innovations for the sustainable use of the Baltic Sea, and the human dimension of building resilient regional economies, reflecting how interconnected these questions are for a region that shares both a sea and a future. Rostock was an opportunity to contribute to that conversation, and to hear how others across the Baltic are approaching the shared challenges.

“Durch gute Ostsee-Zusammenarbeit gewinnen alle” — “Through good Baltic cooperation, everyone wins.” Minis­ter­prä­siden­tin Ma­nue­la Schwe­sig

One topic gained particular weight across the discussions: water. As industries across the Baltic transform — through the expansion of clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and other water-dependent sectors — reliable access to industrial water is becoming a key factor in where businesses choose to grow.

The Baltic Sea, with its natural characteristics and expanding green energy capacity, offers real potential here. How the region develops and shares that potential across borders will matter increasingly for its competitiveness as a whole.

At the event, through our booth and the day’s session, SUBMARINER also had the opportunity to present our forthcoming role as Co-Location Centre for the Central and Baltic region within EIT Water. For Baltic business and investment stakeholders, EIT Water brings innovation funding and industry networks that sit directly alongside what SUBMARINER has been building across the region for years.

Through our network, BlueBioMatch, our blue economy matchmaking platform, and through the wider Mission Ocean ecosystem, we continue to build the connections that turn regional potential into something concrete. We look forward to the conversations ahead.

Interested in learning more about our work in innovation and business support?

Get to know our solutions

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New comprehensive study on ocean multi-use in the German EEZ now available https://submariner-network.eu/new-comprehensive-study-on-ocean-multi-use-in-the-german-eez-now-available/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:17:34 +0000 https://submariner-network.eu/?p=22781 Germany's Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) has published a comprehensive expert study on the multi-use of marine areas in the German Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). All five work packages, covering the North Sea and Baltic Sea, are now freely accessible online.

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The study was conducted by s.Pro – sustainable projects GmbH, a founding member of the SUBMARINER Network, together with Ramboll Germany and FuE-Zentrum FH Kiel GmbH. Its central question: which combinations of maritime uses are realistically feasible alongside offshore wind farms, and under what legal, technical, and ecological conditions?

The research examined 32 distinct forms of marine use and assessed their compatibility with one another. The most in-depth analysis focused on four combinations considered most promising for the German EEZ: low-trophic aquaculture (mussels, algae, and oysters), passive fishing with basket and trap gear, biogenic reef restoration, and various forms of mobile research.

A key finding is that several of these secondary uses are already permissible under existing German law, without requiring legislative changes.

Nature restoration through biogenic reefs and low-trophic aquaculture, in particular, were found to be technically and legally compatible with operational offshore wind farms, and even offer potential ecological co-benefits such as nutrient removal and habitat creation.

The study recommends designating a limited number of multi-use demonstration areas as a practical next step — sites where secondary uses can be tested at scale, data can be shared across sectors, and approval processes can be refined. It also calls for expanding preliminary site investigations to include parameters relevant to secondary uses from the outset, reducing downstream costs and delays.

The five work packages are available at the BSH website under Expert Studies and Reports.

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Mehrfachnutzung in der deutschen AWZ – Gesamtstudie 2024–2025 https://submariner-network.eu/gutachten-zur-mehrfachnutzung-von-flachen-in-der-deutschen-ausschlieslichen-wirtschaftszone-awz-in-der-nordsee-und-ostsee/ Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:45:48 +0000 https://submariner-network.eu/?p=22524 Diese Studie untersucht die systematische Mehrfachnutzung mariner Flächen in der deutschen ausschließlichen Wirtschaftszone (AWZ) in Nord- und Ostsee.Im Auftrag des Bundesamtes für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie (BSH) wurden rechtliche, planerische, technische […]

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Diese Studie untersucht die systematische Mehrfachnutzung mariner Flächen in der deutschen ausschließlichen Wirtschaftszone (AWZ) in Nord- und Ostsee.
Im Auftrag des Bundesamtes für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie (BSH) wurden rechtliche, planerische, technische und sektorübergreifende Rahmenbedingungen analysiert, um realistische und umsetzbare Mehrfachnutzungskonzepte zu entwickeln.

Im Mittelpunkt stehen insbesondere Kombinationen von Offshore-Windenergie mit Aquakultur, Fischerei, Naturwiederherstellung und Forschung.

Nachfolgend können alle Berichte der Studie eingesehen werden.

Arbeitspaket 1: Auswertung aktueller Erkenntnisse aus Forschungs- und Drittmittelprojekten zum Them…

Arbeitspaket 2: Auswertung von Mehrfachnutzungen und ihren Konzepten in ausgewählten Nordsee- und O…

Arbeitspaket 2: Auswertung von Mehrfachnutzungen und ihren Konzepten in ausgewählten Nordsee- und O…

Arbeitspaket 3: Untersuchung von in der deutschen AWZ realistisch in Betracht kommenden Kombination…

Arbeitspaket 4: Entwicklung eines Konzeptes für Mehrfachnutzung in der deutschen AWZ anhand konkret…

Arbeitspaket 5: Schlussfolgerungen und Empfehlungen für die Umsetzung des Konzeptes für Mehrfachnut…

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Ocean Multi-use in the German EEZ – Comprehensive Study 2024–2025 https://submariner-network.eu/ocean-multi-use-in-the-german-eez-comprehensive-study-2024-2025/ Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:28:27 +0000 https://submariner-network.eu/?p=22547 This study examines the systematic multi-use of marine areas in the German Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the North Sea and Baltic Sea. Commissioned by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic […]

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This study examines the systematic multi-use of marine areas in the German Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the North Sea and Baltic Sea.

Commissioned by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building (BMWSB), the study analyses legal, spatial planning, technical and cross-sectoral framework conditions in order to develop realistic and implementable multi-use concepts.

The focus lies in particular on combinations of offshore wind energy with aquaculture, fisheries, nature restoration and research.

All study reports can be accessed below:

Work package 1: Evaluation of current findings from research and third-party funded projects on the…

Work package 2: Evaluation of multi-use concepts and their applications in selected North Sea and B…

Appendix to Work Package 2: Evaluation of multiuse concepts and their applications in selected Nort…

Work package 3: Investigation of realistic combinations of maritime uses in the German EEZ

Work package 4: Development of a concept for multi-use in the German EEZ based on specific case stu…

Work package 5: Conclusions and recommendations for the implementation of the multi-use concept

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SPHERE https://submariner-network.eu/sphere/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:25:38 +0000 https://submariner-network.eu/?p=22701 Establish algae in the regional food culture

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SPHERE

Mapping the Path to Strictly Protected Seas​

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Mapping the Path to Strictly Protected Seas

Europe’s seas are under growing pressure from overfishing, pollution, and climate change. While the EU has committed to strictly protecting 10% of its seas by 2030, only 0.2% currently holds that status. SPHERE brings together scientists, conservationists, and planners from across Europe to identify the right areas for strict marine protection, backed by solid ecological and socio-economic evidence. The goal is to give authorities ready-to-use blueprints so that designating new protected areas becomes easier, faster, and more effective for both nature and people.

48 months

HORIZON-MISS-2025-03-OCEAN-01

4,999,571,04 €

PROJECT PARTNERS

SPHERE is a consortium of 15 project partners, including SUBMARINER Network’s managing partner S.Pro as the coordinator.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Reach out to our project manager:

Mariana Mata Lara, Project Manager

Stay up to date on the latest project results

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AlgaeProBANOS Algae Accelerator: Stories from Open Call 1 https://submariner-network.eu/algaeprobanos-algae-accelerator-stories-from-open-call-1/ Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:56:49 +0000 https://submariner-network.eu/?p=22696 The first round of the AlgaeProBANOS Algae Accelerator brought together a diverse group of algae-based startups from across Europe. Alongside the three companies featured in our previous story, two further participants from Open Call 1 have shared what the programme meant for their development.

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Kybele’s Garden

Kybele’s Garden is a biotechnology startup developing high-value solutions for the agrifood sector, including probiotic and prebiotic formulations, functional fertiliser blends, and algal-derived extracts such as phycocyanin.

When joining the Accelerator, the company was navigating a period of transition — new investment, a facility relocation, and certification systems to build from scratch. The programme helped the team develop a roadmap for technology transfer to contract manufacturers, identify critical control points in their production workflow, and align R&D with business goals. Next steps focus on advancing funding applications and scaling in a disciplined, structured way.

L’EAUTELIER

L’EAUTELIER creates ocean-derived interiors, amenities and experiences for hotels, most notably through the Seaweed Suite™ — described as the world’s first algae-based licensable hotel room concept.

Founder Morgan RÆ joined the programme with a detailed business plan but no clear way to communicate what the company did or how it made money. Through mentorship, the concept was sharpened around a licensable suite with an e-commerce layer, allowing hotel guests to purchase the ocean-derived products they experience in the room. By the end of the programme, L’EAUTELIER had a three-year cash flow projection, updated pitch materials, and template contracts for hotel partners. The Seaweed Suite™ makes its public debut on 28 May in Wageningen, NL, at the 10th Anniversary Young Algaeneers Symposium.

Round 2 now underway

Building on the results of the first cohort, the Algae Accelerator has launched its second round with a newly selected group of SMEs. The six-month programme follows a structured three-sprint format, offering up to €10,000 in mentoring value per company.

Follow AlgaeProBANOS on LinkedIn to stay updated!

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SUBMARINER Managing Director Angela Schultz-Zehden appointed to EU’s High-Level European Ocean Board https://submariner-network.eu/submariner-managing-director-angela-schultz-zehden-appointed-to-eus-high-level-european-ocean-board/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:46:55 +0000 https://submariner-network.eu/?p=22682 The European Commission has appointed Angela Schultz-Zehden, Managing Director of SUBMARINER Network, as one of 28 members of the newly launched High-Level European Ocean Board.

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Chaired by Commissioner Costas Kadis, the Board was established to support the implementation of the European Ocean Pact — the EU’s unified framework for ocean-related policies, adopted in June 2025. Its mandate covers ocean health, blue economy competitiveness, coastal communities, knowledge and research, and international ocean governance. Members were selected through an open call for applications, with backgrounds spanning trade and business associations, academia, research institutes, NGOs and youth organisations.

The Board held its first meeting on 31 March 2026, where members exchanged views, identified strategic priorities and began shaping the Board’s future work programme.

SUBMARINER Network has spent years doing exactly this kind of work in the Baltic and beyond — bringing the right people, projects and initiatives together, supporting innovation across the entire chain from science to practice, and ensuring EU ambitions translate into concrete outcomes at local and national level.

Angela’s appointment reflects the organisation’s standing as a key connector in the Baltic Sea Region and its active role in Mission Ocean implementation through the Blue Mission BANOS Lighthouse.

For more information on the European Ocean Board, visit the European Commission website.

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Welcoming Havhøst as Associate Member of the SUBMARINER Network https://submariner-network.eu/welcoming-havhost-as-associate-member-of-the-submariner-network/ Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:20:10 +0000 https://submariner-network.eu/?p=22678 Regenerative ocean farming takes many forms. In Denmark, Havhøst has been building one of the most community-rooted examples of what it can look like in practice.

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We are pleased to welcome Havhøst as a new Associate Member of the SUBMARINER Network!

Based in Denmark, Havhøst is a non-profit NGO dedicated to regenerative ocean farming through community-driven action. Their national network connects more than 40 local “blue community gardens” along the Danish coastline, where thousands of volunteers cultivate seaweed, mussels and oysters — low-trophic species that actively improve water quality and support local biodiversity. Through programmes like “Haven i Havet”, they also bring marine sustainability into schools, and support blue entrepreneurs in developing small-scale, sea-based food businesses.

We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Havhøst, particularly in areas linked to low-trophic aquaculture, education and community-based blue entrepreneurship

Learn more about their work!

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Havhøst https://submariner-network.eu/havhost/ Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:07:55 +0000 https://submariner-network.eu/?p=22671 Research institution

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Havhøst

Havhøst is at the forefront of a movement to change the blue food system from degenerative to regenerative. By bringing together more than 30 marine gardens growing seaweed, mussels and oysters, Havhøst is helping create a world where harvesting the ocean goes hand in hand with actively restoring it — and where strong local communities and a healthy sea are inseparable.

Interested in joining the SUBMARINER Network?

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Online Course: Introduction to Blue Bioeconomy Entrepreneurship https://submariner-network.eu/online-course-beyond-the-shore-innovating-the-blue-bioeconomy-on-land-copy/ Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:50:33 +0000 https://submariner-network.eu/?p=22663 Have you ever wondered how marine resources can drive innovation, create businesses, and open new career pathways? This course is your entry to the topic. We explore how the Blue […]

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Have you ever wondered how marine resources can drive innovation, create businesses, and open new career pathways?

This course is your entry to the topic. We explore how the Blue Bioeconomy can contribute to a healthier ocean and a more sustainable future. Combining entrepreneurship, creativity, and ocean science, you’ll examine how marine resources can power real-world business solutions.

Over four weeks, you’ll gain practical insight into building blue bioeconomy ventures — from generating business ideas and developing your entrepreneurial mindset to understanding governance, funding, and stakeholder engagement.

Through real-world case studies, expert connections, and interactive tasks, you’ll develop the skills to turn blue bioeconomy ideas into impactful ventures.

Whether you’re a student, innovator, or professional, this course will prepare you to shape your own path in the growing blue bioeconomy!

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