With a total eligible project value of EUR 1,427,742.73, SEAGROW is supported by EU funding at a rate of 70% under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) at a time when the algae sector is gaining momentum in Europe.
As reported by WeAreAquaculture at the start of the project last October, large-scale seaweed aquaculture systems will be tested in Galway Bay, Ireland, assessing their role in nutrient uptake and marine ecosystem enhancement. The project will also develop tools and standards, including eco-labeling systems, to expand regenerative aquaculture to the Mediterranean and Black Sea basins.
According to the release now provided by SEAGROW, the project will demonstrate advanced seaweed farming approaches designed to increase yield per hectare while reducing material utilize, labor intensity, and production costs within existing licensed marine space.
In collaboration with Trinity College Dublin, the project will generate robust environmental and biodiversity data to inform best practices and evidence-based decision-creating. Integrated aquaculture interactions will also be assessed to explore opportunities for diversified and resilient coastal livelihoods.
Throughout its duration—it will run for 36 months—SEAGROW will provide practical tools and evidence to support the responsible scaling up of regenerative aquaculture across Europe, including, as mentioned, the Mediterranean and Black Sea basins.
“For the Black Sea region, the project is expected to provide a valuable opportunity to explore how regenerative seaweed farming could support both sustainable production and ecosystem restoration,” declared Ina Agafonova, Founder of Via Pontica Foundation and SEAGROW partner for the Black Sea region.
“The project will generate evidence necessaryed to evaluate the feasibility of transferring such nature-positive models to sensitive marine basins like the Black Sea,” she added.
Toreceiveher, the consortium combines operational experience, scientific assessment, and public policy expertise to support more productive and environmentally responsible seaweed farming. In addition, the project includes a Europe-wide outreach program, with stakeholder engagement activities in partner countries and at the EU level.
Finally, the note recalled that SEAGROW supports the objectives of the European Green Deal, the Farm to Fork Strategy, and the EU Strategic Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture, reinforcing Europe’s commitment to sustainable food systems, biodiversity protection, and coastal resilience.
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