HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-06 | Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture: Community Livelihoods, Resource Management and Value-Chain Development

AquaBioTech Group seeks to complement a consortium preparing a proposal under HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-06 — Unleashing the potential of sustainable small-scale aquatic food production and recreational fisheries for prosperous local communities.

We offer multidisciplinary fisheries and aquaculture expertise to help communities sustainably manage aquatic resources, strengthen local enterprises and improve the economic benefits of aquatic food production. Our proposed contribution would combine scientific assessment with participatory planning, socio-economic analysis and practical business-development support.

Our approach builds on experience in fisheries resource assessment, artisanal fisheries, stakeholder engagement, sustainable livelihoods, seafood processing and aquaculture planning and operations. We work with research institutions, public authorities, NGOs and private-sector organisations, bringing together scientific, technical and commercial perspectives.

Proposed contribution to the consortium

• Fisheries resource assessment and management: design field surveys, collect and analyse catch and biological data, and support evidence-based management recommendations. Assess fishing practices and their interactions with aquatic resources and protected species.

• Community engagement and sustainable livelihoods: undertake stakeholder analysis and participatory needs assessments, working with fishers, producer groups, cooperatives and local authorities to co-develop practical development pathways. Support capacity building through training and workshops.

• Socio-economic and bioeconomic analysis: assess catch, prices, market conditions and the economic performance of small-scale fisheries. Explore trade-offs between resource sustainability, fishing practices and community livelihoods to inform decision-making.

• Small-scale aquaculture development: contribute feasibility studies, risk assessments, business planning and operational advice for locally appropriate aquaculture opportunities, considering technical suitability, market demand and implementation capacity.

• Seafood value-chain development: identify opportunities to improve handling, processing, traceability, quality management and value addition, helping local enterprises retain more value from aquatic food production.

• Governance and stakeholder coordination: facilitate dialogue among producers, authorities and other stakeholders, contributing scientific and technical advice to management frameworks and collaborative decision-making.

Potential project outputs

Depending on the consortium’s objectives and demonstration locations, AquaBioTech Group could contribute:

• Integrated resource, market and socio-economic baseline assessments.

• Community-led fisheries and aquaculture development plans.

• Feasibility studies and business models for selected local enterprises.

• Sustainable resource-management recommendations and monitoring plans.

• Seafood value-chain improvement and commercialisation roadmaps.

• Training materials and practical guidance for producers, cooperatives and authorities.

Cooperation sought

We welcome cooperation with small-scale fisheries organisations, aquaculture producers, recreational-fisheries associations, research institutions, local authorities, community-development organisations and seafood businesses.

AquaBioTech Group could lead or support work on resource assessment, participatory development, socio-economic analysis, enterprise feasibility and value-chain development. Specialist recreational-fisheries partners would complement our fisheries and aquaculture offering, ensuring that this component is appropriately represented within the consortium.