Use cases

By working closely with local fishers, communities, scientists, and authorities, SEA4FUTURE will ensure that innovative solutions are tailored to real-world conditions and can be replicated across Europe and beyond.

Use Case 1 : Alicante, Spain

Led by Universidad de Alicante and UPC, this use case is centred around the Port of Jávea on Spain's southeastern Mediterranean coast. The area is home to a diverse fishing fleet and is surrounded by valuable marine habitats, including seagrass meadows and protected areas such as the Cabo de San Antonio Marine Reserve.

This use case focuses on balancing sustainable fisheries with the protection of biodiversity-rich coastal ecosystems, while working closely with local fishers to develop and test innovative management approaches.

Use Case 2 : French Mediterranean Coast

Led by SATHOAN, this use case brings together a large network of small-scale fishing vessels operating across the Western Mediterranean and the south of France.

The region provides an important opportunity to work directly with fishers to improve sustainability practices, reduce environmental impacts, and strengthen the resilience of small-scale fisheries that play a vital role in local coastal communities.

Use Case 3 : Sicily, Italy

Led by CNR and SZN, this use case is located in the Strait of Sicily, one of the Mediterranean's most productive and biologically diverse regions. Rich fishing grounds support important commercial fisheries, while nearby protected areas play a crucial role in conserving marine biodiversity.

SEA4FUTURE will work with both industrial and artisanal fisheries to explore solutions that support sustainable resource use while protecting critical habitats and nursery areas.

Use Case 4 : North Aegean Sea, Greece

Led by HCMR, this use case focuses on one of the Mediterranean's most productive marine regions. Nutrient-rich waters support important populations of anchovy, sardine, and other commercially valuable species.

The area provides an ideal setting for developing tools and approaches that support sustainable fisheries management in a highly dynamic ecosystem.

Use Case 5 : Crete, Greece

Led by RoC and HCMR, this use case focuses on the unique marine environment surrounding Crete, where fisheries are dominated by small-scale vessels operating in the deep waters of the Cretan Sea.

SEA4FUTURE will collaborate with local stakeholders to strengthen the sustainability and resilience of fisheries while protecting valuable marine ecosystems.

Use Case 6 : Türkiye – Eastern Mediterranean

Led by TUBITAK and IST, this use case focuses on the Turkish Aegean Sea, a region characterised by rich marine biodiversity and diverse fisheries activities.

The use case provides an opportunity to explore how fisheries management measures can be strengthened and adapted to support sustainable resource use in a changing marine environment.

Use Case 7 : Madeira, Portugal

Led by ARDITI, this use case is located in the Madeira Archipelago, part of the Macaronesia region in the Northeast Atlantic. Madeira hosts unique marine ecosystems and one of Europe's largest strictly protected Marine Protected Areas.

The region serves as an important demonstration site for sustainable fisheries management, marine conservation, and ecosystem-based approaches that can be replicated elsewhere.

A Living Laboratory for Sustainable Fisheries

Together, these seven use cases form a living laboratory for innovation. By testing solutions across different ecosystems, fisheries, and governance contexts, SEA4FUTURE will generate practical knowledge and tools that support healthier seas, resilient fisheries, and sustainable coastal communities.