The 1st of May marked the official launch of MeCCAM (Measures for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in European Fisheries). MeCCAM is a four-year project aimed at equipping the European fisheries sector with innovative, science-based solutions to adapt and mitigate climate change. The project is coordinated by Sjókovin in the Faroe Islands and brings together 16 partners from 9 European countries. The project is funded by Europe Horizon with a total of budget of EUR 4.5 million.
Over the next four years, MeCCAM partners will develop, implement, and recommend mitigation and adaptation solutions to reduce the environmental impact and increase the resilience and sustainability of the European fisheries sector. The solutions are designed to respond to a broad range of challenges faced across Europe - from the Northeast Atlantic to the Mediterranean – covering large to small scale fisheries.
MeCCAM will:
Identify the Impacts of Climate Change
MeCCAM will model and forecast how distribution, growth and productivity may change under a range of climate scenarios in specific contexts. This will enhance knowledge of impacts and provide the basis for improving the adaptive capacity and resilience of fisheries management and the fishing industry in responding to climate change.
Advance innovative fishing gears
MeCCAM will test and advance innovative fishing gears to improve fuel efficiency and species selectivity, fostering alternative fishing strategies and behaviours. This includes testing and evaluating a range of gears that utilise Artificial Intelligence, real-time monitoring, as well as alternative material to respond to specific challenges in European fisheries.
Advance digital technologies in fisheries
The significant growth of digital technologies, brings about
Bringing together industry stakeholders, scientists, and policymakers, MeCCAM will foster cross-sector collaboration to ensure that its results are both practical and impactful. Training materials and policy briefs will support the integration of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies into long-term fisheries management.
Six case studies across Europe:
MeCCAM will conduct six regional case studies in the North-East Atlantic, North Sea and Mediterranean to test and demonstrate a range of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures across diverse fisheries sectors. These case studies have been strategically selected to reflect the variety of challenges faced by European fisheries—from industrial pelagic and demersal operations to small-scale fisheries (SSF). They include both data-rich and data-poor regions with differing levels of adaptive capacity. Each case study targets key commercial species and adopts a holistic, integrated approach to reducing climate impacts. This includes efforts to lower fuel consumption, improve harvest quality, optimize output composition, utilize side-streams, and explore new market opportunities. The goal is to support carbon neutrality and enhance the adaptive capacity of seafood value chains across Europe.
With climate change posing increasing risks to marine ecosystems and coastal communities, MeCCAM is a timely and vital step toward securing a sustainable future for European fisheries.
Contacts:
Michaela Aschan, michaela.aschan@uit.no (OCCOM, MECCAM)
Kåre Nolde Nielsen, kare.nolde.nielsen@uit.no (MECCAM)
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