Through targeted cascading grants, technical assistance and capacity development, BlueActionAA helps local actors move from ideas to implementation and from pilots to scalable solutions. The initiative creates clear pathways from science and local knowledge to decision‑making by supporting policy implementation and strengthening collaboration between communities, scientists, public authorities and other ocean stakeholders.

Budget: €12.5m$

Funding Programme: Horizon Europe Framework Programme

Coordinator: Marine Institute, Ireland

Open Call Manager: ESF

Two calls are currently open for Applications:

BlueActionAA Community-Led Pilot Action Call

The call aims to support, mobilize and engage community-led pilot projects across the Atlantic and Arctic regions in ambitious and collaborative efforts to restore and protect marine and freshwater. Through this cascade grant, BlueActionAA will pave the way for vibrant innovation and uptake, helping Altlantic and Arctic communities (especially coastal and indigenous) in acting as agents of change for a long-term impact, while also making significant progress towards all of the objectives of the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030” (Mission Ocean and Waters).

Opportunity:
✔️ At least 5 grants available
✔️ Up to €2,000,000 per project
✔️ Support for transformative initiatives that drive systemic change
✔️ Tailored technical assistance

📅 Key dates:
Call opened on November 2025
Submission period runs until May 29 (14:00h CET)
Announcement of the results on September 30
Projects kick-off on November 2