On 1 May, the European project MeCCAM (Measures for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in European Fisheries) officially commenced.
MeCCAM is a pioneering European project that aims to develop mitigation and adaptation measures against the impacts of climate change on European fisheries. The project runs for four years and is led by the Faroese company Sjókovin. The project consists of 16 participants from 9 countries and is funded by the European Union's Horizon programme for a total of 4.5 million euros.
The inaugural meeting of MeCCAM took place in Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands, where participants spent three days together. At the meeting, the next steps were planned and the implementation of MeCCAM was discussed. It was clear at this inaugural meeting that MeCCAM is built on strong collaboration – bringing together stakeholders from industry, science and policy ensures that the project's outcomes are both practical and impactful.
The project's outcomes will cover, among other things, the following areas:
Sustainable Fisheries in a Changing Climate
Solutions to be developed in MeCCAM include fishing gear and decision-making (e. decision support tool), which can reduce environmental impacts, fuel consumption and improve fishing plans, while ensuring profitability. An app that records catch will make it easier for fishers to respond to real-time changes in species distribution that ocean warming can cause.
Better Decision-Making Based on Science
Digital innovation is key in MeCCAM. The project will examine the impact of an app designed to assess environmental impacts and will deliver new tools based on data and practices that support climate-resilient decision-making throughout the entire fisheries value chain.
Six Marine Areas Studied Across Europe
MeCCAM solutions will be implemented in six research areas selected to reflect the diverse challenges that European fisheries face – from large pelagic and demersal fleets down to small-scale fisheries. Each research area will test specific solutions and tools, which should ensure that they are transferable between areas.
Due to the growing threat from climate change to marine ecosystems and coastal communities, MeCCAM is a timely and important step towards a sustainable future for European fisheries.
Further information about the project can be found here.
Cover image: Sjókovin
MeCCAM is funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement N° 101181571. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor REA can be held responsible for them.
