A new collaborative platform dedicated to the future of sustainable marine aquaculture in the Black Sea is now taking shape.
Developed within the EX-AQUA initiative and coordinated by National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa” (Romania), the Black Sea Cluster on Applied Marine Aquaculture is opening its doors.
And at this stage, any organisation or professional interested in the field can become a member.
The Cluster’s Objectives
The Black Sea holds strong potential for sustainable aquaculture development, from microalgae and seaweed to shellfish and fish and to new bio-based marine products. The Cluster is being created as an open innovation and cooperation platform bringing together companies active in aquaculture or blue economy, SMEs & start-ups, research centers & universities, NGOs, public institutions, investors, experts and consultants, anyone actively working in or exploring this sector. The goal is to create a shared space where ideas, expertise and opportunities can meet and grow.
The Black Sea Cluster on Applied Marine Aquaculture is built around a clear set of shared objectives:
- Strengthening collaboration and knowledge exchange
Connecting research, industry, public authorities and stakeholders to support learning, cooperation, development of legislative framework and innovation across the region.
- Advanced applied research and innovation
Supporting the development of practical solutions in areas such as algae aquaculture, shellfish and fish farming and sustainable aquaculture technologies.
- Promoting sustainable development
Encouraging practices that align economic growth with responsible marine resource management and ecosystem protection.
- Enhancing sector representation
Creating a collective voice for members in dialogue with policymakers, funding bodies and innovation programmes.
- Supporting education and skills development
Facilitating knowledge transfer and contributing to the development of future professionals in the sector.
- Integrating aquaculture into the blue economy
Encouraging value chain development, from production to market access, and building links with related marine sectors.
Together, these objectives are to position the Black Sea as a growing hub for sustainable marine aquaculture innovation.
Why Join at Launch Stage?
Becoming part of the Cluster from the beginning means more than visibility, it means positioning.
Members will be part of a growing regional ecosystem that enables:
🔹 Early connection with future project partners
Meet organisations across research, industry and policy who are looking to collaborate.
🔹 Priority positioning in project calls & consortia building
Members will be among the first to engage in emerging regional and European project opportunities developed within the Cluster.
🔹 Direct networking opportunities
Participate in workshops, roundtables and matchmaking formats designed to connect actors working on similar challenges and innovations.
🔹 Access to a shared innovation dialogue
Exchange knowledge, explore ideas and identify collaboration pathways across the aquaculture value chain.
🔹 Cross-sector interaction
Connect with stakeholders from related blue economy domains including sustainability, biotechnology, food systems and marine innovation.
Who can become a member?
The Cluster is open to all stakeholders interested in contributing to or benefiting from the development of applied marine aquaculture in the Black Sea region.
This diversity is essential to building a strong, collaborative ecosystem that connects science, business, innovation and policy.
A Space to meet, collaborate and build together
The Cluster is not just a structure; it is a meeting point.
A place where:
- future project consortia can form
- partnerships can emerge
- innovation ideas can evolve into projects
By joining now, members will take part in shaping the direction of a regional initiative designed to support sustainable marine aquaculture and strengthen collaboration across the Black Sea.
Just fill in this form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/nJDuQPEHR7
