National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa”
Romania
NIMRD, Romania’s leading marine research institute, plays a pivotal role in Black Sea strategies related to environmental protection, ecology, oceanography, and the management of living marine resources. As the target institution within the EX-AQUA project, NIMRD aims to build excellence in marine algae aquaculture, leveraging support from its partners to catalyse development and enhance the sustainable exploitation of local marine resources.
Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research
Germany
A center for polar and marine research equipped with a state-of-the-art aquaculture facility, focusing on applied feasibility studies and the transformation of aquaculture into sustainable enterprises, with leading expertise in harmful algal blooms (HABs) and phycotoxins. Within the EX-AQUA project, the institute explores toxic microalgae in the Black Sea and provides training in HAB research while building knowledge on cultivating microalgae relevant to NIMRD.
Black Sea Advisory Council
Bulgaria
The mission of BlSAC is to promote a balanced representation of stakeholders in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and to contribute to the achievement of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) objectives. Within the EX-AQUA project, BlSAC connects fisheries, aquaculture, environmental, and social stakeholders in Romania and Bulgaria, supporting NIMRD’s role in the Blue Economy by addressing industry challenges and fostering the expansion of marine aquaculture across the Black Sea region.
Cyprus Marine & Maritime Institute
Cyprus
CMMI is Teaming Centre of Excellence for marine and maritime research, innovation, and technology development, with a vision to drive sustainable Blue Growth by addressing the needs of industry and society. Within the EX-AQUA project, CMMI creates an innovation ecosystem for marine aquaculture through the establishment of the Cluster for Applied Marine Aquaculture, sharing its expertise in strategy development, action planning, and quadruple helix engagement.
LOMARTOV
Spain
LOMARTOV, a Spanish engineering firm specializing in applied innovation, supports R&D, industrial, and technology-based projects through a multidisciplinary approach. Within the EX-AQUA project, LOMARTOV spearheads the co-creation of NIMRD’s framework for excellence in aquaculture research and leads efforts in communication, dissemination, stakeholder engagement, and the strategic exploitation of project results.
Ghent University
Belgium
The Phycology lab at Ghent University focuses on the biology, genetics, and growth of seaweed, applying this knowledge to enhance cultivation practices in both onshore and offshore environments. Within the EX-AQUA project, they are developing effective strategies for cultivating Black Sea seaweed, particularly Ulva, and optimising the growth and biochemical composition of the biomass.
