JPI Oceans aims to advance scientific knowledge and methodologies supporting the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) implementation through process-based approaches to environmental status assessment.

The scope of this joint call builds upon the successful pilot phase of S4GES, which demonstrated the effectiveness of process-based sampling approaches for marine environmental assessment. The conceptual framework was particularly well-received, with Belgium already incorporating elements into their national monitoring strategy.

This joint call addresses critical knowledge gaps and enhances the scientific basis underpinning the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). By consolidating existing knowledge and integrating innovative, process-based monitoring approaches, the joint call further aims to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of environmental assessments.

Call Objectives

1. Consolidating the Science Base for the implementation of MSFD

• Build on the achievements of the first phase by integrating new findings with existing knowledge.
• Enhance the scientific foundation supporting the MSFD to achieve its targets more effectively.

1. Supporting an improved definition and measurement of Good Environmental Status 

• Specific research on scientific aspects that need further elaboration to better define and measure GES
• Develop and implement methodologies and strategies to better define and measure GES.

1. Supporting the implementation of a process-based approach to GES:

• Define, apply and test process-based monitoring strategies and protocols across different sea basins to improve the relevance and quality of observations and data collection in MFSD with the aim of better using resources more efficiently and reaching more effective targets
• Exploit existing and/or propose new augmented observation infrastructure(s) through joint international collaboration

Entities in Malta are eligible for funding, with the option of requesting up to €150,000 to participate in CETPartnership proposal consortia. As per the partnership call text, the project consortium must include at least one eligible partner from Belgium, Ireland, Italy, and Malta. It is to be noted that if more than one national partner is present in one consortium, the total amount of funding for the participating national partners cannot exceed the €150,000 cap.

For further information on this year’s call, kindly refer to the Call Text, National Application Form, as well as the National Rules for participation for State Aid, and Non-State Aid. Annexes can be downloaded from this link.

To apply, the below need to be submitted by the pre-proposal deadline:

• The project coordinator needs to submit the project pre-proposal on the link provided: Click to visit JPI Oceans website by the 1st of April 2025 at 17:00 CET.
• Each National applicant shall be required to submit a National Application Form to xjenzamalta@gov.mt by the 1st of April 2025 at 23:59CET.

For further information please contact the programme officers Ms Christy Baldacchino at christy.baldacchino.2@gov.mt, (+356) 2360 2158, copying in eusubmissions.xjenzamalta@gov.mt.

Visit the below link to download call guidelines and application forms.

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