At the recent Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme Monitoring Committee meeting, 52 projects (28 large-scale and 24 small-scale) were approved for funding, amounting to €46.6 million under the EU Interreg fund. Notably, the TIMMOD-NEXT Project, in which our Central Fisheries Research Institute is a collaborating partner, was among the approved projects.
Project Overview: TIMMOD-NEXT
TIMMOD-NEXT is a multifaceted project designed to address critical challenges within the blue economy, particularly in the sectors of fisheries and aquaculture. Its primary objective is to enhance research and innovation capabilities in these sectors across the Black Sea Basin.
Project Objectives and Goals
The project’s primary objectives encompass the following:
- Enhancement of research and innovation capacities in fisheries and aquaculture.
- Promotion of the adoption of advanced technologies.
- Strengthening of collaboration between research institutions and the business sector.
Through the participation of stakeholders from five Black Sea countries, TIMMOD-NEXT aims to develop innovative solutions. This is achieved through the establishment of a network of Open-Air Labs (OALs), which facilitate the testing of advanced technologies in real-world conditions. Furthermore, the project seeks to promote sustainability practices.
Key Components of TIMMOD-NEXT
TIMMOD-NEXT comprises the following key components:
- Pilot tests in five countries.
- Evaluation of innovative technologies under operational conditions.
- Development of policy recommendations through collaboration among experts, decision-makers, and stakeholders.
- Strengthening of regional capacity through knowledge-sharing and digital literacy platforms.
Beneficiaries of TIMMOD-NEXT
The outcomes of TIMMOD-NEXT will have a profound impact on the stakeholders involved, including:
- Research institutions
- Business sector
- Stakeholders from five Black Sea countries
The TIMMOD-NEXT project presents substantial opportunities for research institutions, small-scale fishers, aquaculture developers, SMEs, state fisheries agencies, and policymakers. Furthermore, it seeks to generate novel employment opportunities within coastal communities, enhance environmental sustainability, and elevate the quality of life.
Expected Contributions of TIMMOD-NEXT
* Technological and Digital Solutions: Promoting the adoption of innovative technologies within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
* Environmental Sustainability: Minimising environmental impacts through ecosystem-friendly practices.
* Economic Development: Facilitating regional economic growth through cross-border collaboration.
As the Central Fisheries Research Institute, we are honoured to contribute to the TIMMOD-NEXT project. We extend our gratitude to all our partners, experts, and supportive stakeholders who have been involved in this endeavour. Together, we will persistently strive for the future of the Black Sea.