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Launching OCCAM: A new EU project to future-proof European aquaculture against climate change

The first of May marked the official launch of OCCAM (Operationalising Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in European Aquaculture), a pioneering four-year project funded under Horizon Europe.
Published: 19 May 2025

​​​​​OCCAM aims to equip the European aquaculture sector with innovative solutions to adapt to and mitigate climate change. 

OCCAM partners spent several days in Tromsø launching the project, planning upcoming activities, and discussing the implementation of OCCAM. This kick-off provided a strong foundation for collaboration and alignment across the consortium. The consortium consists of 22 partners from research, industry, non-profit, and aquaculture sectors from diverse regions, all committed to climate-proofing the aquaculture industry. 

The project will deliver outcomes in the following key areas:

Sustainable aquaculture for a changing climate

OCCAM will pilot novel aquaculture practices and tools that help reduce environmental impact while ensuring economic viability. Innovative methods for monitoring and managing aquaculture systems will enable producers to respond in real time to changes caused by climate impacts. 

Science-driven tools for smarter decisions

Digital innovation is key in OCCAM. The project will deliver data-driven tools and best practices to support smarter, climate-resilient decision-making throughout the aquaculture value chain. 

Collaboration for lasting impact 

OCCAM will bring together industry stakeholders, scientists, and policymakers, OCCAM, fostering cross-sector collaboration to ensure that its results are both practical and impactful. Training materials and policy briefs will support the integration of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies into long-term aquaculture management. 

Nine case studies across Europe 

OCCAM will conduct nine regional case studies, covering a diverse range of aquaculture methods and sectors—from industrial aquaculture to small-scale operations. These case studies will test the project’s tools and approaches, ensuring relevance and applicability across Europe's aquaculture industry. 

With climate change posing increasing risks to marine ecosystems and coastal communities, OCCAM is a timely and vital step toward securing a sustainable future for European aquaculture. 

As an OCCAM Project Partner, ICES will be ready to support a future towards resilient and sustainable aquaculture throughout the Northeast Atlantic, as ICES is committed to better understand and support the ​​sustainable use of marine ecosystems. ICES will build on the project’s case studies to shape our advice on aquaculture and climate impacts. 

OCCAM is funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement N° 101182044. 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. ​



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OCCAM partners at the project launch. Photo: Audun Iversen, Nofima.

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Launching OCCAM: A new EU project to future-proof European aquaculture against climate change

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