23 March, 2026
VASEACAD has been officially recognised as a UN Ocean Decade Action under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). The endorsement acknowledges the project’s contribution to advancing sustainable ocean management through research and innovation, while reinforcing its role in supporting a more circular and resource-efficient blue economy.
The recognition follows the endorsement of 24 research and innovation projects funded through the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership (SBEP) second Joint Transnational Call. Together, these projects form part of a growing international portfolio of Ocean Decade Actions that are helping generate the knowledge and solutions needed to achieve a healthy, productive and resilient ocean by 2030.
What is the UN Ocean Decade?
Proclaimed by the United Nations, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development provides a global framework to connect science, policy, industry and society in addressing the major challenges facing the ocean. By endorsing research initiatives as Ocean Decade Actions, the programme recognises projects that contribute practical, science-based solutions supporting sustainable ocean management and the Sustainable Development Goals.
For VASEACAD, this endorsement confirms that its research contributes to international efforts to improve the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture while promoting the responsible use of marine resources.
Supporting a circular blue bioeconomy
VASEACAD focuses on recovering value from seafood processing side streams that are often underused despite containing proteins, oils and other valuable marine compounds.
Through advanced bioprocessing technologies, the project is developing new approaches to transform these materials into bioactive protein hydrolysates, fish protein ingredients, fish oil and other high-value marine products for applications in aquaculture, food and health. By making better use of existing marine resources, VASEACAD supports more sustainable production systems while helping reduce waste across the seafood value chain.
The project also investigates the environmental, economic and social performance of these new solutions, providing evidence that can support their future adoption by industry and policymakers.
Joining a global network
Becoming a UN Ocean Decade Action places VASEACAD within an international community of projects working towards common objectives for ocean sustainability.
The endorsement increases opportunities to:
- strengthen collaboration with international research and innovation initiatives;
- exchange knowledge and good practices across disciplines and regions;
- increase the visibility of project results;
- support science-informed policies for sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and the blue bioeconomy.
By working alongside other Ocean Decade Actions, VASEACAD contributes to a coordinated international effort to translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions that benefit both people and the ocean.
Looking ahead
The recognition as a UN Ocean Decade Action marks an important milestone for the project and highlights the relevance of its scientific objectives beyond Europe.
Over the coming years, the VASEACAD consortium will continue developing sustainable technologies for seafood side-stream valorisation while engaging with industry, policymakers and the wider public to promote circular approaches that make better use of marine resources.
About VASEACAD
VASEACAD (Valorising Seafood Side Streams, Residues, Unwanted Catches and Discards for the Production of Bioactive Protein Hydrolysates and High Added-Value Biomolecules) is a three-year research and innovation project funded by the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership (SBEP) and co-funded by the European Commission together with the national funding agencies of the participating countries. The project brings together ten organisations from seven European countries to develop sustainable solutions that transform seafood processing side streams into valuable ingredients for food, feed and health applications, supporting Europe’s transition towards a circular and sustainable blue bioeconomy.