ASSOCIATE REGIONS
ULTFARMS Associate Regions
The Associate Regions programme connects regions and organisations beyond ULTFARMS’ core partners to advance low-trophic aquaculture and multi-use at sea. Selected through funding calls between 2024 and 2025, Associate Regions share knowledge, test innovative approaches, and support the transfer of ULTFARMS solutions, including integrating low-trophic aquaculture with offshore wind projects.
Associate Regions actively engage in key project activities such as workshops and stakeholder outreach, collaborate with initiatives like the Blue Mission BANOS project, and help adapt solutions to local contexts. Below, you can find the regions and organisations selected through the ULTFARMS Associate Regions Programme:
Wales, UK – Co-location of Shellfish Aquaculture & Renewables in the Irish Sea (CoSAIRS)
Tunisia – Sustainable Energies and Low-Impact Marine Aquaculture (SELIMA)
Latvia – Synergising Multi-Use Innovations for Sustainable Offshore Aquaculture (SymbioSea Baltic)
Poland – Ustka Low-Trophic Aquaculture Enabler (ULTAN)
Morocco – Farming of Low-Trophic Species and Offshore Wind in Moroco (FLOWM)
Projects Selected Under the First Call
Co-location of Shellfish Aquaculture & Renewables in the Irish Sea (CoSAIRS)
Lead Organisation: Bangor University
Duration: 2024–2026
CoSAIRS focuses on developing low-trophic aquaculture (LTA) for the Irish Sea by leveraging ULTFARMS methodologies for offshore wind and aquaculture co-location. The project evaluates governance frameworks, environmental interactions, and multi-use business models to determine how shellfish aquaculture can be sustainably integrated with renewable energy infrastructure. It contributes new data and experience to the ULTFARMS Network while engaging local and regional stakeholders.
Sustainable Energies and Low-Impact Marine Aquaculture (SELIMA)
Consortium: Institut National des Sciences et Technologies de la Mer (INSTM), SEA-GUST, MEDORA
Duration: 2024-2026
SELIMA applies ULTFARMS expertise to develop sustainable methodologies for Tunisia’s LTA sector. Through technical workshops, surveys, and stakeholder consultations, the project analyses environmental, regulatory, and market conditions for low-impact aquaculture along the Tunisian coastline. It includes biodiversity assessments, evaluations of native LTA species under Tunisian conditions, and actions to support the early adoption of ULTFARMS concepts in North Africa.
Projects Selected Under the Second Call
Latvia – Synergizing Multi-Use Innovations for Sustainable Offshore Aquaculture (SymbioSea Baltic)
Consortium: Riga Technical University (RTU), Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology (LHEI), Kurzeme Planning Region (KPR)
Duration: 2025–2026
SymbioSea Baltic enables Latvia to test and adapt multi-use offshore aquaculture solutions by combining LTA production with offshore wind development. The project explores environmental suitability, Natura 2000 considerations, governance gaps, and the long-term viability of nature-inclusive offshore structures. It also aims to build a collaborative regional network of marine users and stakeholders.
Poland – Ustka Low Trophic Aquaculture Enabler (ULTAN)
Lead Organisation: Municipality of Ustka
Duration: 2025-2026
Contact Details:
a.sienko@ustka.ug.gov.pl
szproton@gmail.com
sylwiaszp@gmail.com
ULTAN prepares the groundwork for introducing offshore seaweed and mussel farming in the Polish Baltic. By developing a Low-Trophic Aquaculture Roadmap, the project supports future co-location with offshore wind farms and strengthens regional marine planning. Stakeholder workshops will raise awareness on the environmental and economic benefits of LTA within Poland’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Morocco – Farming of Low-Trophic Species and Offshore Wind in Morocco (FLOWM)
Consortium: ESTE-UCA, IRESEN, DPME
Duration: 2025–2026
FLOWM leverages ULTFARMS know-how to support Morocco in combining offshore wind (OWF) with LTA. Activities include capacity building, training, environmental feasibility studies, ecosystem restoration assessments, and dissemination of knowledge among Moroccan authorities and maritime users. The project aims to lay the foundation for sustainable low-impact aquaculture integrated with future offshore wind development in Morocco.
ULTFARMS Associate Region Calls
The second ULTFARMS Associated Region call which closed in March 2025, sought project proposals led by regional or local authorities to support knowledge transfer, capacity building, and the development of low-trophic aquaculture, particularly in combination with offshore renewable energy. Three projects were funded in addition to the first round, with applicants developing plans to assess regional potential, enhance or create strategies, and raise awareness or capacity for such activities. Proposals were submitted by authorities or consortia, evaluated by a three-member panel from the ULTFARMS Central Coordination Team based on impact, excellence, and implementation quality, with a minimum threshold required for selection.
Key dates
Direct your questions to ULTFARMS@Deltares.nl with “ULTFARMS AR Question” in the subject line
Final Remarks
The solutions developed and demonstrated within the EU project “ULTFARMS”, Grant Agreement number 101093888, involve the implementation of LTA activities within offshore wind developments to evaluate the environmental and economic suitability of such efforts. These solutions include industry standard as well as novel constructions and take into consideration nature inclusive design parameters. To increase the knowledge development and collaboration potential of this project and its results, regions and countries outside of those represented by main partners In the ULTFARMS project are sought to become Associated Regions (ARs) within the Project. These AR projects may request a budget of up to 100.000 Euros to carry out a proposed scope of work in line with Low Trophic Aquaculture and offshore renewable energies. In addition to the proposed scope of work, the ARs will be provided with opportunities to attend training and participate in project wide discussions in terms of technical, operational, and planning requirements for LTA. Additional expertise and support will be provided by the project and its members through a working group which facilitates exchanges and integration of the AR projects into the overall ULTFARMS project and scope.
