a project to join

The YouSea Institute (Zavod YouSea) is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation acting in the public interest in the field of nature conservation, dedicated to the conservation and restoration of marine biodiversity, focused on the Slovenian sea and Northern Adriatic. Founded in March 2021 and based in Portorož, Slovenia, the Institute brings together marine experts, researchers, and educators committed to protecting the marine environment and promoting sustainable use of marine resources. YouSea operates at the intersection of science, community engagement and sustainable development, working to deepen understanding of marine ecosystems, promote responsible interaction with the sea, and build long-term solutions for the coexistence of humans and nature. Its flagship initiative, Sea Oasis Piran (Morska oaza Piran), is the first underwater structure of its kind in the Slovenian sea, supporting Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture, field research and biodiversity restoration. YouSea also develops educational programmes, art-based outreach, sustainable educational tourism, and collaborative projects with the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, aligning its work with EU strategies including the Green Transition, Farm to Fork, the Biodiversity Strategy 2030, and the Strategic Guidelines for Aquaculture 2030.

YouSea is a dynamic, reliable partner for initiatives in marine conservation, sustainable aquaculture, sustainable tourism, and environmental education.

PA1 - Transitioning the blue economy sectors for sustainability and strategic autonomy
PA2 - Managing sea-uses by advancing digital and ecosystem-based approaches
PA3 - Promoting sustainable blue bioresources through innovation in marine production and harvesting
PA4 - Building resilience in coastal communities with infrastructure and businesses

We are seeking to join projects focused on the sustainable development of the blue economy, with a particular interest in establishing and co-developing a Living Lab in the North Adriatic. We are looking for consortia interested in designing, implementing, and demonstrating innovative solutions for sustainable aquaculture, with an emphasis on Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), ecosystem-based management, and nature-based solutions. Our ideal project would include pilot and demonstration activities that bring together research organisations, industry, public authorities, and local stakeholders to co-create, test, and validate innovative aquaculture practices under real-world conditions. We are particularly interested in projects addressing environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, circular bioeconomy approaches, water quality improvement, climate resilience, and digital monitoring technologies for aquaculture. We are also interested in contributing to stakeholder engagement, citizen science, marine conservation, environmental monitoring, and the translation of scientific knowledge into practical management solutions. Through our expertise and regional network, we aim to help develop a replicable Living Lab that can serve as a model for sustainable aquaculture innovation and blue economy development across the Adriatic and beyond.

marine conservation, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, ecosystem restoration, ocean literacy, citizen science, stakeholder engagement

Aquaculture Europe 2026
EMSEA conference 2026