CoolBlueFuture is an international movement promoting community-led development through regenerative aquaculture of seaweed, shellfish and other ecologically beneficial species.

The movement has so far been sustained by two European projects, CoolBlue and CoolBlueBaltic, which are now coming to an end. We have therefore set up this fund to support community projects such as small-scale seaweed and/or bivalve cultivation, seagrass planting, artifical reefs, community sea gardens as well as events, educational or touristic activities.

Cultivation of seaweeds, shellfish and plants requires no feed, fertiliser, pesticides, freshwater or land. They take up excess nutrients and provide shelter for fish. They also slow down ocean acidification and provide a buffer against storms and coastal erosion. What's more, coming together as a community is a great way to meet people, exchange ideas and for kids to learn about marine ecology.

Our question is simple: why are we not doing more of this?

European waters face multiple pressures from pollution to heatwaves and biodiversity loss. Governments do their best, but there is little action. We believe that real action doesn't come from governments, but from regular people. With this fund, we aim to support communities to regenerate our oceans one place at a time.

Your support will help communities to start growing by paying for cultivation equipment (e.g. ropes, seedlings, materials, boat rental) or consumables for events in which communities take action (e.g. beach cleans, planting, workshops etc.).

Every site is different, so setting up a sea garden can cost anything from a few hundred to a few thousand Euros. Once we have received enough donations, we will open a call for communities to apply for funding, aiming to fund as many community projects as possible.

Thank you for your support!