Horizon Europe project SWIM starts under FSB coordination

On 1 September 2025, the project SWIM (Sustainable Water and Integrated Management of Fish Migration and their Habitats in the Danube River Basin and NW Black Sea) officially began. Funded through Horizon Europe under the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”, it runs until 31 August 2029 and is coordinated by FSB.

The project brings together 40 partners from 14 European countries. Its goal is to develop and deploy sustainable, scalable solutions to restore and reconnect the habitats of migratory freshwater fish in the Danube basin and the Black Sea, tested across 7 pilot areas through fish passes, spawning-ground restoration, digital information systems and education centres.

The total project value is EUR 8,019,898.75, with the EU contributing up to EUR 7,521,499.38. The project leader at FSB is Assistant Professor Hrvoje Mikulčić.

SWIM focuses on

• Restoring and reconnecting river and coastal habitats of migratory fish
• Improving the health of freshwater ecosystems
• Supporting local communities through participation and education
• Contributing to EU policy on the environment, water and biodiversity

A cascade-funding mechanism will open calls during the project to fund additional stakeholders such as local communities, NGOs and SMEs.