Marine (blue) biotechnology is an emerging field enabling the valorization of new products and processes with massive potential for innovation and economic growth. In the Mediterranean region, this innovation potential is not exploited as well as in other European regions due to a lack of a clear identification of the different value chains and the high fragmentation of business innovation initiatives. As a result, several opportunities to create an innovative society are being missed. To address this problem, eight Northern Mediterranean countries (Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain) established five national blue biotechnology hubs to identify and address the bottlenecks that prevent the development of marine biotechnology in the region. Following a three-step approach (1. Analysis: setting the scene; 2. Transfer: identification of promising value chains; 3. Capitalization: community creation), we identified the three value chains that are most promising for the Northern Mediterranean region: algae production for added-value compounds, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) and valorization aquaculture/fisheries/processing by-products, unavoidable/unwanted catches and discards. The potential for the development and the technical and non-technical skills that are necessary to advance in this exciting field were identified through several stakeholder events which provided valuable insight and feedback that should be addressed for marine biotechnology in the Northern Mediterranean region to reach its full potential.

Blue Biotechnology (BBt) is a young and promising sector in the Mediterranean region with the potential to drive innovation and strengthen the Blue Economy (BE). However, its progress is constrained by fragmented coordination among stakeholders, impeding policy development and efficient resource management. Under this context, this study investigates the role of networks of diverse stakeholders, particularly the Spanish Blue Biotechnology Hub (BBHub) and a digital tool, ICT Matchmaking Tool (which connects network actors), in addressing these challenges by fostering collaboration, enhancing governance and supporting sustainable innovation. Building on this, the research employed the quadruple helix model (administrations, academia and research, industry and society), engaging 214 individuals from 130 organizations in the BBHub network. A survey assessed participants’ involvement and influence perceptions, followed by the formation of a discussion group “called sherpa group” of 10 key stakeholders for in-depth discussions through semi-structured interviews and meetings. Through this approach, key barriers to BBt and potential solutions for BE sustainable growth in Spain were identified, including regulatory obstacles, limited funding or weak public-private collaboration. Among the solutions proposed were the simplification of administrative processes to create new business, the creation of specific funding opportunities or the implementation of labelling policies to promote BBt products and value chains. Considering these findings, the study demonstrates that the BBHub network and ICT Matchmaking Tool could enhance stakeholder coordination, governance and decision-making processes in Spain. By addressing these gaps, these tools enable collaboration and better coordination among actors, contributing to sustainable marine resource use and innovation in the BBt and BE sector. However, sustained progress requires stable funding and stronger stakeholder commitments. In turn, as a broader implication, this research provides a replicable model for leveraging open innovation and multi-stakeholder frameworks to promote coordination, policy development and sustainable growth in the BBt and BE sectors. Thus, it offers insights into addressing governance challenges in Spain and the Mediterranean, advancing the use of marine bioresources through collaborative approaches.

Artisanal fisheries are vital for coastal economies and marine sustainability but face growing threats from global markets and reduced profitability [1]. App Lonja 2.0 is a co-created, proof of concept, digital platform designed to modernize artisanal fisheries and promote a fair, sustainable blue economy [2]. Its goals include digitalization, short transparent supply chains, and stronger community participation in decision-making. Developed and tested with Fishermen’s Guilds in Murcia, the app enables real-time catch monitoring, competitive pricing, and alternative compliant sales short channels. Results show improved efficiency, higher incomes, and better consumer access to fresh, low-carbon seafood, proving that science-community collaboration drives inclusive innovation [3]. All these aspects of the App Lonja 2.0 were presented and discussed within the framework of the Round Table on Aquaculture and Blue Foods at Med Blue Tech Alicante, held on 26 November, highlighting its relevance for advancing a fair, digital, and sustainable blue economy. The following sections briefly outline the origin of the initiative, its current state of development, the main challenges detected and the conclusions and future steps.

The European Macaronesian region (Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands) represents a key biogeographictransition zone in the Northeast Atlantic. While its large-scale gradients are well recognized, theextent to which long-term variability and vertical structure shape ecosystem dynamics remains poorlyquantified. Here, we synthesize nearly three decades of satellite and reanalysis data (1993–2025)to resolve the seasonal, interannual, and vertical variability of physical (sea temperature, currents)and biological (chlorophyll a, phytoplankton, zooplankton, micronekton) variables. Beyond expectedclimatological patterns, we identify a significant warming trend (0.024 °C yr−1) characterized by astronger increase in minimum temperatures, indicating a reduction in seasonal thermal amplitude.This warming coincides with coherent multi-trophic increases in plankton and micronekton biomass,alongside a declining chlorophyll-to-carbon ratio, suggesting long-term physiological or communitylevelshifts. Vertical analyses reveal a structured ecosystem with a latitudinally varying Deep ChlorophyllMaximum (DCM) and two distinct depth layers (at about 56 m and 156 m) of maximal couplingbetween chlorophyll and phytoplankton biomass, indicative of depth-specific ecological niches andphotoacclimation strategies. These results demonstrate that European Macaronesia is not a uniformsystem defined solely by surface gradients, but by vertically structured and dynamically evolvingecosystems. This integrated framework provides a transferable approach for assessing oceanographicvariability and ecosystem responses across other marine transition zones.