Marine & Environmental Research (MER) will take part in European Maritime Day (EMD) 2026 in Limassol, Cyprus, while also co-organising and contributing to public activities under the BlueSenses initiative.

During EMD week, MER will be involved in the official EMD workshop programme, represent LIFE PROMETHEUS at the CINEA / EU stand, and lead or support several BlueSenses activities connecting the public with marine science, restoration, fisheries, ocean literacy and conservation.

Where to find MER during EMD week

21 May 2026 | 16:40–17:55
WS10: Advancing Marine Restoration: From Demos to Impact
Stretto Cafe, Limassol

22 May 2026 | 09:00–12:45
LIFE PROMETHEUS at the CINEA / EU stand
European Maritime Day venue, Limassol

21–22 May 2026
BlueSenses public activities by the sea
Molos Main Pier, Limassol

24 May 2026 | 10:00–12:00
Swimming Route at the Ancient Harbour of Amathounta
Meeting point: Ayia Varvara beach

MER at the official European Maritime Day programme

As part of the official EMD programme, MER will organise and contribute to the parallel workshop:

WS10: Advancing Marine Restoration: From Demos to Impact

Date: Thursday, 21 May 2026
Time: 16:40–17:55
Location: Stretto Cafe, Limassol
Format: In-person

The workshop will explore how coastal and marine restoration demonstrators can move from pilot actions to wider uptake and long-term impact. Drawing on outputs from RESPOSCY, CLIMAREST and A-AAGORA, the session will discuss restoration solutions, governance, permitting, financing, monitoring and opportunities for replication across sea basins.

Speakers include Pierre Strosser from ACTeon, Periklis Kleitou from MER, and Demetris Kletou from MER.

LIFE PROMETHEUS at the CINEA / EU stand

Date: Friday, 22 May 2026
Time: 09:00–12:45
Location: CINEA / EU stand, European Maritime Day venue, Limassol

MER will represent LIFE PROMETHEUS , sharing information on shark and ray conservation, bycatch reduction, low-impact fishing practices, sustainable fisheries and collaboration with fishers and stakeholders across the Mediterranean.

Visitors are warmly invited to pass by the stand, meet the MER team and learn more about how LIFE PROMETHEUS is working to support healthier seas and more sustainable fisheries.

BlueSenses: public activities by the sea

MER is also co-organising and contributing to BlueSenses , a collaborative programme running from 18 to 24 May 2026 that invites the public to experience the ocean through exhibitions, interactive games, workshops, storytelling, tastings, art activities, screenings and sea-based experiences.

Through BlueSenses, MER will present and connect work from several projects and initiatives, including A-AAGORA / ResPos , RESPOSCY , LIFE PROMETHEUS , Fish the Alien II: Holiday Edition , Marine Litter monitoring and CLIMAREST .

Litter Detectives

21 May | All day
Molos Main Pier, Limassol

A hands-on marine litter activity with sorting games, ghost gear examples, microplastics activities and simple messages on how we can reduce litter entering the sea.

Coastal restoration serious game

21 May | 15:00–18:00
Computer Lab 205B, Frederick University, Limassol

An interactive role-play activity exploring coastal restoration, environmental decision-making and collaboration between different stakeholders.

Meet the Fishers

21 May | from 18:00
Molos Main Pier, Limassol

An informal seaside meeting where visitors can talk with local fishers, hear real-life sea stories and learn more about their work and experiences.

Sharks & Rays: The Elasmobranch Challenge

22 May | All day
Molos Main Pier, Limassol

Interactive games and species cards introducing sharks and rays, their role in marine ecosystems, bycatch risks and low-impact fishing practices.

Alien Species 101: Taste the Alien!

22 May | 17:00–20:00
Molos Main Pier, Limassol

A public awareness and tasting activity on alien species in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean, linked to local fishers and ecosystem protection.

Swimming Route at Amathounta

24 May | 10:00–12:00
Meeting point: Ayia Varvara beach

A snorkelling and swimming activity at the Ancient Harbour of Amathounta, introducing participants to local marine life and Posidonia oceanica meadows.

Connecting science, society and the sea

Through these activities, MER aims to bring marine science closer to the public and show how research, education, local knowledge and collaboration with fishers can support healthier seas. From marine litter and alien species to sharks, rays, Posidonia oceanica meadows and coastal restoration, the programme highlights practical ways to understand and protect the marine environment of Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean.

We warmly invite EMD participants, families, students, educators, fishers, divers and everyone interested in the sea to join us during BlueSenses and European Maritime Day week in Limassol.

View the BlueSenses programme European Maritime Day 2026