Offshore freshened groundwater (OFG) is a precious water resource stored in sub-seafloor sediments and rocks, today seen as an essential potential source as the demand for water increases and hydroclimatic extremes cause more intense periods of water shortage.
However, there are important knowledge gaps around the OFG, where its distribution and extent are not fully understood, and expertise around its connectivity with onshore systems is lacking. Similarly, the groundwater dynamic of OFG is not clear, while the potential ecological and environmental impacts of extraction have also not been explored. Finally, the legal status of OFG resources remains a grey area in need of addressing.
The Joint Call, published by JPI Oceans, aims to address these key knowledge gaps in the hope of laying a foundation for the potential sustainable management of OFG resources. The call will target the following knowledge gaps:
• Data scarcity and inconsistency
• Environmental, technological, and economic feasibility
• Legal and governance frameworks
Partners in this groundbreaking initiative are:
- Malta (Xjenza Malta)
- Italy (Ministry of Universities and Research – MUR, Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia)
- Germany (Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space)
- Greece (Hellenic Centre for Marine Research)
The deadline to apply is: 6 March 2026 @17.00 CET
Read more about the priorities and the Call HERE
