Coordinated Development and Implementation of Best Practice in Bycatch Reduction in the North Atlantic, Baltic and Mediterranean Regions The CIBBRiNA project is a six-year EU LIFE-funded initiative (2023–2029) aimed at minimizing and, where possible, eliminating the incidental bycatch of Endangered, Threatened, and Protected (ETP) species in European fisheries. Bycatch, the unintended capture of non-target species such as seabirds, marine mammals, turtles, and elasmobranchs, poses a major threat to marine biodiversity and ecosystem health. CIBBRiNA adopts a cross-border and cross-sectoral approach, engaging stakeholders from 13 European countries, including fishers, scientists, policymakers, NGOs, and IGOs. The project emphasizes Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles, fostering mutual trust, transparency, and co-creation in a “safe working environment.” This collaborative framework ensures that mitigation strategies are practical, socially acceptable, and economically viable for fishers. The project is structured around eight case studies spanning diverse fisheries—from small-scale gillnet operations in the Baltic to pelagic trawls in the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean. These case studies test and refine a suite of mitigation measures, including gear modifications, deterrent devices (e.g., pingers, LED lights), spatial/seasonal closures, and survival-enhancing techniques. Monitoring programs and socio-economic assessments complement technical trials to evaluate both ecological and operational impacts. Key deliverables include: • An innovative toolbox of mitigation and monitoring solutions. • Best Practice Guidelines for stakeholder engagement and bycatch reduction. • Recommendations for integrating these solutions into European fisheries policy and management frameworks. Ultimately, CIBBRiNA seeks to balance species conservation with fishery sustainability, contributing to healthier marine ecosystems and resilient coastal communities across Europe.