Elafonisos Eco is taking decisive action to combat the growing threat of the invasive lionfish in Greek waters and the Mediterranean. The issue was recently addressed in a session of the Parliamentary Subcommittee on Water Resources under the Special Standing Committee on Environmental Protection, chaired by Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, Mr. Christos Kellas, and other key stakeholders.
Also in attendance was Pavlos Efthymiou, Representative of the Honorary Consul of Monaco in Greece, further reinforcing Monaco’s commitment to marine conservation. The principality of Monaco has been a strong advocate for Mediterranean biodiversity preservation, supporting initiatives that aim to curb the spread of invasive species like the lionfish. This collaboration strengthens ongoing efforts to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable fishing practices.
Representing Elafonisos Eco at the discussion were Enrico Toja, our president; Stavros Liaros, the vice president of Elafonisos Eco; Konstantinos Moiras, the treasurer of Elafonisos Eco Katerina Kokkinaki, the green marketing and project manager; and Giorgos Kritikos, the president of the Non-Professional Fishermen Association in Elafonisos and a member of our association.
The Lionfish Threat
The lionfish poses a major ecological threat, competing with native species for food and habitat, leading to their population decline. As an invasive species, it has rapidly spread across the Mediterranean due to the absence of natural predators and rising sea temperatures caused by climate change. Elafonisos Eco has been at the forefront of efforts to mitigate the impact of the lionfish, working in collaboration with experts, institutions, and policymakers to implement effective control measures.
Dr. Avgerinopoulou highlighted the urgent need for systemic and intensified efforts to address this environmental challenge. She emphasized the importance of international and regional cooperation, calling on Greece to take a leading role in Mediterranean-wide conservation initiatives. In this regard, the long-standing bilateral collaboration between Greece and Monaco on marine biodiversity protection was also underscored.
Ministry of Rural Development Initiatives
Deputy Minister Kellas outlined Greece’s commitments as an EU member state and signatory to international conventions focused on mitigating the spread of invasive species. He detailed key legislative measures, including EU Regulation 1143/2014 on invasive alien species and subsequent national policies designed to protect biodiversity. Additionally, he announced that over €3 million has been allocated for projects aimed at mapping and controlling invasive marine species, with €417,000 specifically dedicated to lionfish population control and €551,000 for exploring commercial utilization solutions.
To further support mitigation efforts, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food has officially recognized lionfish as a commercially viable species, facilitating its trade and consumption. A public awareness campaign, including informational brochures, has also been launched to educate consumers about the ecological and culinary benefits of lionfish.
Collaborative Efforts & A Multi-Faceted Approach
Elafonisos Eco, alongside leading marine conservation experts and representatives from Monaco, EU institutions, and academia, contributed valuable insights during the parliamentary session. Notable participants included Mr. Enrico Toja, President of Elafonisos Eco, Dr. Anastasia Milios from the Archipelagos Institute, and Mr. Stylianos Mytolides from the European Commission’s Mediterranean and Black Sea Fisheries Department.
The discussion emphasized the need for sustained data collection, regional cooperation, and community engagement to combat the lionfish invasion effectively. The representatives stressed that tackling this issue requires a combination of scientific research, fisheries participation, and innovative economic opportunities, such as promoting lionfish as a sustainable food source and exploring its potential in the cosmetics industry.
As part of its mission to protect marine ecosystems, Elafonisos Eco remains committed to driving conservation initiatives and fostering cross-border partnerships to ensure the long-term health of the Mediterranean Sea.
Stay tuned for more information and updates on Elafonisos Eco’s initiatives.