The event, hosted by our association Elafonisos Eco and generously sponsored by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, built upon previous discussions, including those held in Pollenzo, Italy in 2024.
Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, Greece’s Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, delivered a compelling speech, highlighting the importance of policy advocacy and regional cooperation through a collaborative action with Mediterranean leaders.
Key Themes and Discussions
The conference focused on four main points :
- Mapping and Research: The development of both basic and gastronomical research programs.
- Regulatory Review and Harmonization: The review of current regulations and legislation across the Mediterranean region.
- Elafonisos Invasive Species’ Living Lab: The establishment of a testing ground for innovative invasive species research.
- Business Plan: The study of lionfish as an economic opportunity while addressing solutions to control its expansion.
A major highlight was the discussion on lionfish as a viable economic resource. Participants explored all the potentials of lionfish in food markets, cosmetics, jewelry or bioproducts. The need for public awareness and education to overcome concerns about handling invasive species was also addressed.
Key Takeaways
- Lionfish as an Economic Opportunity : Experts discussed the potential to create a sustainable industry around lionfish, with an emphasis on integrating it into the Mediterranean market.
- Regulatory Challenges: How to review and adapt the legal framework for fishing and selling invasive species in Greece and across the EU ? A proposal to address these issues will be developed in the coming days, with a focus on Greece.
- Scientific Research and Data Sharing : Participants agreed on the importance of data collection on lionfish populations (migratory routes, breeding rates and numbers, diet…) that is a priority to assess fishing capacities and environmental impact.
- Marketing and Awareness Campaigns: The need for education and promotional initiatives was recognized as essential to create demand for lionfish products, support local fishers and encourage sustainable practices.
- Collaborative Policy Actions: Experts emphasized the importance of engaging with policymakers at both national and European levels to harmonize regulations and promote sustainable solutions.
Next Steps
Following the successful discussions, the following steps include :
-A focus on data collection and further research to ensure sustainability
-The development of pilot projects in local fisheries and markets to assess the economic feasibility of lion-fish industry
-A collaboration with EU policymakers to discuss the framework on the commercialization of lionfish
-A campaign to raise consumer awareness and increase demand
The conference reaffirmed that while lionfish poses a significant ecological threat, they also present an opportunity for innovative economic solutions. With coordinated, science-driven efforts and collaborative policymaking, the Mediterranean region can turn this challenge into a sustainable model that benefits local economies, marine biodiversity, and the Mediterranean ecosystem as a whole.
-The lionfish situation in the Mediterranean will also be addressed during the Monaco Blue Economy and Financial Forum on June 7-8, Our Ocean Conference in Korea and during the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice on June 9-13.
-It will also be part of the main Pilars of Elafonisos Eco Week on April 14-15, which will be attended by Prince Albert II of Monaco.
Thank you to all participants for their contributions and commitment.
- European Commission and CIESM (Mediterranean Science Commission)
- Universities of Palermo, Aegean and Crete and UNISG (Università di Scienze Gastronomiche di Pollenzo)
- Environmental organizations and research institutions : CSM (Centre Scientifique de Monaco), MER Cyprus (Marine and Environmental Research), HCMR (Hellenic Centre for Marine Research), IFOAM Agribiomediterraneo, CNR (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche), Cyclades Preservation Fund, SOA Greece (Sustainable Ocean Alliance), Medasset, ACLI TERRA, KPMG
- Private enterprises : Nomad IT Services, Savramis Frozen Food, Anlas Crete
A special thanks to Stelios Philanthropic Foundation for their support and for their help.