The Lionfish in the Mediterranean III conference, held in Monaco from October 13 to 15, 2025, brought together scientists, policymakers, economists, chefs, NGOs and regional representatives to address the growing challenge posed by the invasive lionfish in the Mediterranean. The event aimed to strengthen regional cooperation, deepen scientific knowledge and explore concrete solutions to transform this ecological threat into a sustainable opportunity for Mediterranean communities.
Conference Highlights
Day One focused on scientific research and regional coordination. Experts presented the latest findings on lionfish behavior, rapid population growth, and impacts on marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Discussions highlighted that while scientific data is crucial to understand the scale of the issue, coordinated action between Mediterranean countries is essential to manage it effectively.
This opening day in Monaco was made possible thanks to the support of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, which contributed to fostering dialogue between research institutions and decision-makers.
Day Two, hosted at Marius Monaco, centered on building a sustainable and resilient lionfish value chain. Exchanges connected fisheries management, gastronomy, public awareness, pilot projects, and existing legal frameworks. The role of chefs and local markets was emphasized as a powerful lever to raise awareness and encourage responsible consumption.
A key moment of the conference was the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, who highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and innovative approaches to protect marine biodiversity while supporting local economies.
Key Themes and Takeaways
– Scientific research and monitoring to track populations and ecosystem impact
– Sustainable supply chains linking fisheries, markets, and gastronomy
– Public awareness and education to engage consumers and communities
– Legal and regulatory frameworks to address cross-border challenges
– Regional pilot projects sharing scalable Mediterranean solutions
Main message: interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to turn the lionfish challenge into a long-term opportunity for the Mediterranean.
Looking Ahead
The conference reaffirmed that combining research, policy dialogue, economic initiatives and community engagement is key to protecting marine ecosystems. By working across disciplines and borders, the Mediterranean can transform environmental challenges into drivers of resilience and sustainability.
Our sincere thanks to all those who made this conference possible:
Organized by Elafonisos Eco, CIESM, HCMR, and UNISG;
Supported by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, Marius Restaurant, and CGM;
In partnership with ACLI Terra.