The fourth lionfish removal derby took place on the 5th of July 2020, in the Cave Greko area. There were five entrance/exit points (Ayioi Anargyroi chapel, Cyclop’s cave, Kalyva, Roman Harbour and Green bay). Volunteer participants made up a total of 32 scuba divers and free divers, broke the record of the total number of lionfish removed during “RELIONMED’s” derbies, having removed this time a total of 367 lionfish. After the derby was completed, everyone gathered at the Ayioi Anargyroi excursion site. There, lionfish non-venomous fins were removed for the creation of jewelleries and some lionfish were dissected to obtain stomach contents. Divers kept their catch to cook at home.
Lionfish jewelleries were given as gifts to the female divers/participants. Prizes (diving gear and removal equipment) were given to the divers who removed the most lionfish (top three), the largest and the smallest, freedivers also received prizes. A total of six teams received awards.
We would like to thank everyone who participated in the event, for supporting the action and for answering the questionnaires that will provide the project with more insights. We also want to thank the ‘
Neldi Art Gallery’ for the creation and supply of lionfish jewellery and ‘
Octo Microbrewery’ for attending, participating at the event and supplying everyone with free beer! Finally, we would like to thank Marine & Environmental Research (MER) Lab for the perfect organisation and smooth implementation of the event. Thank you all!