Interreg MED BLUE BIO MED – I Workshop

On the 10th of November 2021, the ENALIA PHYSIS – Environmental Research Centre participated in the online workshop titled “Interreg MED BLUE BIO MED – I Workshop: Impact of aquatic Invasive Alien Species. State-of-art and main challenges to deal with.” During the event, ENALIA PHYSIS gave a presentation on the “IAS in the Eastern Mediterranean with special focus on the lionfish invasion”. Initially, the marine environment of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea was described (including examples of its habitats, its important species and several categories of disturbances). Furthermore, the RELIONMED-Life project was presented giving information to the attendees about the lionfish characteristics and the period during which this species was first recorded in the region. In addition, the monitoring of lionfish sightings was discussed, explaining that lionfish populations were observed to have increased especially in the Eastern part of Cyprus. Finally, potential impacts to the biodiversity and socio-economy (as a result of the lionfish invasion) were reviewed, as well as actions taken to control them (i.e., the creation of surveillance and early detection system, the formation of the Removal Action Teams, and more).