On 30 June 2026, around 25 small-scale professional fishers joined Marine & Environmental Research (MER) to discuss how a practical network linking fishers with chefs, restaurants and hotels could support the use and sale of selected edible alien species in Cyprus.

The seminar was organised as part of the FishTheAlien II: The Holiday Edition project. The workshop focused on what is needed to turn collaboration between the fishing and hospitality sectors into a network that can function in practice.

By involving fishers from the beginning, the project develop its next steps around practical needs rather than assumptions. The workshop provided an important opportunity to listen, exchange ideas and begin shaping a network together.

How can the network work in practice?

Fishers shared their experiences of catching, selling and utilising alien species, as well as the challenges they face when trying to bring these catches to the market. Their contributions helped identify the practical issues that must be considered when developing stronger connections with chefs, restaurants and hotels.

The discussion focused on how cooperation could be enabled: how the different groups could communicate, how interest from the hospitality sector could be connected with fishers, and how a network could respond to the realities of fishing and seafood supply.

Fishers are the starting point of this network. Their daily experience at sea provides essential knowledge about the alien species being encountered, the difficulties involved in making use of them and the conditions under which new market links could be realistic. The aim is to develop a useful connection between the people who catch these species and the businesses that may be able to prepare, promote and serve them. For this to succeed, the network must reflect the needs and working conditions of everyone involved.

Thank you to the participants and partners

A sincere thank you to all the fishers who took part, dedicated their time and contributed openly to the discussion. Their knowledge and experience are essential for building solutions that respond to the real needs of the fishing community.

The seminar was implemented by Marine & Environmental Research (MER), with the support of the Cyprus Environment Foundation, and was made possible through the Conservation Collective × easyJet holidays collaboration.

Special thanks to the Municipality of Paralimni–Deryneia for its collaboration and for kindly providing the venue.

Learn more about FishTheAlien II: The Holiday Edition.