In August 2026, MER hosted the first pop-up event of FishTheAlien II: Holiday Edition at NoVinoPhobia in Limassol. The evening brought together paella prepared with selected edible invasive alien species, a guided wine tasting and a conversation about the changing Mediterranean Sea.

Chef Petros Yiangou prepared the paella, while oenologist Marinos Demetriou led the tasting of selected wines. Organised in collaboration with E.A.T., the event used a shared meal to introduce the connection between seafood choices and marine conservation, giving guests an opportunity to encounter these species through food.

Building on MER’s earlier FishTheAlien initiative, this edition connects small-scale fishers, restaurants and hotels in Cyprus. FishTheAlien II: Holiday Edition works with the tourism and hospitality sector to make selected edible invasive species better known and more marketable, while keeping their ecological impacts and the purpose of targeted removals central to its outreach.

Not all alien species are invasive, but those that become invasive can disrupt marine ecosystems and affect fisheries. Some non-indigenous catches also have little market value and may be discarded. Creating demand for selected edible species offers a way to support their targeted removal and provide additional opportunities for local fishers.

The project combines public tastings with training for fishers and chefs, cooking demonstrations and educational resources on edible species and safe handling. Through its Invasive Catch Alliance, it aims to strengthen cooperation between those who catch seafood and those who prepare and serve it.

FishTheAlien II: Holiday Edition is implemented by MER with the support of the Cyprus Environment Foundation and made possible through the Conservation Collective × easyJet holidays collaboration.

Photos: Εφημερίδα Λεμεσός (Lemesos Newspaper). Select a photo to view it in full size.