We are pleased to announce the launch of Fish the Alien II: Holiday Edition (2026–ongoing), coordinated by Marine & Environmental Research (MER) Lab Ltd.

Running from February 2026 to July 2027, Fish the Alien II: Holiday Edition continues MER’s FishTheAlien initiative with a renewed focus on the tourism and hospitality sector in Cyprus. Working with partner hotels, restaurants and small-scale fisheries across key coastal tourist regions, the project promotes the targeted use of selected invasive alien species (IAS) as sustainable seafood options—through dining experiences, guest tastings and cooking demonstrations.

Contracting authority & funding: easyJet holidays through the Cyprus Environment Foundation.

In the Mediterranean, some alien species become invasive and can disrupt ecosystems and affect fisheries and tourism. Low market value can also lead to discarding of non-indigenous catch—representing lost income opportunities for fishers and missed opportunities for targeted removals. To help address these barriers, the project establishes the Invasive Catch Alliance, linking fishers with hospitality partners (including easyJet holidays partner venues) to improve availability, increase demand, and support local livelihoods while contributing to ecological balance and sustainable tourism.

Project highlights:

• Establishment of the Invasive Catch Alliance connecting fishers with hotels, restaurants and chefs.
• A dedicated bilingual (Greek/English) web hub for updates, partner listings, events and downloadable materials.
• Targeted seminars for small-scale and recreational fishers on IAS impacts, safe handling and market opportunities.
• Hands-on culinary seminars for chefs and F&B teams, focused on processing/handling and menu-ready recipes.
• Pop-up tasting events and public gastronomy events combining IAS dishes with short conservation talks and guest engagement.
• Educational materials (guides/handbooks/chef manuals) and a bilingual recipe book, supported by an integrated media and marketing campaign.

All outreach materials emphasise that serving IAS is a conservation action that supports targeted removals and helps protect native biodiversity.

This project builds on MER’s earlier Fish the Alien (completed 2022) initiative and strengthens synergies with EU-level actions, including LIFE-PROMETHEUS and MER’s involvement in PROMETHEUS (2024–ongoing).

Learn more about the project here:
Fish the Alien II: Holiday Edition (2026–ongoing).

Fishe the Alien (official site)

For enquiries, please contact MER (including if you are a hotel, restaurant, chef or fisher interested in joining the Invasive Catch Alliance).