MER is launching a school education programme on lionfish for public primary and secondary schools in Cyprus. Lionfish is an invasive species in the Mediterranean that can affect marine ecosystems and fisheries. The programme will help pupils understand these impacts and explore how scientific knowledge, fisheries, safe consumption and responsible food choices can contribute to its management.

Running until 30 November 2027, the programme will include 60 interactive presentations for pupils in Years 4 to 6 of primary school and for secondary-school pupils in the approved intervention areas of Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta and Paphos.

The presentations will be delivered in Greek and adapted to the age of the pupils. They will use visual material, examples from Cyprus and the Mediterranean, and guided activities to make the subject accessible and relevant.

The programme will introduce pupils to:

• non-indigenous and invasive marine species
• lionfish biology and ecology
• effects on marine biodiversity and fisheries
• sustainable management and safe consumption
• nutritional value and responsible food choices

Short questionnaires will be used to assess what pupils have learned, while feedback from teachers will help evaluate and improve the presentations.

The programme builds on MER’s experience in marine education and public engagement and its applied work on non-indigenous species. It also draws on experience from FishTheAlien II: Holiday Edition, which connects the management of invasive species with fisheries, food and public awareness.

MER will implement the programme under contract with the Limassol District Development Agency Ltd (ANELEM). Scheduling and the necessary approvals will be coordinated with the relevant authorities and participating schools.