Fish the Alien II: Holiday Edition (2026 – Ongoing)

Scope

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 targeted use of selected
invasive alien species (IAS) as sustainable seafood options through dining experiences, guest tastings and cooking demonstrations.

The Mediterranean hosts many alien species. While not all alien species cause harm, a subset becomes invasive and can disrupt ecosystems
and affect fisheries and tourism. In some areas, 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 address barriers to consumption and marketability, the project establishes the Invasive Catch Alliance—a collaboration between fishers and
hospitality partners (including easyJet holidays partner venues)—to improve availability, increase demand, and support local livelihoods while contributing
to ecological balance and sustainable tourism.

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

Methods at a glance

• Project identity and a dedicated bilingual (Greek/English) website as the central hub for updates, partners, events and downloadable materials.
• Stakeholder engagement to build the Invasive Catch Alliance and strengthen cooperation between fishers and hospitality venues.
• 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 in partner hotels/restaurants combining IAS dishes with short conservation talks and guest engagement.
• High-visibility gastronomy events in coastal locations featuring live cooking demonstrations, chef Q&A and conservation messaging.
• Educational materials (edible guide, handling handbook, chef manuals) and a bilingual recipe book, available online and via QR codes.
• Integrated media and marketing campaign (social + mainstream coverage) to increase awareness and demand for IAS dishes.

Outputs

• An operational Invasive Catch Alliance linking fishers with hotels, restaurants and chefs.
• A bilingual web hub with partner listings, event updates and downloadable educational resources.
• Delivery of fisher seminars and chef/F&B trainings supporting safe handling and menu adoption of IAS dishes.
• Pop-up tasting events and public gastronomy events promoting sustainable culinary choices.
• Printed and digital outreach products (guides/manuals + bilingual recipe book) distributed through alliance venues and online.
• Media and marketing outputs supporting public awareness and menu uptake across the tourism sector.

Building on previous FishTheAlien work and EU synergies

Fish the Alien II: Holiday Edition builds on MER’s earlier FishTheAlien initiative and strengthens synergies with EU-level actions (including LIFE-PROMETHEUS),
supporting wider recognition of sustainable seafood choices that also contribute to invasive species removals.

• Fishe the Alien (official site)
• Fish the Alien (completed 2022)
• PROMETHEUS (2024 – ongoing)
• LIFE-PROMETHEUS (official site)