FROM THREAT TO SOLUTION
The Lionfish
Project
The lionfish (Pterois miles) has become one of the most urgent marine threats in the Mediterranean.
Since 2022, Elafonisos Eco has been leading the fight to monitor, manage, and reduce lionfish populations around the island.
EGGS PER FEMALE/YEAR
PROJECT LAUNCH
CITIES REACHED
THE ISLAND
A predator
without enemies
Native to the Indo-Pacific, the lionfish entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal due to rising water temperatures.
With no natural predators, it has rapidly spread across Mediterranean waters, disrupting local ecosystems.
A single female produces 2 million eggs per year. If only 1% survive, that means 20,000 new lionfish per female, devastating native fish and crustacean populations.
Their presence disrupts local ecosystems by preying on juvenile fish and crustaceans, threatening biodiversity and the balance of marine food webs that local fishers depend upon.
Our Strategy
OUR IMPACT
What we’ve achieved so far
Since 2022, we’ve been combining direct action with science and education.
Elafonisos Eco is recognized on European level as the lionfish’s expert.
Regular targeted removal dives around key habitats near the island
Public workshops and educational activities hosted across 10 cities
Training local fishers to identify lionfish during their regular catches
Collaborating with international marine scientists to support broader research on lionfish behavior and control methods
INTERNATIONAL REACH
Awareness Across
the Mediterranean
We’ve organized public workshops, educational activities, and awareness events across cities in Italy, Greece, France, and Monaco — building a network of informed citizens and decision-makers.
Help Us Protect
the Mediterranean
The Lionfish Project is a core example of our commitment to proactive,
community-based environmental stewardship.
Join us in the fight to preserve marine biodiversity around Mediterranean.