Newsroom
Cyprus’ crystal-clear waters are being invaded, not by tourists, but by a growing army of alien marine species. Over 200 non-native species have already made their way into the island's seas, and some are leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Among the most notorious of these intruders are the rabbitfish and lionfish, whose impact on the local ecosystem and the livelihoods of fishermen is becoming harder to ignore.
The rabbitfish, a venomous creature with sharp teeth and toxic flesh, is causing headaches for local fishermen. While it’s not edible and poses a risk due to its neurotoxin, it’s become a significant player in the disruption of coastal fisheries. Meanwhile, the lionfish is spreading like wildfire, feasting on juvenile fish and disrupting the delicate balance of the marine food chain. With its striking appearance, the lionfish is as dangerous as it is beautiful, and it's causing concern among environmentalists and the fishing community alike.
But the invasion of alien species isn't all doom and gloom. According to Katerina Georgiou, a Fisheries and Marine Research Officer in Cyprus, some of these newcomers are having surprising benefits. The turquoise fish, though invasive, has become a prized catch for local fishermen, adding a new species to the market. Even the lionfish, despite its dangerous reputation, can be safely consumed after its poisonous spines are removed. Professional fishermen have found ways to harvest it for food, opening up a new source of income.
In response to the growing number of alien species, Cyprus is taking action. Through scientific monitoring, national action plans, and programs like the LIFE-RELIONMED project, the island is actively working to manage the situation. One such initiative has seen over 492 tonnes of rabbitfish removed from Cypriot waters between 2012 and 2024. At the same time, the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research is collecting data on all species in the region, including alien species, to help shape future management policies under the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy.
Looking ahead, Cyprus is stepping up its efforts to monitor both native and alien species in its marine environment. A new two-year project will begin soon, focused on collecting valuable data to improve biodiversity management along the island's coastline. This initiative will help inform environmental decision-making and contribute to better conservation strategies.
Cyprus is also working alongside the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) on a pilot project aimed at monitoring alien species in the Eastern Mediterranean. By understanding the spread and impact of these species, the project aims to develop effective management strategies that can protect both ecosystems and fisheries.
As the climate crisis continues to affect marine environments, the presence of alien species in Cyprus’ waters is becoming an undeniable reality. Georgiou stresses that adapting to this new normal is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. With over 1,000 alien species now recorded in the Mediterranean, most arriving through the Suez Canal — a phenomenon known as the Lessepsian migration — Cyprus is feeling the effects more than ever. The Mediterranean's waters are warming, creating a path for species from the Red Sea to migrate westward.
