Blue Media supported Greek NGO iSea in its efforts to combat invasive species through the campaign #PickTheAlien. This encouraged the public to eat invasive lionfish by conducting tastings at public events, and producing a responsible consumption guide and an ebook of recipes.
#PickTheAlien was implemented by iSea with the support and cooperation of Blue Marine, Ionian Environment Foundation, Argolic Environment Foundation (AEF) and Cyclades Preservation Fund. It aimed to reduce the pressure on declining species, such as grouper and swordfish, by creating a new market for consumers that simultaneously supports those stocks negatively affected by the invasives and supplies an alternative revenue source for fishers.
The ecosystems and biodiversity of the Mediterranean are threatened by the invasion of around a thousand marine alien species, caused partly by human activity such as maritime traffic, canals and aquaculture. Of the 300 such species recorded in Greece, some are invasive and compete with native species for resources and habitats, causing significant ecological damage. Their effects have a strong impact on the economy, mainly in the fisheries sector, but also on human health.
Responsible consumption of seafood through the replacement of native species – especially apex predators like groupers, greater amberjacks and swordfish – with edible alien species is a measure to mitigate these pressures.
With co-funding from Blue Marine, AEF supported the expansion of the #PickTheAlien programme to the Argolic Gulf in the Peloponnese. The programme ran events in Hydra, Spetses and Nafplio involving a public tasting of lionfish and long-spined sea urchin, and information seminars for local fishers. Fishers and restaurateurs were also interviewed to assess barriers to the targeting and consumption of these species.
Events were organised to coincide with local celebrations: the Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta, and in Hydra the Miaoulia festival. Demand at the public tastings surpassed expectations; written comments from attendees were positive. The event held during ‘Peloponnese Food Stories | Stories of Flavours, People, Culture’ in Tolo attracted more than 120 participants. People enjoyed the recipe, and some restaurants considered adding edible aliens to their menu.
iSea released an analysis of the obstacles to be overcome for these species to find their way into markets and on to restaurant menus, creating a roadmap further action to address issues such as connecting fishers with appropriate wholesalers, and providing chefs and restaurateurs with training.
