Munich, 13-15 October 2025 - The third international conference “Lionfish in the Mediterranean”promoted by CIESM - Commission Internationale pour l'Exploration Scientifique de la Méditerranée and by ELAFONISOS Eco, with the support of Acli Terra as a professional and social partner. The event will bring together researchers, institutions, civil society representatives and economic operators from different Mediterranean countries, with the aim of analysing the impact of the lionfish invasion (Pterois miles) and building together sustainable solutions and shared development models. “The reason for this conference," explains Laura Giuliano, the Director General of CIESM - is to bring together the worlds of research, society and governance. In particular, through collaboration with realities such as Elafonisos Eco and with the support of institutions, we want to transform the ‘lionfish’ emergency into a resource with economic potential, imagining together a sustainable and replicable development model in the Mediterranean”. During the three days of work, Lionfish in the Mediterranean III will address central themes such as ecology and marine biology, socio-economic perspectives related to the management of invasive alien species, the creation of a sustainable supply chain for the valorisation of lionfish, and public awareness. At Elafonisos Eco, led by Enrico Toja, will be entrusted with the presentation of research activities and networking projects conducted among the Mediterranean islands, true laboratories of environmental sustainability. Acli Terra, the conference partner, plays a key role in fostering dialogue between the different sectors involved - from the scientific world to fisheries and marinas - and in promoting protection of the sea and coastal communities.
The National President Nicola Tavoletta will speak at the 13 October session to present Acli Terra's initiatives in support of sustainable fishing and the enhancement of local blue economies. The conference represents a moment of great value for the future of the Mediterraneana meeting place between science, society and governance, where the ecological emergency becomes a starting point for building new economic and environmental opportunities. At the end of the proceedings, on Wednesday 15 October at 16:30, there will be an online press conference open to interested journalists.”
Image: Lion Fish (@ William Warby on Unsplash)
