Invasive Lessepsian species are marine organisms that entered the Mediterranean and Greek waters through the Suez Canal. These species are able to drastically affect and/or eliminate endemic species.

L. sceleratus is one of the most famous Lessepsian migrants, as nowadays it is an acute problem in the southern regions of Greece with an ecological and economic impact on marine life, fisheries, human health and safety in local communities. It is one of the most toxic species on the planet, as its tissues contain Tetrodotoxin, a neuroparalytic toxin that can cause death if consumed. At the same time, extensive research has demonstrated the devastating ecosystem effects of P. miles invasion. Although not an immediate threat to human life, it is also venomous and causes a wide range of symptoms including severe pain when its venom is injected through the hard spines of its fins. It can reach high abundances within a short period of time directly affecting the functioning of its invasion area, due to predation on other native smaller species. Finally, F. commersonii shows great abundance in the Greek seas and is a piscivorous species with more than 70% of its diet consisting of indigenous fish species of high economic value (S. smaris, B. boops and mullid spp.) but also ecologically important species such as gobies. The species has spread throughout the Mediterranean Sea and does not appear to have natural enemies.

Recent research in the field of biotechnology demonstrates that tetrodotoxin, which renders L.sceleratus unexploitable and inedible in our country, is a compound with high bioactivity and several potential applications in Medicine and Pharmacy. It has already been used medically to treat certain heart arrhythmias and as a long-term pain reliever for severe pain from a variety of problems, including terminal cancer, migraines, and heroin withdrawal. Similar research has turned the attention towards the medicinal use of P.miles toxin in anti-cancer practices. Given the advantages of toxins and especially tetrodotoxin, the development of the required know-how for their processing and use in the pharmaceutical industry could consolidate the targeted fishing of L. Sceleratus and P. miles specifically oriented towards the pharmaceutical and nutritional sector.

In addition, the isolation and utilization of collagen from abundant invasive species such as F. commersonii may find application in dietary supplements intended for high demand groups such as the elderly and athletes due to its beneficial effect on joints and connective tissues. Accordingly, omega-fatty acids can find application in supplements and food products as they belong to the category of fatty acids that the human body cannot produce, and can target groups with special nutritional needs.