AT A GLANCE

New ways of exploitation for marine invasive species will lead to the reduction of their population

We aim to explore possible prospects for their sustainable management.

MARINE INVASIVE SPECIES

From aliens to profit

possible
prospects
sustainable
management
Protect
biodiversity
efficient
economy
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months

Duration

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work packages

NTUA, UA & HCMR participants

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DELIVERABLES

From the study

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thousand euros

Greece and EU contribution

The Ionian Islands
with sampling stations
at Kefalonia Island

Kyparissian Gulf,
with two sampling stations

Messinian Gulf,
with two sampling stations

Lakonian Gulf,
with one sampling station

Argolic Gulf,
with two sampling stations

Attica and Saronic Gulf,
is considered as a hot-spot area
for non-indigenous and invasive species
for the west Aegean Sea.

The Dodecanese region
with sampling stations at
Rhodes, Kalymnos and Nysiros islands

The region of
north-east Aegean Sea
with sampling stations at
Samos and Lesvos islands

The region of
south Cyclades
with sampling stations at
Santorini Island

Rhodes

Survey areas &
sampling stations

All survey regions were selected having in mind the areas than the species in view dwell in Greek waters and in order to cover the most of these areas.

our targets

Photos from invasive species at Greek seas

Question Answer

Usually Asked Question

Find quick answers to frequently asked questions.

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.

Blog Post

Read Our Latest Updated Blog Post Content

Exploring the Structure of Static Net Fisheries in a Highly Invaded Region: The Case of Rhodes Island (Eastern Mediterranean)
06Dec

Exploring the Structure of Static Net Fisheries in a Highly Invaded Region: The Case of Rhodes Island (Eastern Mediterranean)

Experimental fishing was conducted in three different locations along the coastal marine waters of eastern Rhodes Island, Levantine Sea, Hellas, from April 2021 to March 2022 on a monthly basis. Twelve samplings with gill nets and 12 with trammel nets at each of three selected locations resulted in a total of 72 samplings.

Assessing the Toxicity of Lagocephalus sceleratus Pufferfish from the Southeastern Aegean Sea and the Relationship of Tetrodotoxin with Gonadal Hormones
06Dec

Assessing the Toxicity of Lagocephalus sceleratus Pufferfish from the Southeastern Aegean Sea and the Relationship of Tetrodotoxin with Gonadal Hormones

Given the dramatic increase in the L. sceleratus population in the southeastern Aegean Sea, there is growing interest in assessing the toxicity of this pufferfish and the factors controlling its tetrodotoxin (TTX) content. In the present study, liver, gonads, muscle and skin of 37 L. sceleratus specimens collected during May and June 2021 from the island of Rhodes, Greece, were subjected to multi-analyte profiling using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in order to quantitate TTX and evaluate whether this biotoxin interrelates with hormones.

First record of Arcania brevifrons Chen, 1989 (Decapoda; Leucosiidae) and further record of Macrophthalmus (Macrophthalmus) indicus Davie, 2012 (Decapoda; Macrophthalmidae) in Hellenic waters
06Dec

First record of Arcania brevifrons Chen, 1989 (Decapoda; Leucosiidae) and further record of Macrophthalmus (Macrophthalmus) indicus Davie, 2012 (Decapoda; Macrophthalmidae) in Hellenic waters

Two individuals of the introduced macrophthalmid M. (M.) indicus were found in the stomachs of silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus), a fish species that itself is invasive. For both species, DNA barcoding was performed using the standard mitochondrial marker cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI).