First line of defense

Together with Enalia and several other partners, including the University of Cyprus and the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, the two scientists are running a pilot project called "Relionmed" funded by LIFE, the European biodiversity protection program.

Their aim is to make Cyprus "the first line of defense" against the lionfish invasion.

Along with habitat loss and overexploitation, invasive species are among the top five leading causes of biodiversity loss across the globe, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Such a loss disrupts ecosystems and the human activities that depend on them.

Since the 1980s, the lionfish has caused "significant damage" to the US and Caribbean coastlines, said marine biologist Carlos Jimenez, a senior research coordinator at Enalia.

Environmental research firm VertigoLab estimates the lionfish invasion in the French West Indies - a string of seven small islands in the Caribbean - has cost "more than 10 million euros ($12 million) per year".

Inspired by similar projects in the US, the campaign plans to organize events - including harpoon fishing contests - aimed at reducing the species' population and to find economic incentives for fishermen.

"We know it's nearly impossible to end the invasion at this point," said Louis Hadjioannou, the biologist. "The aim of the project is not to eradicate but to control."

Agence France-presse