The Mediterranean Sea, renowned for its cultural richness and ecological diversity, faces a growing challenge from non-indigenous species, which disrupt ecosystems and livelihoods alike. Tackling this issue requires a blend of local action, innovative thinking, and regional collaboration.
The GEF-funded FishEBM Med project is one such effort, aiming to develop and promote practical measures to mitigate the impacts of invasive species while fostering sustainable blue economy initiatives. To support this mission, SPA/RAC will host a workshop in January 2025 in Italy, bringing together diverse actors—scientists, fishers, chefs, and entrepreneurs—to share experiences and identify scalable solutions.
This article shines a spotlight on two remarkable stories from the region—one in Türkiye, the other in Libya—showcasing how local innovators are turning challenges into opportunities for conservation and sustainable economy.
In the coastal town of Fethiye, Turkey, Aylin Ulman leads an extraordinary project that transforms a threat into a sustainable luxury. The invasive pufferfish, notorious for its toxicity and ecological damage, is being harvested for its distinctive skin to create eco-friendly leather products.
“Each pufferfish can lay around 700,000 eggs in its lifetime,”
Aylin explains.
By capturing them, she is not only controlling their spread but also offering an alternative income stream for struggling fishers.
“Some families have even added new floors to their homes,”
she proudly notes.
Supported initially by a UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge Blue Economy grant, her vision extends beyond Türkiye, aiming for regional partnerships.
Her initiative, which she will present at the FishEBM Med workshop, is a testament to resilience—turning ecological adversity into economic opportunity, reshaping how invasive species are perceived in both conservation and fashion industries.
In Libya, Sara Almabruk’s journey from a student blogger to the director of the Marine Biology in Libya Society highlights the power of community-driven change. Her NGO, born from a desire to make scientific knowledge accessible, has transformed how Libyan fishers view invasive species like lionfish and pufferfish.
“Initially, fishers feared the lionfish. Through our awareness campaigns, they now catch and consume it,”
Sara shares.
This transformation didn’t stop at education. In Tobruk, her NGO organized in collaboration with the University of Tobruk, the Tobruk municipality, and businessmen, Libya’s first pufferfish fishing competition, engaging over 40 fishers. The event not only reduced pufferfish numbers but also provided scientific data, with plans for future editions across the Libyan coast.
Sara emphasizes collaboration
“Our work began with encouragement from Greece’s ISea organization. Now, we envision a regional network addressing invasive species together.”
Her initiative demonstrates how knowledge can shift perspectives, turning fear into proactive solutions.
Aylin and Sara’s stories exemplify the goals of the FishEBM Med project—innovative solutions that protect biodiversity while supporting local economies. The upcoming workshops in Italy will build on such successes, bringing together stakeholders to agree on impactful measures like promoting the consumption of edible invasive species, reforming fishery legislation, and enhancing collaboration across the Mediterranean.
As the Mediterranean faces the tide of invasive species, projects like these illuminate a path forward. By fostering innovation and cooperation, we can ensure that this sea of history and culture remains a thriving ecosystem for future generations.
About the FishEBM MED project
The "Fisheries and ecosystem-based management for the blue economy of the Mediterranean" (FishEBM MED) project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and is executed by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) and the UNEP Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP), including its Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (SPA/RAC).
The “Fisheries and Ecosystem-based Management for the Blue Economy of the Mediterranean” project (FishEBM MED), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and is executed by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) and the UNEP Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP), including its Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (SPA/RAC). Aims to reverse the overexploitation of select commercial living marine resources by enhancing the capacity of Mediterranean countries to manage fisheries through the application of ecosystem-based management tools. The FishEBM MED project is committed to strengthening Mediterranean fisheries management, facilitating a shift towards a more participatory and ecosystem-based approach that engages all relevant stakeholders.
For more information about the FishEBM Med project, please contact the FishEBM Med Team at car-asp@spa-rac.org) visit the project website and the project page on iwlearn.net.
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