A study conducted within the European Union-funded RELIONMED project, involving researchers from the University of Plymouth and the Marine and Environmental Research Lab in Cyprus, has found that targeted removals of invasive lionfish from Mediterranean protected areas, such as in Cyprus, can effectively suppress their numbers. Conducted over six months with the help of trained divers and citizen scientists, the study confirmed that lionfish populations in some locations recovered within three months post-removal. However, the researchers emphasize the importance of careful coordination and monitoring to minimize negative impacts on other species and to prevent overfishing of lionfish. The initiative aims to build on education programs about the threats posed by lionfish and sustainable management strategies.