Lionfish Tasting Event Held in Santorini with 370 Participants Aiming for Guinness Record

A lionfish tasting event took place on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Santo 1911 in Vlychada, Santorini, under the European research project GuardIAS led by the University of the Aegean. The initiative aimed to raise awareness regarding the impacts of this invasive species on Mediterranean marine ecosystems and promote its consumption to encourage targeted fishing.

A total of 370 people participated in the tasting, surpassing the initial goal of 250 participants set to attempt a Guinness World Record for the largest lionfish tasting event. Attendees sampled at least three different recipes prepared by chefs, linking marine biodiversity conservation with local gastronomy.