The Mediterranean Sea faces an ecological threat from invasive lionfish, which disrupts marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Educating divers and the public about lionfish is essential for mitigating this threat. ‘Project Lioness’ provides an educational experience for scuba divers and marine enthusiasts. The challenge becomes tangible through a virtual reality (VR) experience which raises awareness and encourages participation in lionfish management. Participants learn to identify and safely remove lionfish while protecting native marine life through immersive scenarios and gamified tasks, developing practical conservation skills in VR. The project helps protect marine ecosystems by equipping individuals with knowledge and skills to manage lionfish invasions, fostering biodiversity, raising awareness, and inspiring sustainable conservation actions.

Poster