Users of the website have the possibility to directly communicate with the project’s team members. In the website, it is also recommended that users may report any sighting of both silverstriped blaasop and lionfish. During the two and a half years of the website’s operation, we have received a large number of user messages mainly reporting their presence, but also seeking additional information related to both species. The above highlights the usefulness of the website, not only for scientists, but also for the general public, making its continuation, after the end of the project, a serious challenge.
The figure above shows the spatial distribution of citizens’ reports during the period 2021-2023