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Greece launches €1.5M pilot to combat toxic invasive pufferfish

Monday, 29 June 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Greece is activating a pilot program targeting the lagocephalus, a toxic invasive pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) that has spread throughout Cretan and South Aegean waters. The initiative comes with 1.5 million euros in public funding allocated across Crete and the South Aegean region. The lagocephalus is extremely dangerous: its flesh and organs contain tetrodotoxin, a potent poison with no antidote. It is illegal to sell or serve in Greece, and authorities regularly warn against consuming any fish purchased from unlicensed vendors. For visitors, the practical advice remains the same: eat seafood only at licensed restaurants and avoid buying fish from informal sources. If you see an unusual-looking pufferfish while swimming or snorkeling, do not handle it. The pilot program aims to reduce the species' population and protect both local fishing communities and marine ecosystems.

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