general

Greece Offers Fishing Subsidy to Combat Toxic Pufferfish Invasion in Crete

Monday, 22 June 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Crete's coastal waters are experiencing a significant rise in lagocephalus, a toxic pufferfish species that poses a danger to both swimmers and local fishermen. Greek authorities have introduced a fishing subsidy program to help reduce the population, targeting a market price above 4.73 euros per kilogram to incentivize catches. The species, which originated in the Red Sea and spread through the Suez Canal, is highly poisonous if consumed and has been disrupting local fishing nets across the island. Tourists swimming or snorkeling around Crete should be aware of the fish's presence. It can be identified by its round, spiny body. Do not touch or handle one if encountered in the water. The fish is not served in restaurants and poses no risk on land or in properly managed seafood venues.

Read original article → Google News