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Greece Pays Fishermen to Catch Toxic Pufferfish in Crete

Monday, 29 June 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

Greece's Ministry of Rural Development and Food has launched a pilot subsidy program in Crete and the South Aegean, paying fishermen 5.33 euros per kilogram to catch pufferfish (lagocephalos). The initiative, announced by Minister Margaritis Schinas on June 25, 2026, aims to reduce the population of this invasive and highly toxic species in Greek waters. Pufferfish contain tetrodotoxin, a potentially fatal poison, and should never be eaten. Tourists are advised not to purchase or consume pufferfish under any circumstances, even if offered at markets or tavernas. The subsidy program encourages professional fishermen to actively remove the species from local waters, improving safety for swimmers and protecting native marine ecosystems. If you spot a pufferfish while swimming or snorkeling, do not touch it and alert local authorities.

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