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Greece Pays Fishermen to Remove World's Most Toxic Fish Species

Monday, 29 June 2026/SourceGoogle News/1 min read
Greece has launched a paid removal program targeting the silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus), an invasive species considered the world's most toxic pufferfish. Fishermen across Greek waters, including those around Crete, are being paid 5.33 euros per kilogram to catch and remove the fish from local waters. The species, originally from the Red Sea, entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal and poses a serious health risk. Its flesh, organs, and skin contain tetrodotoxin, a poison with no known antidote that can be fatal if consumed. Tourists visiting Crete should avoid handling or eating any pufferfish caught locally. If you see one on a beach or offered at a market, do not touch or purchase it. Stick to established restaurants and licensed fish markets when ordering seafood.

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