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Greece pays fishermen to tackle invasive toxic toadfish

Friday, 26 June 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Greece has launched a paid programme to help control the spread of the silver-cheeked toadfish (*Lagocephalus sceleratus*), a toxic invasive species that has been expanding through the Mediterranean as sea temperatures rise. Fishermen across Greek waters, including around Crete, are being compensated to catch and remove the fish, which carries a potent toxin and poses a health risk if consumed. For visitors to Crete, the key advice is straightforward: do not eat toadfish, and avoid handling any unfamiliar fish purchased outside licensed establishments. When buying seafood, stick to reputable tavernas and fish markets. Local fishermen and authorities are actively managing the situation. The programme reflects broader efforts across Greece to respond to changing marine ecosystems driven by warming waters in the Eastern Mediterranean.

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