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Greece Pays Fishermen to Combat Toxic Invasive Pufferfish in Crete

Thursday, 25 June 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Greek authorities have announced subsidies of up to 5.33 euros per kilogram for professional fishermen who catch pufferfish (lagocephalus) in Crete and the South Aegean, alongside seven broader support measures for the fishing industry. The pufferfish is a toxic invasive species that has spread rapidly through Greek waters in recent years. It poses a serious health risk if consumed, as its organs contain a powerful poison with no known antidote. For visitors, the key takeaway is to avoid eating pufferfish under any circumstances, whether offered at a market or caught while swimming. The subsidies are designed to reduce pufferfish numbers by making their commercial removal financially worthwhile for local fishermen. Tourists dining on fresh seafood in Crete should have no concern, as licensed restaurants do not serve this species. The initiative is part of a national effort to manage the growing invasive species problem across Greek seas.

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