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Greece launches €1.5M emergency program against toxic pufferfish invasion

Monday, 29 June 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

The Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food has launched a 1.5 million euro program to manage the lagocephalus, a toxic invasive pufferfish, in the waters of Crete and the South Aegean. The species, which originated in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, has spread significantly across Greek seas and poses serious health risks if consumed, as its flesh contains a powerful toxin. The program funds monitoring, fishing vessel coordination, and public awareness efforts. Tourists visiting Crete should be aware that lagocephalus is strictly banned from sale and consumption in Greece. When dining at seafood restaurants, the fish is not on any legal menu, but visitors are advised to buy seafood only from licensed establishments and to report any suspicious catches to local authorities.

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