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Greece Pays Fishermen to Remove Toxic Invasive Pufferfish

Monday, 22 June 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Greece is introducing a paid incentive program for local fishermen to catch and remove pufferfish from its coastal waters. The toxic Lagocephalus sceleratus species, an invasive fish originally from the Red Sea and Indo-Pacific, has spread throughout the Mediterranean and poses a serious risk to humans if consumed. Its organs and skin contain tetrodotoxin, a potent poison with no antidote. For tourists visiting Crete, the key advice is straightforward: do not eat pufferfish under any circumstances, and avoid purchasing fish from unverified vendors. When dining at tavernas, stick to well-known local species such as sea bream, sea bass, or red mullet. The Greek government's removal program aims to reduce the population in coastal fishing zones over time, improving safety for both fishermen and visitors enjoying seafood along the island's shores.

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