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Greece Pays Fishermen to Remove Invasive Toxic Toadfish from Mediterranean

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

Greece has launched a paid removal program targeting the silver-cheeked toadfish, an invasive species spreading through the Mediterranean due to rising sea temperatures. Fishermen are compensated for each toadfish they catch and remove from circulation, as the fish cannot be sold or consumed safely. The species, originally from the Indo-Pacific, entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal and is now present in Greek waters, including around Crete. The toadfish is highly toxic if eaten, containing tetrodotoxin, a poison with no antidote. Tourists should avoid purchasing unfamiliar fish from informal vendors and stick to licensed tavernas where fish is properly identified. The species poses no danger to swimmers. The program aims to protect both local fishing economies and public health while scientists monitor the spread of this and other non-native species in Greek waters.

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