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Greece Pays Fishermen to Catch Invasive Pufferfish

Friday, 26 June 2026/Source: Greek Reporter/1 min read

Greece is introducing a financial incentive program to help control the spread of the invasive silver-cheeked toadfish (pufferfish) in its waters, including around Crete. The Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food is preparing an official call for fishermen to register interest in a scheme that will pay approximately 6 euros per kilogram of pufferfish caught. The species, originally from the Indo-Pacific, has established itself in the Mediterranean and poses a risk to local ecosystems and fishing stocks. Tourists swimming or snorkeling around Crete should be aware that pufferfish can be encountered in coastal waters. While the fish is not aggressive, contact should be avoided as it carries tetrodotoxin, a potent toxin. The bounty program aims to reduce the population through targeted commercial fishing efforts rather than any measures affecting tourist beaches directly.

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