Invasive Pufferfish Destroy Cretan Fishing Nets, Attack Swimmers

Tuesday, 9 June 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Cretan fishermen are raising alarms over a growing presence of pufferfish (lagocephalus) in local waters. These invasive fish, originally from the Indo-Pacific and now established throughout the Mediterranean, are destroying fishing nets and depleting catches along the Cretan coastline. Beyond the economic impact on local fishing communities, pufferfish have been reported attacking swimmers in shallow coastal areas, biting with their strong beaks and causing injury. Authorities and fishing associations are calling for coordinated management measures. Tourists swimming at Cretan beaches should be aware of the risk, particularly in coves and harbor areas where the fish tend to congregate. If you spot a pufferfish while swimming, keep your distance and exit the water calmly. Do not handle them under any circumstances, as they also carry a potent toxin if consumed.