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Greece Pays Fishermen to Remove Invasive Toxic Toadfish

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

Greece has launched a paid program to help fishermen remove toxic toadfish from Mediterranean waters, including around Crete. The silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus), an invasive species originally from the Indo-Pacific, has spread into Greek seas as water temperatures rise. Its flesh and organs contain a powerful toxin that can be fatal if consumed, and it also damages fishing nets and competes with native species. Under the scheme, fishermen receive payment for each toadfish landed, encouraging active removal from local waters. For tourists visiting Crete, the key practical advice is to avoid buying or eating any unfamiliar fish unless purchased from a reputable fish market or restaurant. Never handle a toadfish if you encounter one on a beach or in the water, as contact can be dangerous. Stick to well-known local species when ordering seafood.

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