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Invasive pufferfish threaten fishing livelihoods across Crete

Wednesday, 17 June 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Invasive pufferfish, particularly the silver-cheeked toadfish (*Lagocephalus sceleratus*), continue to spread through Greek waters, including those surrounding Crete, creating serious challenges for local fishing communities. These fish arrived via the Suez Canal and have established a strong presence in the Mediterranean over recent years. Fishermen face damage to nets and reduced catches of traditional species as pufferfish populations grow faster than current control measures can address. For visitors, the key safety point is clear: do not eat pufferfish caught or sold locally. The species is highly toxic and illegal to sell for consumption in Greece. If you purchase fresh fish from local markets or tavernas, this poses no concern as those outlets do not handle the species. Recreational swimmers and snorkelers are not at risk from pufferfish in the water.

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