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Greece Pays Fishermen Bounty for Invasive Puffer Fish

Saturday, 27 June 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

The Greek government has introduced a financial incentive program for fishermen who catch puffer fish (also known as balloon fish or Lagocephalus sceleratus) in Greek waters, including around Crete. This invasive species, originally from the Indo-Pacific, has spread throughout the Eastern Mediterranean and poses a serious risk to humans as its flesh contains a potent toxin. Fishermen receive a bonus for each specimen removed from the sea, helping reduce the population. For tourists visiting Crete, the key safety advice is straightforward: never eat puffer fish purchased from informal or unverified sources, and always buy seafood from licensed restaurants and markets. The species is visually distinctive, with a rounded body that inflates when threatened. Local fishing communities across the island are actively participating in the removal effort.

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