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Greece pays fishermen to cull toxic invasive pufferfish

Saturday, 11 July 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Greece has launched a pilot programme to reduce the population of toxic pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) in its waters, including around Crete. Fishermen are being paid 5.33 euros per kilogram to catch and remove these invasive fish, which arrived from the Red Sea via the Suez Canal and have spread throughout the Mediterranean. Pufferfish pose a serious risk: their flesh and organs contain tetrodotoxin, a potent poison with no antidote. Tourists should never eat pufferfish purchased from informal vendors or attempt to handle one on the beach. All species are banned from sale and consumption in Greece. If you see a pufferfish washed ashore or caught on a fishing line, do not touch it. Report it to local authorities or the nearest port authority. This programme aims to protect both marine ecosystems and public safety across Greek coastal areas.

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