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Greece Offers Bounty on Deadly Invasive Mediterranean Fish

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

Greece has launched a paid program encouraging local fishermen to catch the silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus), a toxic invasive species spreading through the warming Mediterranean Sea. The fish, originally from the Indo-Pacific, produces a powerful toxin called tetrodotoxin and poses a serious health risk if consumed. Greek authorities are compensating fishermen per kilogram caught to help control the population and protect both marine ecosystems and public safety. For tourists visiting Crete, the key precaution is simple: do not eat toadfish under any name, and avoid purchasing unfamiliar fish from informal vendors. When dining at restaurants, stick to well-known local species such as sea bream, sea bass, or octopus. The toadfish is not commercially sold legally, but awareness is important. The program reflects Greece's broader effort to manage climate-driven changes to its coastal waters.

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