Greek Fishermen Offered Financial Incentives for Invasive Fish Removal

Greek fishermen can now earn money for every poisonous fish they catch, as part of a government initiative aimed at addressing invasive species that damage fishing nets and cause issues for maritime equipment.

The silver-cheeked toad fish (Lagocephalus serreratus) contains tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin that can halt a person’s heart. Reports indicate this species made its way into Greek waters around 2005, migrating from its native Indo-Pacific region via the Suez Canal. Warmer ocean temperatures contribute to its spread, but it has been gradually moving westward for the past two decades rather than arriving unexpectedly.

For fishermen off the coast of Crete, each fishing trip has become a risk. Giorgos Kyriakakis from the Cretan Fishermen’s Association mentioned to the local broadcaster ERT that they could find themselves fishing one day and then spending the following days repairing their nets. Another fisherman, Alexis Charalampakis, noted the severity of the situation, stating, “If you get bitten by one of these, your finger will be ripped clean off. They’re destroying the ocean.”

Under this new measure, Greece will compensate fishermen with 5.33 euros per kilogram (approximately $2.75 per pound) for the toxic fish, which will then be frozen and incinerated. Agriculture Minister Margaritis Schinas remarked that this approach is unprecedented in Greece.

Cyprus had previously adopted a similar strategy, with fishermen there catching around 103 tonnes of yellow-bellied toads since June 2024.

While injuries from these fish are uncommon, there have been reports, including an incident where an elderly woman swimming near Athens sustained injuries requiring stitches. An 8-year-old girl in southern Türkiye lost a finger due to a bite from such a fish.

Despite these incidents, some experts believe the perceived danger may be overstated. Marine scientist Stefanos Kalogilou pointed out that the poison only affects those who consume the fish, explaining, “The bite has nothing to do with the toxin.” Meanwhile, organizations in Crete comprising medical and tourism representatives reassured the public that swimmers were not in “imminent danger,” cautioning that “exaggeration is often a feature of public debate.”