Overview
- Local Greek authorities have installed about 2.5 kilometres of floating net barriers off Evia and announced a bounty of about €5.33 per kilogram to fishermen who hand over silver-cheeked pufferfish.
- Health agencies warn the fish carries tetrodotoxin in its flesh and organs that cooking does not destroy and that its strong beak-like jaws can cause deep wounds requiring urgent care.
- Fishermen report rising gear damage and lost catches after encounters that have torn nets and lines, prompting fuel subsidies and plans to incinerate collected fish under state-backed schemes.
- Some scientists and advocacy groups dispute reports of unprovoked aggression and criticize broad culling, arguing removal campaigns need to balance safety with ecological and ethical concerns.
- The species has moved westward across the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal as waters warm, and Cyprus’ 2024 incentive program has already removed more than 100 tonnes while sightings reach parts of Italy, Spain and the Adriatic.