Environmental organization addresses reports of pufferfish attacks in Greece and Cyprus

Recent media reports in Greece and Cyprus have raised concerns regarding alleged pufferfish attacks on swimmers. The environmental organization iSea, represented by communication officer Anastasia Charitou, has officially characterized the public panic as unjustified. According to iSea, there are no documented cases of unprovoked attacks on swimmers. Recorded incidents in Kalymnos and Cyprus involved interactions where fish were being fed or touched by humans. The organization clarifies that pufferfish do not naturally attack swimmers, though they may target fish caught by spearfishermen. iSea maintains that these events should be classified as harassment of wildlife rather than aggressive behavior toward humans. They emphasize that the focus should instead be on the broader ecological impact of invasive species and the development of national management strategies. The organization calls for a more scientific approach to the subject rather than sensationalized public discourse.