Greece plans to implement a reward program for catching toxic pufferfish

The Greek government is currently developing a program to combat the spread of the toxic pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) in its coastal waters, modeled after a similar initiative currently active in Cyprus. The Cypriot program, launched in 2024 with a budget of 1.395 million euros through 2029, compensates professional fishers with 4.73 euros per kilogram of pufferfish delivered to authorities. According to the Greek Ministry of Rural Development, negotiations are underway with the European Commission and domestic financial ministries to determine an appropriate compensation level for Greek fishers, noting that the Cypriot rate may be insufficient for local market conditions. The species is highly dangerous due to tetrodotoxin (TTX) found in its organs and skin, necessitating strict protocols for collection and disposal. In Cyprus, the program is funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (70%) and the state (30%), involving 150 fishers organized into 11 groups. Over 100 tons of the fish have been removed under the Cypriot initiative since its inception. Greek Deputy Minister of Rural Development Giannis Andrianos confirmed that the logistics of centralizing and storing the toxic catch remain a significant challenge for the proposed Greek implementation.