Greece pays fishermen to catch toxic toadfish invading Mediterranean
8 reported
Greece has launched a cash incentive program for fishermen to catch silver-cheeked toadfish, an invasive species spreading through the Mediterranean due to warming seas linked to climate change. The fish, which is normally found in tropical waters, is believed to have traveled up the Suez Canal. Authorities say the fish have not been sighted in bathing areas at Greek island resorts, but they have damaged fishing nets and eaten catches off Crete and other islands. Starting Friday, the government is offering 5.33 euros per kilogram for catches. The fish will be frozen and incinerated at local government facilities, according to Agriculture Minister Margaritis Schinas. The Greek Red Cross has issued a public health warning about the fish, while medical and tourism associations on Crete cautioned against overreacting to its offshore presence.
What’s reported
Greece is paying fishermen 5.33 euros per kilogram (about $2.75 per pound) to catch silver-cheeked toadfish.
The fish’s skin and organs contain a neurotoxin that can cause heart failure in humans if consumed.
The fish have damaged nets and eaten catches off Crete and several other Greek islands.
The fish are believed to have traveled up the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean due to warming waters.
Cyprus launched a similar catch program earlier this year.
The fish will be frozen and incinerated at local government facilities.
The Greek Red Cross issued a public health warning about the fish, including first-aid protocols for bites.
A statement from 16 medical and tourism associations on Crete said there is no imminent danger to bathers.
Misconceptions
The source article reports that authorities and businesses on Crete cautioned against overreacting, stating that the presence of these fish in the Mediterranean has been known for years and that marine predators do not threaten the safety of visitors and residents.
Key figures
Giorgos Kyriakakis, of a Cretan fishermen’s association
Margaritis Schinas, Agriculture Minister and former European Commission vice president
Sources: abcnews.com
