Fishermen in Greece are now receiving financial incentives to catch the toxic silver-cheeked toadfish, an invasive species that has begun appearing in the Mediterranean Sea. Authorities attribute the fish's northward migration to warming waters linked to climate change. The silver-cheeked toadfish, characterized by its torpedo shape and prominent teeth, possesses a potent neurotoxin in its skin and organs that can be fatal to humans if consumed.
The fish have recently caused significant disruption for fishermen along the coast of Crete and other Greek islands, damaging nets and consuming catches. "It’s got to the point where we might go out fishing one day and then spend the next three days fixing our nets," Giorgos Kyriakakis of a Cretan fishermen’s association told Greek public broadcaster ERT. "They eat our catch and damage our nets — that’s very costly."
This invasive species is believed to have entered the Mediterranean by traveling through the Suez Canal. Cyprus initiated a similar catch program earlier this year in response to the growing presence of the toadfish. Beginning Friday, the Greek government will offer 5.33 euros per kilogram (approximately $2.75 per pound) for the capture of the fish, which are typically found in tropical waters.
"It’s the first time that such a measure has been taken in Greece," stated Agriculture Minister Margaritis Schinas. The captured toadfish will be frozen and subsequently incinerated at local government facilities. Schinas indicated that the program might be extended beyond the currently affected islands to encompass all Greek waters.
Public awareness of the issue has been amplified by online videos shared by Greek fishing crews, some of which show the fish biting into objects. The Greek Red Cross has issued health warnings, providing first-aid instructions for potential bites and reiterating the danger posed by the fish's neurotoxin. However, some local authorities and businesses on Crete have urged against alarmism, noting that the presence of these fish in the Mediterranean has been observed for years and that there is no immediate threat to swimmers or tourists.