The European Union has allocated 1.5 million euros to help eradicate the silver-cheeked toadfish, also known as the rabbit fish, in Greek regions such as Crete and South Aegean. Starting this week, these areas can submit applications to participate in the first EU-funded program aimed at capturing this invasive species. The initiative comes amid growing media attention both in Greece and beyond regarding the increasing presence of this fish in local waters.
According to official statements, the Greek government will provide a payment of 5.33 euros per kilogram of captured rabbit fish, thanks to the 1.5 million euro budget sourced from European funds. This information was shared by Spyros Protopsaltis, the secretary-general of the Ministry of Agriculture, who spoke to local press outlets. Cyprus has already implemented a similar system, offering 4.73 euros per kilogram for the capture of this species.
The rabbit fish, scientifically named *Lagocephalus sceleratus*, is native to the Red Sea and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It has entered the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal, according to the French university Côte d'Azur, which maintains records of non-native species in the region. Its proliferation in Greek waters serves as an example of how rising sea temperatures and ocean warming are altering ecosystems and disrupting economies reliant on them.
In addition to their formidable teeth, which cause significant damage to fishing nets, these predators pose a threat to human health due to the toxic flesh they possess. Their meat contains tetrodotoxin, a highly dangerous neurotoxin that can be lethal upon ingestion.
Protopsaltis emphasized that the faster regions respond to the program (by registering for it), the quicker the incentive payments for captures can be implemented. After capture, regions must arrange for the refrigeration of the fish followed by incineration in specialized facilities. This measure aligns with a national action plan developed in 2024 by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (ELKETHE). Among other recommendations, the plan suggests establishing a reward system for capturing the fish, implementing monitoring systems for the species, and compensating fishermen for damages caused to their nets.
According to the official from the Ministry of Agriculture, implementing the remaining recommendations from the plan will require cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Energy, which oversees exotic invasive species. A meeting between the relevant ministers is scheduled for July 1st to discuss the matter further.
The Red Cross in Greece has issued a public health warning regarding this fish, outlining first aid protocols for injuries caused by potential bites and cautioning about the deadly toxin present in its flesh. However, authorities and companies on the island of Crete have cautioned against exaggerated reactions. In a statement published on Friday by 16 medical and tourism associations from Crete, it was noted that the presence of these fish in the Mediterranean has been known for years and does not represent any danger to swimmers.
A biologist from the Antipa Museum explained the situations in which the rabbit fish, now spotted on Greek beaches, could be dangerous. While the fish's toxic properties remain a concern, the overall risk to beachgoers appears minimal based on current assessments.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
Become a Supporter
RO
