Greece Offers Cash Bounty for Deadly Pufferfish in Bid to Protect Seas

Greece is launching a cash bounty to curb the spread of a toxic invasive pufferfish while supporting commercial fishers, according to its Agriculture Ministry. The program will pay fishers 5.33 euros per kilo for catching the blunthead pufferfish, locally known as lagocephalus, in a pilot scheme that begins in the southern Aegean Sea and around Crete. The initial rollout has faced complaints from fishers in other regions who were excluded, after representatives reportedly walked out of a briefing. Officials said the incentive is part of broader measures, including temporary fuel subsidies of 0.16 euros per liter for April and May and 0.12 euros in June. The scheme is financed through European funds with a budget up to 1.5 million euros, and regional authorities will manage delivery and weighing at designated ports. The government will also cover related costs, including special freezers and incineration disposal. Officials highlight the species’ toxicity, lack of commercial value, and its potential to damage marine ecosystems and contaminate catches.