Pufferfish Surge Threatens Crete’s Fisheries: Economic and Ecological Impacts Mount

Professional fishers in Crete are grappling with a new threat: the invasive pufferfish, which entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal. The species inflicts significant damage on marine biodiversity and the local fishing economy.

The problem is widespread across the Mediterranean, with Cyprus and Greece among the hardest-hit. This omnivorous, poisonous fish has strong jaws capable of tearing nets, ropes, and other fishing gear.

Fisherman Alexis Charalampakis describes the extent of the damage: “They ate the fish and cut through the rope. Look at the damage—the gear is useless. After just five days of use I have to throw it away and buy new nets.”

Similarly, fisherman Giannis Giankakis notes the species’ resilience: “It eats anything it finds and faces no natural predators in the area, so it remains a relentless threat.”

Lambis Atzarakis reports a steep decline in commercial fish stocks: “The sea is full of lionfish, pufferfish and cornetfish— all alien species. Not a single good fish has come through the Suez, only problems.”

Greek fishers are urging the government to introduce a subsidy scheme for the removal and capture of pufferfish, aiming to curb their numbers and reduce financial losses.

Marine biologist Nota Peristeraki of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research estimates annual losses of around €8,500 per vessel due to the species.

Pufferfish Carry a Deadly Toxin

First recorded in Greece in 2005 in Crete and the Dodecanese, pufferfish have since spread nationwide. Scientists warn that consumption can be fatal.

Marine biologist Thekla Anastasiou explains that tetrodotoxin, present in the fish’s organs, is dangerous: “Ingesting it can cause heart failure and paralysis of the respiratory system. Careful handling and preparation are essential.”

Research is underway to neutralise the toxin, potentially enabling safe use of pufferfish biomass for low-risk applications such as fertilisers and compost. Chemist Manolis Mandalakis notes that early studies have shown success in removing tetrodotoxin.

Both scientists and fishers concur that urgent action is required to protect marine ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them.

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