Greece’s Rural Development & Food Ministry has announced subsidies to combat the problem with the toxic pufferfish in the country’s waters that heavily affects the fishery sector.

The measure refers to the pilot fishing of the silver-cheeked toadfish, a toxic pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) in the regions of Crete and the South Aegean and thus using European funds.

The maximum net remuneration for fishers is set at 5.33 euros per kilogram, an amount which, according to the ministry, is up to 52% higher than that in Cyprus.

The action aims both to boost fishers’ incomes and to limit the spread of the invasive species.

Fishing of pufferfish and subsidy will be permitted exclusively for professional fishermen.

The presence of the toxic pufferfish has raised concerns among fishermen but also bathers. The first complain that the fish destroys their nets and the haul, while the later are afraid of a possible fish bite.

PS Based on the experience of the OPEKEPE scandal regarding EU agricultural subsidies especially in Crete, the usual mean Greeks now puzzle about the name of the new upcoming scandal tipping on OPEKEPE-FISH.