Greece’s National Action Plan Remains Frozen
Despite the rapid spread of the invasive silver-cheeked pufferfish (lagocephalus) in Greek waters and its growing impact on fisheries and marine ecosystems, Greece’s National Action Plan to address the problem has remained inactive since 2024. Prepared by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) and submitted to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, the plan includes systematic monitoring, subsidized targeted fishing, compensation for damaged fishing gear, and the recording of attacks and poisoning incidents.
Marine scientists warn that the true scale of the problem remains unclear due to the absence of an organized monitoring system. Paraskevi Karachle, Research Director at HCMR, stressed that the lack of reliable scientific data has led to confusion and the circulation of unverified reports regarding the species’ presence and impact.
Meanwhile, fishermen in Crete and the Dodecanese continue to suffer economic losses as the invasive fish damages nets and fishing equipment. Proposed subsidy schemes for targeted harvesting have yet to be implemented, while technical and financial challenges continue to delay action. Nearly two years after the plan was delivered to authorities, its key recommendations remain largely unimplemented, fueling frustration among affected fishing communities.
