Dodecanese MP Manos Konsolas calls for the inclusion of the Dodecanese in the new initiative.
A new pilot program aimed at addressing the growing presence of invasive and toxic fish species, including the silver-cheeked toadfish (lagocephalus), in Greek waters is being prepared by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.
The development follows a parliamentary intervention by Dodecanese MP Manos Konsolas, who had called for the redesign of measures addressing the rapid increase of these species in Greek seas.
In a written response to Konsolas, the Deputy Minister of Rural Development responsible for Fisheries, Christos Kellas, stated that within the framework of the “Fisheries, Aquaculture and Sea Programme” (2021-2027) — funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund — actions are planned to manage invasive and toxic fish species in Greek waters.
The ministry is preparing to launch a pilot program aimed at evaluating possible management solutions for these species.
Konsolas has requested that the Dodecanese islands be included in the program, citing a study by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) which has identified a significant increase in the population of these fish in areas such as Crete, the Dodecanese, and parts of the Peloponnese.
The deputy minister confirmed that the relevant study has already been received by the ministry.
The Dodecanese MP also suggested examining the possibility of increasing compensation for fishermen who catch the invasive fish, as an incentive to help control their population.
