The Agriculture and Food Ministry is preparing to launch a pilot program to manage the invasive silver-cheeked toadfish, known locally as “lagokefalos,” in Crete and the South Aegean.
Regional authorities will define fishermen’s participation, delivery points, quantity certification and payment procedures. Professional fishermen will receive €5.33 per kilogram for fish that are caught, delivered, recorded and certified under the program.
Transport, storage, handling and destruction costs will be covered separately by the regions.
General Secretary Spyros Protopsaltis said the initiative marks a shift from identifying the problem to organized management.
The toxic species threatens marine biodiversity, damages fishing activity and requires strict handling and disposal measures for public safety purposes.
