The increasing presence of invasive pufferfish in Greek waters is causing serious problems for fishermen and the marine environment, with public concern heightened during the summer.
Rural Development and Food Secretary-General Spyros Protopsaltis said Greece was planning to subsidise fishermen for catching the species.
Financial support under discussion
“For months we have been working on a plan which we have submitted to the European Commission,” he said.
“We are looking at whether we can secure a higher rate than Cyprus. There it was €3 per kilo, and they raised it to €4.73.
“In discussions with fishermen's representatives, they explained that €4.73 does not provide a strong incentive, because fuel has become more expensive and operating costs are creating so many problems.
“I do not want to announce a price, but we are aiming for more than €4.73. The purpose is to provide an incentive. It is primarily financial support for fishermen.”
He added:
“Once pufferfish arrived in the Mediterranean, they came to stay. The question is how to limit their population.
“We will carry out targeted fishing during breeding periods.
“It is a toxic fish. Special handling and specific regulations apply. It is not simply a matter of catching pufferfish and throwing them away.
“They must be counted, placed in special refrigerated storage and then taken to a furnace for incineration.”
