**Nearly 145 Tonnes of Invasive Pufferfish Caught in Two Years**
In a significant effort to manage the invasive silver-cheeked toadfish, commonly referred to as "hare’s head" in Cyprus, nearly 145 tonnes of the species have been caught in the waters surrounding the island over the past two years. This information was shared by Nikoletta Varnava, a marine research officer with the fisheries department, during a recent briefing to the Cyprus News Agency.
The initiative, which is part of a broader management plan set to continue until 2029, has an allocated budget of €1,304,000. Notably, 70 percent of this funding is provided by the European fisheries fund. To date, approximately €685,000 has been disbursed to local fishermen for the quantities of toadfish they have delivered since June 2024.
Under the program, fish caught are collected for incineration by a licensed waste management company. The payments to fishermen are organized through their associations, which distribute the funds based on the weight of fish caught by individual members. Currently, around 150 professional fishermen are engaged in this initiative, with the fish being compensated at a rate of €4.73 per kilogram.
The silver-cheeked toadfish has been a growing concern in Cypriot waters since it established itself approximately two decades ago. Although there have been no recorded attacks on humans, the species has been responsible for considerable damage to fishing gear and has adversely affected local fish catches. The fisheries department has been actively working to monitor and reduce the population of this invasive species, collaborating with professional fishermen to collect data on its numbers.
Varnava noted that similar management plans have been in place since 2012, reflecting a long-standing commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the toadfish. The invasive species is believed to have entered the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal, where its adaptability and rapid growth have allowed it to thrive.
In light of the ongoing issues with the toadfish, Greece has recently sought advice from Cyprus regarding the methodologies employed to manage the species' spread, particularly as it has begun to appear in Greek waters.
When questioned about potential natural predators that could help control the toadfish population, Varnava indicated that it remains uncertain whether any species, including sea turtles, could effectively fulfill that role. The fisheries department is also keeping an eye on other invasive species that have emerged in Cypriot waters in recent years, although none have proven to be as destructive as the toadfish.
Among these other invasive species is the lionfish, which is known to be edible once its venomous spines are removed. However, the sale and marketing of the silver-cheeked toadfish remain prohibited throughout the European Union due to the presence of tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin concentrated primarily in its liver. This toxin poses a risk to human health if consumed.
Despite the ongoing efforts to control the silver-cheeked toadfish population, fisheries officials have acknowledged that achieving complete eradication of the species from Cypriot waters is highly unlikely. The combination of its adaptability and the challenges associated with managing invasive species complicates the situation further.
As the fisheries department continues its work, the focus remains on mitigating the impact of this invasive species on local fisheries and ecosystems while ensuring the safety of both fishermen and consumers. The collaboration with fishermen and the support from European funding highlights the importance of a coordinated approach to tackle the challenges posed by invasive marine species in Cyprus and beyond.