The pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) has been present in the sea area of Cyprus, at least for the last 20 years, without any recorded attacks on bathers, the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR) states in an announcement after the recent publications that have seen the light of day and in order to avoid, as it notes, causing disturbance to the general public, the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR).
According to the announcement, effects on humans can occur after consuming this species. However, this species also has a significant impact on professional fishermen, as it damages both fishing gear and catch.
The pufferfish is a toxic fish, of Indo-Pacific origin, which entered the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal and is considered to be one of the most harmful invasive species in the Mediterranean mainly due to: (a) its rapid spread, (b) its ecological properties, since it is a species with a wide range of diets, (c) the ability to adapt to different environmental conditions and the limited natural predators in our region, (d) the neurotoxin it contains in its body, which makes it unfit for consumption and (e) the impact it causes on fisheries and marine biodiversity in general.
It is noted in particular that it contains strong tetradotoxin in its tissues, which can cause a source of food poisoning, which is why its consumption is prohibited. It is a predator, with a wide range of dietary preferences, it is equipped with a strong beak and its strong presence and spread causes significant damage to coastal fisheries.
The DFMR, recognizing the problems faced by fishermen arising from this species, has already implemented mitigation plans from the two previous programming periods, 2007-2013 and 2014-2020, it is stated.
During the current programming period, the Grant Scheme to limit the spread of pufferfish has been implemented since June 2024, which will last until the end of 2029. Through this Plan, intense targeted fishing pressure is exerted on the pufferfish population by professional fishermen, whose remuneration amounts to €4.73/kg.
According to the announcement, the pufferfish, like other alien species, has settled in our sea for years and is now part of our ecosystem. Any measures taken focus on mitigating the impact of the species on our fisheries.
It is pointed out again that bathers are not in any particular danger on the beaches. However, harassment or even feeding of the pufferfish should be avoided, in case someone encounters it, as is the case for any wild species.
Finally, DFMR urges citizens to be informed through authoritative sources about the presence of pufferfish in the sea area of Cyprus, such as the DFMR website, in order to avoid concern and panic.
