Greek MEP Afroditi Latinopoulou (Non-Inscrits) has asked the European Commission to assess the economic damage caused by the rapid spread of the silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) in the Eastern Mediterranean and to consider using EU funds to compensate affected fishers and finance population control measures. The written question, submitted on 25 June 2026, highlights serious damage to fishing gear, catch losses, disruption of marine ecosystems, public health risks due to the fish's toxicity, and recent attacks on bathers in Attica, which threaten the tourist season.
first, whether the Commission has assessed the economic damage to fishers in Greece and other affected Mediterranean member states; second, whether it intends to allocate or allow the use of European funds to compensate fishers and finance targeted fishing and population reduction actions; and third, whether it is considering funding economic reward programmes for each silver-cheeked toadfish caught in the most heavily affected areas. The MEP frames the issue as a threat to both fisheries and tourism, key sectors for Greece.
The question signals a push for EU-level intervention to address a specific invasive species problem, with potential implications for EU biodiversity funding and fisheries policy. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will indicate whether it views the spread as a priority for EU action or leaves management to member states. Stakeholders most impacted include Greek fishers, who face direct economic losses; the Greek tourism sector, which may suffer from beach safety concerns; EU regulatory bodies, which would need to adjust funding rules; and national authorities in affected Mediterranean states, responsible for implementing any compensation or control measures.