Following the announcement by Minister of Rural Development and Food Margaritis Schinas on Thursday, 25 June, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food (MRDF) has today, 29 June 2026, launched a pilot program to manage the invasive silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus). The official call for proposals — titled ‘Implementation of Management Solutions for the Invasive Alien Species: Silver-Cheeked Toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus)’ — was signed today by Spyros Proto-psaltis, General Secretary of Rural Development and Food. It falls under the ‘Fisheries, Aquaculture and Sea’ Programme 2021–2027 and is co-financed by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
€1.5 Million in Public Funding for Crete and South Aegean
The total co-financed public budget amounts to €1.5 million. Eligible beneficiaries are the Regions of Crete and South Aegean, which are invited to jointly submit a proposal for project inclusion and funding. Professional coastal fishermen participating in the initiative will receive a cash incentive of up to €5.33 (net) per kilogram of toadfish landed.
The programme covers all necessary operational costs — including collection, temporary storage, transport, handling of landed catches, and required equipment.
Key Components of the Initiative
The pilot phase includes several core actions:
- Targeted fishing of the silver-cheeked toadfish, with active involvement of professional coastal fishermen;
- Cash compensation for participating fishermen — up to €5.33 per kilogram landed;
- Scientific monitoring and evaluation of the intervention;
- Systematic recording, assessment, and reporting of results;
- Provision for infrastructure supporting collection, temporary storage, weighing, documentation, and management of catches;
- Public awareness and outreach activities.
The first, pilot phase focuses geographically on the Region of Crete — where the highest concentration of Lagocephalus sceleratus has been recorded in Greek waters — and the Region of South Aegean.
The silver-cheeked toadfish is one of the most problematic invasive alien species in Greek seas. Its spread threatens marine ecosystems by preying on or competing with native species, damaging fishing gear and operations, and posing health risks due to its toxicity — as highlighted in the ministry’s official statement.
The overarching goal is to protect marine biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems, support professional fishers affected by the species, and establish an organized, scientifically grounded framework for managing the toadfish population in the most severely impacted areas.
Proposals must be submitted exclusively online via the Integrated Information System (OPS), beginning the day after the call’s signature — 30 June 2026 at 10:00 a.m. — and closing on 30 September 2026 at 2:00 p.m.