Nicosia: Nearly 145 tons of pufferfish have been caught in the Cypriot seas over the last two years as part of the Fisheries Department's scheme to address this invasive species, Nikoletta Varnava, a Fishery Department officer told CNA.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the scheme will be in effect until December 2029, with a budget of £1,304,000, 70% of which is funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). Since June 2024, £685,000 have been distributed to fishermen for the 145 tons of pufferfish that have been caught. The fish caught by the fishermen are incinerated by a licensed company.
Varnava explained to CNA that such schemes have been implemented since 2012, to address the increase in the pufferfish population in the Cypriot seas, as this invasive species was detected in the area at least two decades ago.
No attacks on humans have been recorded in the waters of Cyprus during this time, according to the Fisheries Department, but the pufferfish population increase has significant impact on professional fishermen, due to damages to both fishing gear and catches.
The Fisheries Department also aims to limit the pufferfish population and collects data to depict the status of this species' population in collaboration with professional fishermen. Varnava mentioned that Greece recently requested to consult Cyprus regarding the methodology it follows to address the issue, after the species appeared in Greek waters, too.
When asked if it has been established that any other species, such as sea turtles, could serve as natural enemies to pufferfish and contribute to reducing their population, Varnava noted that the authorities are also waiting to determine whether any species can do so.
Varnava also noted that the Department of Fisheries is monitoring other invasive species that have appeared in the Cypriot seas in recent years, which, however, are not as aggressive. She gave the example of the lionfish, which is edible once its spines are removed, and for this reason, the Fisheries Department is implementing a campaign to promote it as a marketable species.