Nicosia, Cyprus. More than 103 tonnes of invasive silver-cheeked toadfish have been removed from Cypriot waters under a government-backed eradication scheme, fisheries officials said on Friday. Authorities said the species remains one of the most significant threats to marine ecosystems and coastal fishing communities.
Removal scheme and catches
The fisheries department said approximately 103,000 kilogrammes of the toadfish, Lagocephalus sceleratus, have been collected since the launch of a grant scheme in June 2024 designed to reduce its population through targeted fishing.
Threat to marine ecosystems
Speaking to Sigma, fisheries officer Katerina Georgiou described the species as one of the most important invasive alien species established in the eastern Mediterranean. She said its spread has been aided by its adaptability and the lack of significant natural predators in the region.
Spread in Cypriot waters
The species entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal and has spread across much of Cyprus’ coastal waters.
Population data
Authorities do not have a scientific estimate of the overall population size within Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone. Georgiou said there is currently no scientific census or official estimate of the total population, making it impossible to draw reliable conclusions about the overall stock or future population trends.
Funding and participation
The grant scheme is funded jointly by the European fisheries fund and the government until the end of 2029 and encourages professional coastal fishermen to target the species.
Eligible fishermen receive €4.73 per kilogramme of fish landed. According to the department, around €487,000 has already been paid to participants. Eleven collective groups representing approximately 150 professional fishermen have joined the programme.
