It is one of the most monitored marine phenomena in Europe. A particularly aggressive fish from elsewhere colonizes the Mediterranean and sows panic among sea professionals: it even approaches tourist bathing areas.
This fish has an ultra-powerful jaw capable of cutting wood, bones and even metal, destroying nets and fishing lines in its path. Even worse, it represents a mortal danger if consumed: its flesh and organs contain tetrodotoxin, a lightning-stating neurotoxin without any known antidote.
In addition to decimating local fish, this predator can attack humans directly. Cases of bites have already been reported, especially near Athens where a swimmer had to receive stitches. Faced with this situation, a radical measure was taken on the spot: paying fishermen directly to eliminate this destructive species.
This formidable invader is the silver-cheeked globefish (Lagocephalus sceleratus). Originally from the Indian Ocean, it entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal and is proliferating because of the warming of the waters. To try to stop this invasion, the Greek government pays fishermen 5.33 euros per kilogram of captured globefish, with additional subsidies for fuel in Crete and the southern Aegean Sea.
This fish directly threatens the local economy of Greece, where nearly 16,000 people live from fishing. Around the island of Milos in the Cyclades, professionals are already reporting a decrease of nearly 40% in their catches of sea bream, groupers and squid. This premium system is inspired by an initiative already successfully tested in Cyprus, which made it possible to remove tons of fish from the water. But local fishermen doubt the long-term effectiveness, as the continuous rise in temperatures constantly attracts new specimens.
The problem has now shifted from the high sea to the tourist areas. At the end of June, the Greek Red Cross sounded the alarm: in the event of a bite, a doctor must be consulted immediately because the injuries are deep. To protect vacationers, the authorities are installing floating barriers and bednets fixed to the seabed, especially in Chalkis, just one hour from Athens.
This protection device, which extends over several target ranges, represents a major investment for the Greek State. Observed for the first time in Greek waters in 2005, the globefish extends its territory to the west and already reaches Italy and Spain.
source : linternaute
