Greece will use EU funds to pay fishermen to catch invasive pufferfish

Greece to Utilize EU Funding for Incentivizing Pufferfish Removal

Greece will use EU funds to pay - Greece has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to assist its fishing industry, with the Ministry of Rural Development and Food highlighting the pressing challenges fishermen face due to climate shifts and unlawful practices. Margaritis Schinas, the head of the ministry, outlined a set of interventions designed to reduce financial strain on professionals while securing the future of the sector. These measures aim to stabilize operations, protect earnings, and offer practical support to those impacted by environmental and regulatory changes.

Pufferfish Culling Initiative as a Key Component

One of the most notable elements of the plan is the launch of a pilot program focused on harvesting invasive pufferfish, funded by European Union resources. This initiative targets the regions of Crete and the South Aegean, where the species has proliferated, causing damage to fishing infrastructure. The pufferfish, known for its toxic properties and ability to consume a wide range of prey, has become a significant threat to local fisheries. The government has allocated a maximum payment of €5.33 per kilogram for catching these fish, a figure that surpasses the subsidies provided in Cyprus by nearly half. This financial incentive is intended to not only support fishermen’s incomes but also limit the spread of the invasive species.

“Some of the announcements are moving in a positive direction, but the level and scope of financial support remain a concern,” remarked Ioannis Bountoukos, president of the Panhellenic Association of Midwater Fisheries.

Bountoukos praised the pilot program as a constructive step, emphasizing its potential to address the growing problem of pufferfish. However, he pointed out that the initiative is limited to specific geographic areas and does not extend to all fishermen encountering similar issues. Additionally, he highlighted the need for scientific validation before implementing restrictions on fishing in national marine parks, such as the ban on trawling in the Cyclades. According to him, these decisions must be backed by thorough research to balance environmental conservation with the economic sustainability of the industry.

Subsidies for Fuel Costs

Another measure involves providing financial relief to fishermen through fuel subsidies. For the months of April and May, a rate of €0.16 per liter is proposed, while June will see a slightly lower amount of €0.12 per liter. This support is expected to ease operational costs, though it requires a legislative amendment to be enacted. The minister stated that such a change would ensure the program aligns with broader EU guidelines and is implemented effectively.

Compensation for Restrictions in Marine Parks

To address the impact of fishing activity limitations in national marine parks, Greece plans to introduce a compensation mechanism. This will be developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Energy, aiming to reconcile environmental protection with the economic needs of coastal and island communities. The scheme is designed to provide fair reparation to professionals whose operations are restricted, ensuring they are not disproportionately affected by conservation efforts.

Modernizing Fisheries Policy and Legislation

The ministry is also pushing for updates to the Common Fisheries Policy and national laws. Among the proposed changes is the removal of the ban on funding engines, which could lower the costs of vessel maintenance and operation. Simultaneously, the plan encourages investment in more advanced and durable fishing equipment. These modifications are intended to make the industry more resilient, with the added benefit of allowing new entrants to the sector to establish themselves more easily.

Enhancing Fishermen's Voice in Policy Decisions

A critical aspect of the new framework is the increased representation of fishermen in decision-making processes. The ministry is working on a legislative intervention that will ensure professionals are included in discussions by type of fishing gear at both regional and national levels. This includes the Fisheries Council, where input from those directly affected by policy changes is deemed essential. By involving fishermen in these deliberations, the goal is to create a more inclusive approach to managing the industry’s future.

Strengthening Oversight of Recreational Fishing

To combat unfair competition, Greece will implement stricter oversight of recreational fishing activities. This involves establishing a register for amateur anglers and requiring them to document their catches. The initiative is part of an effort to reduce the illegal trade of fish and ensure that commercial fishermen are not unfairly disadvantaged by unregulated practices. By tracking recreational catches, the government aims to foster transparency and accountability in the broader fishing community.

Rationalizing Sanctions for Better Compliance

Under the new plan, the automatic suspension of fishing vessels will be replaced with a points-based system for sanctioning repeat offenders. This approach is intended to make the penalty structure more equitable, targeting serious violations without imposing excessive financial penalties on professionals. By aligning the sanctions system with European legal standards, the ministry seeks to enhance compliance while maintaining fairness and proportionality in enforcement.

The overall package represents a multifaceted effort to address the complex challenges facing Greece’s fishing sector. While the minister’s announcements reflect a commitment to innovation and support, the industry remains divided on the adequacy of these measures. Bountoukos noted that the fuel subsidy, although a positive step, does not fully cover the operational costs that have risen due to recent global events, such as the war in Iran. He argued that without additional financial backing, the sector may continue to struggle. Nonetheless, the pilot program and other initiatives are seen as significant strides toward a more sustainable and resilient fishing industry in Greece.