The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR) in Cyprus has confirmed the silver-cheeked toadfish, an invasive species present in local waters since 2000, poses no attack risk to swimmers but represents a significant ecological and economic challenge. Though no swimmer attacks have been recorded, the species’ toxic flesh contains tetrodotoxin, which can cause severe, sometimes fatal, poisoning if consumed. The fish is prohibited for trade and consumption in Cyprus.

The toadfish adversely impacts coastal fishing by damaging nets and catches due to its beak-like teeth and aggressive feeding habits. Since the rapid population growth observed in 2006, the fish has become fully integrated into the ecosystem but continues to disrupt fishing activities. To mitigate these impacts, the DFMR launched a €1.395 million mitigation program from 2024 to 2029, funded jointly by the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and the Republic of Cyprus. The plan compensates fishermen for catching large reproductive specimens, aiming to reduce the species’ effect rather than eradicate it.

Currently, around 150 fishermen organized in 11 groups participate, having caught over 103,000 kilograms of silver-cheeked toadfish, receiving nearly €487,000 in compensation. The DFMR encourages public awareness on the species’ identification and advises immediate medical care in case of bites, including wound cleaning, pressure application, and a timely medical consultation for possible tetanus and stitches.