More than 103 tonnes of invasive silver-cheeked toadfish have been removed from Cypriot waters through a government-backed eradication scheme launched in June 2024. The initiative, funded by the European fisheries fund and the government until 2029, aims to reduce the toadfish population by encouraging professional fishermen with financial incentives of €4.73 per kilogramme caught. So far, around €487,000 has been paid to approximately 150 participating fishermen.

The silver-cheeked toadfish, an invasive species entering the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal, poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems and coastal fisheries due to its adaptability and lack of natural predators. Fisheries officer Katerina Georgiou highlighted that no scientific estimate of the species' overall population in Cyprus' exclusive economic zone currently exists, complicating assessments of trends or future stock levels.

Authorities also noted the presence of other invasive species like the lionfish, which has established a large population around Cyprus. Efforts are ongoing to promote lionfish fishing and consumption, turning the invasive species into a valuable economic resource while helping control its spread.