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

EU money will be used to support fishers whose livelihoods are threatened by climate change. Greece will provide more support for professional fishers who "are facing serious challenges due to climate change and illegal practices” according to Margaritis Schinas, the Minister of Rural Development and Food. Her ministry announced a package of measures to support professional fishers, aimed as cutting operating costs, safeguarding incomes and create a more stable operating framework for the sector. Among the initiatives presented after the meeting between the Minister and representatives from the fishing sector, the standout is a pilot scheme for fishing the invasive pufferfish in the regions of Crete and the South Aegean, using European funds. Fishermen recently called for a subsidy scheme to cull toxic pufferfish. The poisonous, omnivorous fish has invaded Greek water in recent years, destroying nets, ropes and fishing equipment with their extremely powerful jaws. Greek fishers will be paid to catch invasive pufferfish The maximum net payment for fishers is set at €5.33 per kilo, an amount which, according to the ministry, is up to 52 per cent higher than that applied in Cyprus. The measure is intended both to boost fishers’ incomes and to curb the spread of this particular invasive species. Only professional fishers will be allowed to catch it. In addition to the subsidy for pufferfish fishing, the package includes six further measures: 1. Fuel subsidy for professional fishers. For April and May, support of €0.16 per litre is foreseen, while for June the amount comes to €0.12 per litre. According to Mr Schinas, implementation of the measure will require the tabling of a specific legislative amendment. 2. Creation of a compensation mechanism for professionals who will be affected by restrictions on fishing activity within national marine parks. The scheme will be designed in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Energy, with the aim of combining protection of the marine environment with economic support for coastal and island communities. 3. Changes being promoted to the new Common Fisheries Policy and to national legislation. Among other things, the ministry proposes lifting the ban on funding engines, so as to reduce vessels’ operating costs. At the same time, it seeks to encourage investment in safer, more efficient and more resilient fishing vessels. The same initiative also includes adapting legislation to make it easier for new professionals to enter the sector. 4. Strengthening the institutional presence of professional fishers in decision-making centres. In particular, a legislative intervention is being planned so that fishers are represented by type of fishing gear both at regional level and in national bodies, including the Fisheries Council. The aim is for decisions affecting the sector to be taken with the participation of the professionals themselves. 5. Stricter oversight of recreational fishing. A register of amateur fishers is to be created, along with an obligation to record their catches. The measure aims to curb the illegal trade in fish and unfair competition at the expense of professionals. 6. Rationalising the sanctions system. Under the plan, the suspension of a fishing vessel will no longer be imposed automatically, but only in cases of repeat offences. The penalty will be applied on the basis of a points system and aligned with European law. In this way, the ministry aims to establish a more proportionate framework that tackles serious violations without imposing disproportionate financial burdens on professionals. “A step in the right direction, but…” The president of the Panhellenic Association of Midwater Fisheries, Ioannis Bountoukos, acknowledged that some of the announcements are moving in a positive direction, but expressed reservations about the level and scope of the financial support. As he pointed out, the subsidy for fuel costs is not sufficient to cover the real burdens faced by fishing businesses, particularly after the turbulence caused by the war in Iran and the rise in operating expenses. Mr Bountoukos stressed that the pilot programme for catching pufferfish is a move in the right direction. He noted, however, that its implementation is confined to specific geographical areas and does not cover all professionals facing similar problems. As for the ban on trawling in the Cyclades and the restrictions in national marine parks, he noted that such decisions should not be implemented without adequate scientific backing. In his view, comprehensive studies are needed both to protect the marine environment and to ensure the viability of professionals’ livelihoods. Finally, he said the fishing sector needs stronger funding, stable rules and meaningful participation by fishers in decisions that affect their activity.