There is no cause for concern for fishermen and swimmers in Cypriot waters due to the presence of the poisonous rabbitfish.

Nikoletta Varnava, an official with the Department of Fisheries, explained on the Alpha News program that the relevant authorities have been managing the situation with the rabbitfish for the past twenty years, unlike in Greece, where the fish’s population has grown rapidly in recent times, causing serious concern. In fact, the Department of Fisheries has no record of attacks on swimmers other than one incident in 2016 in which citizens consumed the toxic fish.

Ms. Varnava noted that the fish’s adaptability to new environments, its omnivorous diet, and its rapid reproduction rate demonstrate that its complete eradication is not possible. Three consecutive plans have already been implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture to control it, with compensation payments of three euros per kilogram for fishermen whose catches and equipment have been destroyed by the rabbitfish.

The public is urged not to disturb or feed these fish.