The barriers, first deployed in Chalkida, are designed to block the fish from popular bathing areas. Authorities said the species poses a public safety risk because of its powerful bite and highly toxic flesh. Officials are also encouraging efforts to reduce the fish’s population in affected coastal waters.

Credits: Unsplash; Author: Harrison Fitts;

The silver-cheeked pufferfish is believed to have entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal as sea temperatures rose. Greece is also offering financial incentives for fishermen to remove the invasive species, although some marine scientists argue the danger to swimmers has been overstated and caution against exaggerated fears.