The damage caused to European and Greek fisheries by the rapid spread of the rabbitfish was highlighted in a speech delivered by the New Democracy MEP at the plenary session of the European Parliament, Freddy Beleris.
Specifically, Mr. Beleris emphasized that “the rabbitfish decimates fish stocks, destroys fishing gear, and consequently increases the already high costs for our fishermen,” adding that “the European Parliament’s resolution of March 10, 2026, on invasive alien species, for which I served as the EPP rapporteur, and the need to revise the Common Fisheries Policy are steps in the right direction. But that is not enough!”.
Mr. Beleris emphatically stated that “the European Commission must immediately ensure that more European funds are made available for the modernization of the fleet and the renewal of fishing equipment, hoping that this will put an end to the abandonment of the profession. Targeted funding is needed for the damage caused by cetaceans, invasive species, and plankton.”
“Fishermen are an integral part of European culture. They support remote and coastal areas, as well as our islands. We cannot leave them to fend for themselves,” he concluded emphatically.
