Researchers warn that the rapidly spreading and toxic silver-cheeked toadfish, recently sighted in Croatia's Adriatic Sea, presents serious dangers to swimmers and could harm the region’s vital tourism industry.
Researchers in Croatia have issued a warning about the increasing presence of an invasive and toxic fish species, the silver-cheeked toadfish, in the Adriatic Sea, raising concerns about potential risks to both public safety and local tourism. This species, originally from the Indo-Pacific region, has been spreading rapidly across the Mediterranean since its initial sighting in 2003, likely entering through the Suez Canal.
A recent study conducted by the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Juraj Dobrila University of Pula alongside the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries in Split has confirmed a fourth sighting of the silver-cheeked toadfish in the Adriatic Sea. The latest sighting occurred in May last year in Medulin Bay, Croatia, a popular destination among tourists, including over a million visitors from the United Kingdom annually. The fish was caught at a depth of almost 20 metres, measured 52 centimetres in length, and weighed 1.3 kilogrammes. This particular sighting is noted as the northernmost recorded in the region to date.
The study emphasises the species’ aggressive nature and the dangers it poses to humans. The toadfish’s powerful bite has been associated with severe injuries, including partial finger amputations. "Alarmingly, recent evidence from the southern and eastern Mediterranean shows that these bites can result in severe injuries, such as partial amputations of fingers," the researchers remarked. Moreover, the fish’s flesh and internal organs contain a potent neurotoxin that can be lethal if ingested.
The report highlights not only the direct injury risk to swimmers but also the broader implications for tourism. "These risks not only create safety concerns for swimmers but also threaten the image and appeal of tourist destinations, potentially leading to economic losses in local tourism and related industries," the study stated. Given that the Adriatic Sea is a major attraction for tourists, such developments may have significant economic repercussions for coastal communities dependent on visitors during the holiday season.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative references a recent study with the latest sighting from May of the previous year, indicating up-to-date information. The species has been known in the Mediterranean since 2003, with ongoing observations, so the report is timely rather than recycled. There is no indication the information is from a press release, contributing to its freshness.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The direct quotes attributed to the researchers align with typical scientific warnings about this species. Earliest online references for these exact quotes were not found in a quick search, which may suggest the quotes originate from the current study and are not recycled from older narratives, increasing credibility.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative is from an online news outlet, which is less known internationally compared to major established publishers. While the information cites academic institutions (Juraj Dobrila University and Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries), no direct publishing link or peer-reviewed source was provided here. This limits certainty but the university involvement adds some credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The reported spread of silver-cheeked toadfish through the Suez Canal since 2003 is documented in marine biology literature. The dangers described, including toxic flesh and risk of severe bites, are consistent with known facts about toxic pufferfish species. The impact on tourism and local economies is plausible for a popular tourist area. The timing and claims appear reasonable and consistent with recent ecological monitoring findings.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents a timely and plausible warning rooted in recent scientific observations with quotes likely original to the report. While the publication is less internationally authoritative, the involvement of reputable academic institutions supports reliability. The ecological impact and risks described are credible, making the overall account trustworthy with moderate confidence.
