Invasive marine species threaten fisheries in Texas and Crete

Researchers have documented an influx of Australian white‑spotted jellyfish along the Texas Gulf Coast. The small yet fast‑growing medusae, some with bells up to 20 inches across, compete with native plankton feeders and have begun clogging shrimp nets, prompting direct economic losses for the local shrimping industry. Monitoring efforts are under way to track their spread.

In the Mediterranean, the invasive silver‑cheeked toadfish—a venomous pufferfish with bone‑crushing jaws—has become established around the Greek island of Crete. The species damages fishing gear and has been linked to up to a 30 % drop in fishermen’s income, with net repairs costing thousands of euros. Greek authorities are offering a bounty for captured toadfish in an effort to curb the ecological and economic impact.