The damage caused to European and Greek fishing by the rapid spread of harehead was mentioned in his speech to the plenary session of the European Parliament, the MEP of the ND and the PPE, Fredis Beleris.
In particular, Mr Beleris stressed that "the harehead decimates catches, destroys fishing gears and consequently increases the already great cost to our fishermen", noting that "the European Parliament resolution of 10 March 2026 on invasive alien species, in which I was the rapporteur of the PPE, and the need to revise the Common Fisheries Policy is in the right direction. But it's not enough.".
Mr Beleris also said that "the European Commission must immediately ensure that there is more European resources for the modernisation of the fleet and the renewal of fishing equipment, hoping that it will end the abandonment of the profession.".
" Target funding is needed for damage caused by cetaceans, foreign species and plankton," he stressed.
"Fishers are an integral part of European culture. They support remote and coastal areas, as well as our islands. We cannot leave them alone," said Mr Beleris.