Sustainability & Benefits

of Pufferfish Leather

The Problem

The silver-cheeked toadfish- Lagocephalus sceleratus (a pufferfish) arrived to the Mediterranean in 2003. Rated in the top 5 most dangerous invasive species arriving through the Suez Canal due to the number and severity of their negative impacts.

They need to be controlled to help reduce their negative impacts to native biodiversity, marine ecosystem health, and humans health.

Its Negative Impacts

Reduce native biodiversity & fisheries.

Damage fishing gear.

Damage caught fish.

Highly toxic to eat.

Have recently started attacking swimmers.

Have caused 27 deaths in the Eastern Mediterranean from poisonings.

Human Health Impacts from invasive Pufferfish

Dr. Aylin Ulman and Parschevi Karachle (Hellenic Centre of Marine Research- HCMR Greece) are monitoring the further development

of pufferfish impacts on human health.

Management Solutions

Our commercial approach to invasive pufferfish control provides a self-funded long-term solution, passing on the benefits to the consumer.

This project stands out for its myriad benefits, which extend beyond mere sustainability. We turn a threat into a value-added benefit, across sectors.

Catalyst for the blue economy- the sustainable use of marine resources
Pufferfish caught by hook & line to ensure zero bycatch
Pufferfish control helps rebuild biodiversity and fisheries
Provides a new revenue stream for Small-Scale Fishers (SSF)
Reduces fishing gear damage to SSF
Helps reduce marine pollution from gear damage and toxic pufferfish
Reduced fish losses to small-scale fishers
Based on our own scientific research on pufferfish biology, ecology, & tanning development
Ongoing education and outreach on invasive species impacts
New eco-friendly leather option available to fashion industry
Livelihood empowerment for local women

We carefully ensure our tanning process surpasses European Leather Quality Regulations.

Leather Sustainability