The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is taking measures to control the population of balloon and lionfish in the Mediterranean, which have been causing harm to fishermen and other fish species. They are encouraging fishermen to catch lionfish and offering subsidies for puffer fish tails. The lionfish is a fast-growing and rapidly reproducing predatory species, and although it can be consumed, caution must be taken when handling it as its spines contain toxic substances that can cause swelling and bruising and potentially death if the toxins reach the head area.