Fishermen and residents along the coasts of Crete and the Southern Aegean express alarm over an increased number of fish deaths this year, attributed to a virus identified as viral encephalopathy. Researcher Pantelis Katharios from HCMR notes that while the phenomenon is not new, the current outbreak is significant. The virus affects large fish, primarily in warm waters, but poses no danger to public health. Investigations are underway to understand the cause and impact of this situation.