Thailand’s blackchin tilapia problem ‘will be resolved in two months’
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The blackchin tilapia, native to Africa, has spread to waters in at least 13 Thai provinces, threatening local aquaculture and biodiversity as it preys on smaller fish and shellfish.
PHOTO: MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND COOPERATIVES/FACEBOOK
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BANGKOK – The Thai Ministry of Agriculture said the blackchin tilapia issue that is affecting the country’s fish stocks will be resolved within two months.
Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Attakorn Sirilatthayakon visited Khlong Dan Market in Samut Prakan province on Aug 3 to meet with aquaculture farmers and fishermen and distributed fishing gear to catch blackchin tilapia.
The blackchin tilapia, native to Africa, has spread to waters in at least 13 Thai provinces, threatening local aquaculture and biodiversity as it preys on smaller fish and shellfish, according to the Bangkok Post and Pattaya Mail.
In the province of Samut Prakan, farmers have complained that all their catches now consist of the hardy alien fish that can thrive in freshwater, brackish water and seawater.
Mr Attakorn also clarified concerns raised by the public about the complicated procedures to participate in the ministry’s programme that offers 15 baht (about 60 Singapore cents) per kilogram for the black-spotted tilapia, which he said were not true.
“The ministry is open to everyone, regardless of gender or age,” he said.
“If you can catch black-spotted tilapia, there are 73 collection points nationwide where you can sell them without needing extensive documentation or complicated procedures as reported in the news.”
He emphasised the importance of public cooperation, stating that the problem affected everyone and they must not leave this issue for future generations.
He added that if government officials were found to be involved in any misconduct, strict legal action would be taken, while ensuring fairness.
He confirmed that all fish would be accepted at the collection points for the stated reward, which is aimed at removing as many blackchin tilapia as possible from the ecosystem with minimal complications.
Small sellers, such as farmers and fishermen, can sell their catch at these points with no quantity restrictions. Registered aquaculture farmers should inform the employees at collection points for data collection.
The Ministry of Agriculture has outlined seven measures to address the blackchin tilapia issue:
Remove as many blackchin tilapia as possible from Thailand’s ecosystem
Implement measures to control the population, including natural predators like sea bass
Utilise captured blackchin tilapia for other purposes, aiming to catch at least 907kg in 2024
Monitor and prevent the spread to other areas
Educate the public, especially in the 17 affected provinces
Employ research and innovation, such as chromosome manipulation and pheromone use, to attract and eliminate the fish
Restore affected water sources by studying current aquatic life and preparing for ecological restoration
Mr Attakorn said that the departments of fisheries, cooperatives promotion, land development, and agriculture, as well as the Rubber Authority of Thailand, are collaborating on this effort. The Samut Prakan Provincial Fisheries Office will coordinate with the provincial governor.
He also confirmed support from Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. If any area has a high concentration of blackchin tilapia, military assistance will be requested to help with the removal.
“I believe that in one to two months, the situation with blackchin tilapia will improve. If we work together, we can resolve the problem more quickly,” Mr Attakorn said.
Mr Attakorn also participated in a community fishing operation to catch blackchin tilapia. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
