July 24, 2024

Invasive fish affects aquaculture farmers in Samut Sakhon, Thailand

The province is currently facing an invasion by Black Chin Tilapia, an alien fish species that could disrupt the ecosystem and pose problems for aquaculture farmers and fishermen, a fisheries official has warned, The Nation reported.

Phaderm Rod-in, a fisheries officer in the province, stated that the species can adapt to the local environment, allowing it to grow and reproduce rapidly. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives issued a decree in 2021 prohibiting the breeding of Black Chin Tilapia. Violating this decree carries severe penalties under Article 144 of the 2015 Fisheries Act, including up to a year in prison or a fine of up to 1 million baht, or both.

Releasing the fish into fishing areas carries even harsher penalties of up to two years in prison or a fine of up to THB 2 million (US$55,000), or both. Thailand's Department of Fisheries is currently working to control and eliminate this species to reduce its impact on the ecosystem and alleviate the problems faced by aquaculture farmers and fishermen.

The public has been advised not to breed or release Black Chin Tilapia into any water sources. If found, individuals should report to the provincial or district fisheries office. Additionally, if Black Chin Tilapia is found in natural water sources, cooperation is requested to remove them.

Kiattikhun Tonyang, a member of Parliament from the Move Forward Party, visited the area to find ways to reduce the Black Chin Tilapia population. He received reports from residents in Klong Yoi 500 about large numbers of both small and large Black Chin Tilapia. The fish population has significantly increased since the beginning of the month, while the number of silver barb and Nile tilapia has decreased. Locals are concerned that other fish species might disappear.

Kiattikhun has appealed to the relevant agencies to solve this problem. He plans to engage the community, encouraging residents of Sai Noi to fish for Black Chin Tilapia to eradicate them before they spread to the Chao Phraya River.

-      The Nation