On a regular Monday, you can witness a unique spectacle at the Makkasan Lake—people from all walks of life gather to collect fish, turning the usually tranquil area into a bustling scene. Among the variety of fish, the invasive blackchin tilapia has become a noteworthy presence in Bangkok’s Makkasan swamp. This water body connects with the Chao Phraya River, creating a potential ecological upheaval that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the city’s authorities.
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt addressed the situation on Tuesday, stating that blackchin tilapia were prominently among the many dead fish discovered after local officials drained the 72,000-square-meter swamp in Ratchathewi district. The draining was a preemptive measure to counter wet season flooding, accompanied by the temporary shutdown of a nearby pumping station for maintenance.
Governor Sittipunt revealed that approximately 20% of the dead fish were blackchin tilapia, with the remainder being common tilapia. He expressed significant concern due to the swamp’s connectivity with the Chao Phraya River through the Sam Sen, Saen Saep, and Khlong Tan canals. This invasive species, native to West Africa, poses a threat to the local ecosystem.
City Hall, under Sittipunt’s guidance, is actively monitoring the spread of blackchin tilapia. Immediate action is seen as crucial. One potential solution includes finding practical uses for the fish, while technological interventions, such as sterilization, are already in the works in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries.
The draining of the swamp quickly became a hot topic on social media, prompting many locals to swarm the area in hopes of scooping up the stranded fish. This phenomenon highlights both the community’s quick response and the pervasive reach of social media.
Interestingly, the journey of the blackchin tilapia to Thailand began in 2010 when CP Foods imported 2,000 of these fish from Ghana. Their aim was to study them for breeding purposes at a research center in Samut Songkhram province. Initially, CP Foods reported that all the imported fish had died within three weeks and were subsequently buried. However, these fish started appearing in local waterways, leading to a significant reduction in native fish species.
DNA testing by the Department of Fisheries traced blackchin tilapia found across 13 Thai provinces back to the same parent stock. The species has shown remarkable adaptability, thriving in various water temperatures, and has been found breeding aggressively in several regions, including Samut Songkhram, Samut Prakan, Phetchaburi, and more.
Thanaporn Jiansuk, president of the Khlong Dan Fishery Association in Samut Prakan, explained that blackchin tilapia have a rapid breeding cycle, laying eggs and hatching them within 22 days, with a staggering 99% hatch rate. This relentless reproduction can occur right after laying eggs, making control efforts a race against time.
On a national scale, Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow has prioritized the elimination of blackchin tilapia, integrating it into the national agenda. Research on effective sterilization methods is underway. In an unconventional approach, the Rubber Authority of Thailand has been instructed to allocate funds for buying the fish to use them in fertiliser production.
Prompow acknowledged that the blackchin tilapia had appeared in Thailand years earlier, with initial control efforts focusing on provinces like Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram. As these fish spread to provinces such as Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan, the challenge became more pressing, given the fish’s ability to thrive in freshwater, brackish, and even seawater environments.
The presence of this invasive species in Bangkok is troubling for Prompow, as the exact origins of the current population boom remain unclear. The task ahead involves meticulous coordination across governmental and environmental agencies to mitigate the impact of these voracious fish while preserving Thailand’s native aquatic biodiversity.
Why not just eat the blackchin tilapia? That way we control the population and reduce waste.
Not everyone likes the taste, and it might not be safe to consume large quantities without proper regulation.
Fair point, but if we turn it into a delicacy, people might adapt. We can even export it!
We shouldn’t rely on the market to solve an ecological crisis.
The fact that CP Foods didn’t manage the situation better is alarming. They should be held accountable.
Accountability is a big word in these parts. Companies rarely face real consequences.
Government should enforce stricter regulations on such imports to prevent similar issues in the future.
Absolutely! But it seems like too many people turn a blind eye when big corporations are involved.
Sterilization sounds like a sci-fi solution. Can’t we just fish them out regularly?
Regular fishing won’t keep up with their rapid breeding. Sterilization might actually be more efficient.
Maybe, but it sounds expensive and complicated. Are we just throwing money at the problem?
It’s shocking how a local issue can become a national crisis. Shows how interconnected ecosystems are.
Absolutely! This kind of ecological domino effect is what we need to be more vigilant about.
Right, but it feels like we’re always reacting instead of planning ahead.
Using fish for fertilizer is a weird but interesting approach. Could it actually work?
It might, but we should ensure it doesn’t introduce toxins into the soil.
Good point. Sustainable solutions are key.
Why is it that invasive species always seem to thrive while native species struggle?
Invasive species often lack natural predators in new environments, giving them an upper hand.
It’s basic ecology! Plus, human interference typically favors the invasive species by accident.
This situation highlights the need for better environmental education and practices.
Totally! Awareness is the first step to prevention.
Can’t believe CP Foods made such a huge mistake. This proves we need stricter oversight on these corporations.
Stricter oversight and better transparency. We deserve to know these things!
Agreed! How come this wasn’t caught earlier? More transparency is a must.
Interesting how social media led so many people to the swamp. The power of the internet, huh?
It’s a double-edged sword, providing awareness but also causing chaos.
This highlights the failure of our environmental policies. Such events should never be allowed to happen.
Should we be using the blackchin tilapia in our food industry, maybe in school lunches? We get nutrients and control the population.
The broader issue is agricultural minister involvement. The government needs to streamline their efforts.
And yet, CP Foods’ original 2,000 imports ‘died’? Are we sure about that?
Exactly, feels like there’s something fishy here. No pun intended.
I hope this crisis teaches authorities a lesson in environmental management.