In a fervent call to action, civil society groups are urging the government to immediately pinpoint those responsible for the proliferation of blackchin tilapia—a ravenous invasive species wreaking havoc on indigenous aquatic life. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Withoon Lienchamroon, director of the BioThai Foundation, criticized the authorities’ inaction during a seminar titled “Natural Disaster from Blackchin Tilapia,” organized by the foundation and its partners.
Withoon recounted a pivotal moment back in 2010 when Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) imported 2,000 blackchin tilapia from Ghana for research and development at their breeding center in tambon Yisan of Amphawa district, Samut Songkhram province. Although CPF assured that all imported fish had perished within three weeks, sightings of these fish were reported just two years later in Khlong Don Chan, Khlong Luang, and Khlong Somboon, near the breeding center. Now, the voracious blackchin tilapia has spread its fins across 17 provinces, from the Central region to the South.
CPF is notably the sole company sanctioned by the Department of Fisheries to import this species. A study conducted by the same department, titled “Origin and Distribution of Invasive Blackchin Tilapia on Coastal Areas of Thailand,” unveiled a genetic breadcrumb trail linking the present-day fish to the original imports. “It’s clear-cut who bears the responsibility,” Withoon remarked. “Yet, we have not witnessed any substantial action from the company.”
He further emphasized the financial burden the government has shouldered to tackle this problem, lamenting the unfair expenditure of taxpayers’ money. “It’s time we see the law enforced on the true culprits,” he declared.
Adding to the chorus of discontent, Surachai Trongngam, EnLaw’s secretary-general, invoked the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act BE 2535. According to Section 97, the polluter must bear the brunt of any environmental damage caused by their actions. The Department of Fisheries could face charges of malfeasance if they fail to act.
The situation is dire. The department estimates that in 2018 alone, the invasive blackchin tilapia inflicted a staggering 350 million baht in losses on aquatic farms in Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi.
With tensions high and stakes higher, the Lawyers Council of Thailand is gearing up to lodge a formal complaint against CPF and the Department of Fisheries. The expectation now rests on swift legal action to mitigate this ecological disaster and hold the responsible parties accountable. Only time will tell if justice will swim to the surface.
This is a prime example of corporate negligence. CPF should be held accountable immediately!
But imagine the businesses that CPF supports. Bringing them down could hurt the economy.
The economy is important, but what about our environment? Short-term gains over long-term sustainability are dangerous.
Anna’s right! The environment once damaged is hard to restore. CPF should have thought this through.
The government is equally to blame. They should have been stricter with oversight.
Absolutely, Joe! Regulatory laxity enabled CPF to experiment without sufficient containment measures.
Both sides should be held accountable, but let’s not forget that CPF made the initial blunder.
Why are people surprised? This isn’t the first time corporations have prioritized profits over the environment.
Agreed. This has been happening too often. We need stricter regulations.
Indeed! Stricter regulations and robust enforcement are crucial to prevent future disasters.
I run a small aquatic farm, and this tilapia has ruined my livelihood. CPF needs to compensate us farmers!
I’m so sorry to hear that. Do you think legal action will help?
It’s our only hope now. We need to band together to make sure CPF pays for this.
Farmers like you should be at the forefront of this legal battle. Stay strong!
The cost of fixing this problem should come out of CPF’s pockets, not the taxpayers’.
Did they even consider the impact on local ecosystems before importing these fish?
Clearly not, Larry. They probably only saw the potential profits.
Sad! The imbalance in ecosystems can have ripple effects, affecting many species.
Apart from CPF, where was the Department of Fisheries in all this? Serious oversight failure.
It’s not just CPF, but an institutional failure. The government must have stricter checks and balances.
Exactly. Both need to be held accountable for this disaster.
I’m surprised more people aren’t aware of this issue. The media needs to cover it more extensively.
Surachai’s citation of the National Environmental Quality Act is spot on. Polluters must pay!
Yes, Section 97 is very clear. CPF should be facing some serious legal action soon.
Hopefully. Let’s see if justice prevails or if they maneuver out of this one.
People underestimate the damage invasive species can cause. This should be a wake-up call.
True! We need more public education on environmental issues.
What’s next? Another imported species causing havoc? Regulations need to be stringent.
The government should have contingency plans for such crises. They were severely underprepared.
Governments are often slow to react until it’s too late.
As a biologist, I find it appalling how little foresight was shown. This disaster was preventable.
Taxpayers should not bear the brunt of corporate greed! CPF must be financially accountable.
This whole situation is just pathetic. Everyone involved failed miserably.
If we don’t hold CPF accountable, what message does that send to other corporations?
Good point. Not holding CPF accountable would set a dangerous precedent.