Amidst the bustling streets of Bangkok, something intriguing has been cooking—quite literally and figuratively. At the recent BKK Food Bank event held at the Bang Khunthian district office on July 19, blackchin tilapia fish, freshly caught from the idyllic canals of Sanam Chai and Khok Kham in Samut Songkhram, were served to attendees. It was a moment not just about sharing food but a poignant reminder of an ongoing environmental dilemma. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
The Department of Fisheries in Thailand has taken a proactive step by reaching out to Ghana for the DNA of its blackchin tilapia. Director-General Bancha Sukkaew disclosed that they have sent an official letter requesting either DNA or some samples of the blackchin tilapia. This is to confirm whether the proliferation of this invasive species in Thailand has its origins in Ghana. The request traces back to 2010 when Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) was reportedly granted permission to import the species for research and development purposes.
Sukkaew added that the DNA data would be essential in comparing with the invasive species wreaking havoc in 17 different provinces including notable areas like Chanthaburi, Rayong, and Bangkok.
Stepping into the scene, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, unveiled a strategic plan that was met with resounding approval. The ministry’s offer to buy blackchin tilapia at 15 baht per kilogram has sparked positive feedback. This tilapia will be converted into fertilizers, aiming to purge about four million kilos of the fish from various ponds and waterways by mid-next year.
In another layer of the unfolding drama, the House subcommittee dedicated to tackling the tilapia spread has sought the wisdom of legal experts to file a lawsuit. The primary focus is on a private company suspected to be the root of this infestation, with projected damages touching a staggering 10 billion baht.
CPF isn’t keen on taking the blame lying down. Earlier, a representative from CPF provided a comprehensive report to the Higher Education, Science and Innovation Committee. The company has categorically denied being the source of the tilapia’s rampant dissemination. According to CPF, on December 22, 2010, they imported 2,000 blackchin tilapia fingerlings from Ghana strictly for research purposes at their breeding center in Samut Songkhram. However, the journey was fraught with challenges, resulting in the demise of many fish, leaving only 600 surviving. Tragically, even these did not survive beyond three weeks, prompting CPF to scrap the project. The company insists that all the fish were buried and even sent 50 preserved samples to the Department of Fisheries for verification.
CPF remains committed to aiding the government’s efforts. “We aim to remove about 2 million kilos of the fish from the system as quickly as possible, and will also support the introduction of 200,000 predator fish to control the blackchin tilapia population,” stated Prasit Boondoungprasert, chairman of CPF’s executive board. He firmly maintained that CPF was not responsible for the outbreak.
In a bid to uncover the real culprit, Boondoungprasert called for inquiries into 11 companies that exported 300,000 blackchin tilapia to 17 different countries from 2013 to 2016, to ascertain the true origins.
As investigations continue and actions are set in motion, the tale of the blackchin tilapia offers a mix of scientific intrigue, corporate accountability, and governmental response. It’s an evolving narrative, just like the rippling waters of the canals where it all began.
Isn’t it a bit late to be asking for DNA samples now? The damage is done!
Exactly! This should have been looked into years ago. It’s like trying to close the barn door after the horse has bolted.
Just another example of the government being slow and reactive instead of proactive. What a joke!
Unfortunately, ‘better late than never’ doesn’t always apply in environmental crises. But I suppose knowing the source could help prevent future issues.
But if they don’t confirm the source, how can they ensure accountability? CPF, the government, and other parties need to have clear info.
True, but by this time, any number of factors could have contributed to the spread. CPF’s story of the fish dying so quickly raises eyebrows though.
CPF should be held accountable regardless. They admitted to bringing this species here, and now they want to play the blame game.
Exactly! They can’t simply wash their hands clean after potentially causing such an ecological disaster.
Look, CPF needs to take responsibility. Saying the fish didn’t survive beyond three weeks sounds suspect to me.
Agreed! And what’s with their whole ‘supporting the introduction of predator fish’? Are they going to create another imbalance?
The government’s plan to buy the tilapia and use it as fertilizer is actually pretty smart. At least they’re turning a problem into something useful.
It’s a good idea, but can they really manage to remove four million kilos of fish efficiently? It seems overly optimistic.
Fair point, but we have to start somewhere, right? Plus, this would also provide a temporary source of income for fishermen.
Using invasive species for something beneficial is definitely a creative approach. But there needs to be rigorous monitoring to avoid unintended consequences.
Wait, so the government’s plan is to feed these fish to another species? Isn’t that just swapping one problem for another?
Introducing predator fish could have unpredictable results. New predators might disrupt the ecosystem even more.
A lawsuit sounds like a lot of finger-pointing and blame-shifting. Will it actually solve the problem on the ground?
Lawsuits are necessary to make corporations and individuals accountable. If CPF or another company caused this, they need to pay.
Fair enough, but it also seems like a lengthy and costly process when the focus should be on immediate ecological solutions.
What if these blackchin tilapia unintentionally help some local species? Could there be any positive outcomes from this crisis?
That’s an interesting thought, but it’s risky. Invasive species usually do more harm than good by outcompeting native species.
The real question nobody is asking: How did these tilapia survive so long in waterways without being noticed sooner?
CPF’s claims of innocence seem dodgy. Who else could have imported these fish and why would they lie about it now?
Definitely fishy (pun intended!). Either someone else is really at fault, or CPF is trying to cover their tracks by shifting the blame.
Why hasn’t the government been more transparent about this from the start? It seems like a lot of information is being withheld.
Have there been any studies on the long-term impact of using tilapia as fertilizer? Could there be unforeseen side effects?
Good question! It seems like an experimental approach. The last thing we need is another environmental disaster from this ‘solution’.
I attended that BKK Food Bank event. The tilapia tasted fine, but I can’t believe the chaos they are causing!
Does anyone know if other countries have faced similar issues with invasive species and how they handled it?
Instead of focusing on blame, we should concentrate on restoring the ecological balance.
Sure, but accountability and restoration should go hand in hand. One doesn’t cancel out the other.
So many private companies involved! Do we even know who has the real numbers on how many of these fish were supposedly imported?