The Agriculture Ministry of Thailand is on a mission to make the eradication of blackchin tilapia a top national priority. These invasive fish, native to West Africa, are considered predators that pose a significant risk to underwater biodiversity. Minister Thammanat Prompow emphasized on Tuesday that the ministry is diligently working to eliminate this species, with various methods being studied to control their breeding.
According to Minister Thammanat, thorough research is being conducted to determine if sterilization might alter the fish’s chromosomes and potentially mutate the species. While these studies are in progress, immediate steps are being taken to get rid of the blackchin tilapia.
Interestingly, the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) has been tasked with establishing a fund to purchase the fish to use as fertilizer for rubber plantations, highlighting the multifaceted approach the ministry is taking.
Despite the ongoing efforts, the exact time and manner of the blackchin tilapia’s arrival in Thailand remain unclear. However, the ministry has been actively catching these fish across numerous provinces for an extended period. Minister Thammanat also clarified that bringing this species into the country without authorization from the authorities is illegal.
Premsak Wanatsunthorn, Deputy Managing Director of Fish Research and Breeding for CP Food (CPF), noted that his company has no connection to the spread of blackchin tilapia. He recounted that in 2010, CPF lawfully imported 2,000 of these fish for research, and only 600 survived initially. The remaining fish were closely monitored by the Fisheries Department.
Due to health issues, the number dwindled to just 50, prompting the company to halt the research and eliminate the fish using chlorine in January 2011. Mr. Premsak added that Fisheries Department officials inspected CPF’s fish farm in Samut Prakarn when the species was found spreading in waterways in 2017.
Meanwhile, Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt took a more lighthearted approach by uploading a video to his Facebook page on Tuesday, showcasing various delicious dishes that could be made from blackchin tilapia. This suggests that culinary creativity could play a role in addressing the issue.
On Monday, several individuals were seen catching blackchin tilapia in various areas of Bangkok, including Makkasan Pond. Many of them mentioned that they intended to eat the fish, according to a source. The source also revealed that the Samut Sakhon Fisheries Office had implemented measures to encourage people to catch the fish.
The office even offered incentives, buying the caught fish from locals at eight baht per kilogram and reselling them to fishmeal plants in the region. This pragmatic approach not only addresses the invasive species issue but also provides economic benefits to the local community.
In conclusion, the battle against blackchin tilapia in Thailand involves a blend of scientific research, regulatory enforcement, and community participation. While the eradication efforts continue, it’s clear that both immediate and long-term strategies are being deployed to protect the country’s underwater biodiversity.
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