The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives plans to allocate 450 million baht annually to combat the spread of Blackchin tilapia in watercourses, a non-native fish species from Africa. Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao aims to resolve this significant issue within four years.
Thammanat stated today that despite efforts by the Fisheries Department over the years, the spread of Blackchin tilapia persists due to insufficient cooperation from the public and private sectors.
Recently, the Fisheries Department convened stakeholders, including fishermen and fish farmers, to discuss enhanced strategies. Proposed measures include a campaign to catch and eliminate four million kilograms of Blackchin tilapia by mid-next year, releasing predatory fish species like Asian seabass to control tilapia fry, and recycling captured fish into bio compost, animal feed, and fermented products. Public education on monitoring and preventing tilapia spread, along with fish sterilization, are also part of the plan.
Government Spokesman Chai Wacharonke affirmed today that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is committed to addressing the Blackchin tilapia issue, acknowledging its persistence from previous administrations.
