Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) has reinforced its partnership with the Department of Fisheries to address the blackchin tilapia infestation in natural water sources across various provinces.
In a recent "Community Canal Cleanup" event, CPF donated 5,000 Asian sea bass to Mr. Phaderm Rod-in, the Fisheries Provincial Officer of Samut Sakhon. The event, held near the Phanthai Norasing Shrine in Muang District, Samut Sakhon Province, focused on removing blackchin tilapia from local waters. The donated Asian sea bass were released into natural water sources to help control the invasive species' population. This contribution elevates CPF's total support to 54,000 predatory fish, all provided in line with the Department of Fisheries' guidelines.
CPF also participated in a blackchin tilapia survey organized by the Nakhon Pathom Provincial Fisheries Office. The survey, conducted near the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center of Rai Khing Municipality in Sampran District, aimed to assess the current situation and quantify the fish population. During this event, CPF representatives donated essential fishing equipment to Mr. Somboon Thanyaphon, an inspector from the Department of Fisheries, for use in upcoming "Community Canal Cleanup" events in Nakhon Pathom province.
To combat the blackchin tilapia issue comprehensively, CPF has launched five strategic projects:1. Partnering with Sirisaneng Arumpee Company Limited and fishmeal factories to purchase 2 million kilograms of blackchin tilapia for fishmeal production, with 600,000 kilograms already acquired.2. Supporting the release of 200,000 predatory fish into affected water sources, with 54,000 of Asian sea bass already distributed to various Provincial Fisheries Offices.3. Providing fishing equipment and manpower to support Provincial Fishing Offices in their eradication efforts.
4. Collaborating with Kasetsart University, Khon Kaen University, and King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) to develop food products from blackchin tilapia.5. Engaging in research and development with experts from Kasetsart University and KMITL to devise long-term population control strategies. Furthermore, Chulalongkorn University and Mae Jo University have expressed interest in joining these research efforts to develop effective management strategies for the blackchin tilapia issue.
This comprehensive approach underscores CPF's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable aquatic ecosystem management while supporting the government's initiative to address the blackchin tilapia problem.