Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) has partnered with the Department of Fisheries to combat the invasive Blackchin tilapia across 13 provinces in Thailand. To date, their efforts have resulted in the removal of approximately 15,000 kilograms of the fish.
In a recent operation, the Ratchaburi Provincial Fisheries Office, along with local agencies, community leaders, villagers, and CPF staff, conducted a "canal clean-up" activity in Phohak Subdistrict, Bang Phae District, Ratchaburi Province. This particular effort yielded 20 kilograms of Blackchin tilapia, which was shared with the local community for consumption.
Mr. Anan Soonthorn, Ratchaburi Provincial Fishery Officer, reported that Blackchin tilapia has been detected in six districts of Ratchaburi: Mueang, Photharam, Damnoen Saduak, Pak Tho, Bang Phae, and Wat Phleng. "In Ratchaburi, Blackchin tilapia is not densely populated, accounting for about 10% of all aquatic animals," Mr. Anan stated. He outlined the office's proactive approach, including the deployment of a special team to respond to reported sightings and the provision of fishing equipment to community leaders.
Mr. Adit Krisanawong, CPF's Head of Public and Private Relations, elaborated on the company's support for the Department of Fisheries' efforts. CPF is implementing five proactive projects to address the Blackchin tilapia issue:
1. Supporting the purchase of 2,000,000 kilograms of fish for fishmeal production, with over 800,000 kilograms already procured in Samut Sakhon.
2. Facilitating the release of 200,000 predatory fish, with 64,000 sea bass already introduced into water sources.
3. Expanding cooperation with local communities and authorities across the 13 affected provinces: Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Chanthaburi, Rayong, Phetchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Ratchaburi.
4.Collaborating with universities to explore ways to utilize the captured fish, including processing them into food products.
5. Supporting research into innovations and technologies to control the long-term reproduction of Blackchin tilapia.
CPF has expressed its commitment to continue these efforts and is prepared to extend its support to additional provinces to help restore aquatic ecosystems threatened by this invasive species.