Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) showcases the progress of its proactive project supporting the Department of Fisheries in eliminating Blackchin tilapia. The latest update reveals ongoing cooperation with a fishmeal factory in Samut Sakhon Province, which has purchased over 1 million kilograms of Blackchin tilapia for fishmeal production. The purchase continues with a target of 2 million kilograms, integrating efforts with all sectors to help eradicate the invasive fish.
Mr. Adit Krisanawong, CPF's Head of Public and Private Relations, reported that CPF has been partnering with Sirisaeng Arumpee Fishmeal Factory since March 2024 to purchase Blackchin tilapia for fish meal production. The purchase price was set at 15 baht per kilogram starting August 1st, and to date, the initiative has surpassed 1,000,000 kilograms (1,000 tons) in purchases.
Concurrently, CPF is executing four additional projects to manage the invasive fish population. These efforts include collaborating with provincial fisheries departments in 13 provinces to organize fishing activities, which have already resulted in the removal of over 12,000 kilograms of Blackchin tilapia. The company remains committed to reducing the Blackchin tilapia population across all affected areas."
Mr. Preecha Sirisaengarumpee, owner of Sirisaeng Arumpee Co., Ltd., highlighted the multi-sector approach to addressing the Blackchin tilapia issue in Samut Sakhon Province. This collaborative effort involves the provincial fishery department, local fishermen, fish markets, farmers, and CPF.
'The competitive purchase prices have incentivized local fishermen and farmers to actively remove these invasive fish from our water sources,' Mr. Preecha explained. 'We're seeing tangible progress in tackling this problem across various provinces, with a notable decrease in Blackchin tilapia populations, especially in Samut Sakhon's natural water bodies.'
"The collaboration with CPF to purchase Blackchin tilapia for fishmeal production has proven highly effective. It not only aids in controlling the invasive species but also provides a valuable income stream for our local fishermen, making them key allies in this environmental initiative," said Mr.Preecha
Mr. Wicharn Lekdee, owner of Wicharn Fish Market in Samut Sakhon Province, reported that his market continues to serve as a buying point for Blackchin tilapia from local fishermen. "In Samut Sakhon, fishermen have adapted their equipment to target these fish. CPF's initiative to purchase at 15 baht per kilogram has incentivized faster removal of Blackchin tilapia from the waters. We're seeing a noticeable decrease in many areas, with fishermen now having to change their usual fishing locations," Mr. Wicharn explained.
Representing the Ban Phaeo Sufficiency Economy Fishery Development Farmer Group, Mr. Sanit Daengpayon highlighted the benefits for local aquaculture farmers. "Many farmers in Ban Phaeo are far from traditional fish markets. The initiated buying point in our district, coupled with the collection service to Sirisaeng Arumpee fishmeal factory, has been a game-changer. It's facilitating the removal of Blackchin tilapia from both natural water sources and our aquaculture ponds," Mr. Daengpayon stated.
CPF is spearheading five proactive projects in support of the Department of Fisheries' efforts to address the Blackchin tilapia issue; Collaborating with fishmeal factories for tilapia purchases, supporting the release of predatory fish into affected water sources, assisting provincial fisheries departments in organizing fishing activitie, cooperating with experts and universities to study potential uses for Blackchin tilapia and supporting for researching and developing long-term fish population control methods. These initiatives demonstrate CPF's comprehensive approach to managing the invasive species while supporting local communities and recovering ecosystem of water sources.