Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani provinces have successfully implemented measures to control the Blackchin Tilapia population, with recent surveys showing a significant decline in the invasive fish species. Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) is supporting these efforts by providing predatory fish for release into natural waterways across three southern provinces.
Mr. Kobsak Khetmuean, Chief of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province Fisheries office, said that the province has been continuously surveying fish populations. They found that Blackchin Tilapia in natural waterways has decreased. Recently, only 25 fish per 100 square meters were found, down from 60 fish per 100 square meters in the initial survey. The province continues to integrate efforts to eliminate this fish by focusing on raising public awareness and promoting fish consumption.
Nakhon Si Thammarat province recently initiated its predatory fish release program in Pak Phanang district. After removing large Blackchin Tilapia from local waterways, officials released 4,000 CPF-donated predatory fish to target the remaining smaller invasive fish.
Kobsak explained, "Releasing predatory fish is a widely recognized and environmentally friendly biological method for controlling the Blackchin Tilapia population. This approach has proven effective in many countries as a long-term solution."
Mr. Kobsak further reported that the Nakhon Si Thammarat Fisheries Department has partnered with Twin Lotus Hotel to promote Blackchin Tilapia consumption through a culinary competition. The "Finding the Best Blackchin Tilapia Menu" contest attracted diverse participation, with ten village communities and various hotel chefs submitting 14 innovative recipes. Entries showcased the fish's versatility, featuring dishes such as dry red curry, spicy soup, fish cakes, herb-spiced fish, and sandwiches. To increase accessibility for both locals and tourists, Twin Lotus Hotel plans to incorporate the winning recipes into their regular menu offerings.
Mr. Thatchai Ubonpaisarn, Chief of Surat Thani Provincial Fisheries Office, reported a significant decrease in the Blackchin Tilapia population following coordinated efforts across various sectors. The province has conducted over 10 "Community Canal Clean-up" activities, successfully removing large Blackchin Tilapia from local waterways. In a recent development, the office released 4,000 CPF-donated Asian sea bass into two canal locations, targeting the remaining smaller Blackchin Tilapia to further control the invasive species.
The Surat Thani Provincial Fisheries Office is continuing its multi-pronged approach to control the Blackchin Tilapia population. Key initiatives include supplying communities with adequate fishing equipment to encourage ongoing participation in Blackchin Tilapia removal. Collaborating with local agencies and community leaders to purchase caught Blackchin Tilapia and process it into "sun-dried fish" products, creating a value-added commodity.
Mr. Noppadol Jindaphan, Director of the Surat Thani Inland Fisheries Research and Development Center, reported encouraging findings from ongoing fish population surveys. The Blackchin Tilapia population in natural waterways has noticeably decreased, while Surat Thani's ecosystem maintains a healthy balance with native fish species still thriving in local water bodies. Additionally, indigenous predators like snakehead fish play a significant role in naturally controlling the invasive Tilapia population.
Surat Thani's Inland Fisheries Research and Development Center continues close monitoring of invasive fish species, aiming to reassure the public and stakeholders about the effectiveness of control measures.
CPF has expanded its support to include Songkhla province, donating 2,000 Asian sea bass to the Songkhla Provincial Fisheries Office. These fish will be released into water sources in Ranot district to help control the invasive Tilapia population in natural waterways.
CPF's broader initiative involves supporting the Department of Fisheries with a total of 200,000 predatory fish for release into waterways nationwide. To date, 90,000 predatory fish have been delivered and released across eight provinces: Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, and Songkhla. CPF's commitment to collaborating with government agencies and local communities to manage the Blackchin Tilapia challenge.