Blackchin tilapia was imported from Ghana in 2010 by CP Foods (CPF) with a permit for research in Samut Songkhram. CPF claimed that it terminated its research in January 2011 and had sent sample blackchin tilapias in bottles of formalin to the Department of Fisheries.
However, blackchin tilapias were discovered in 2012 by Samut Songkhram fishermen. As invasive alien species and voracious eaters, blackchin tilapias consume a variety of things from plants to small fish and fish eggs. Their presence disrupts the food chain and they compete with native fish species for sustenance. Their rapid reproduction has led to explosive population growth, enabling them to spread to 17 provinces including Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Phetchaburi, Chumphon and Surat Thani.
In response to this critical situation, many forums were organised to raise awareness and discuss the blackchin tilapia issue. The forum "Blackchin Tilapia Destroys Thailand's Environment And Economy: Who Is Responsible?" featured a representative of fishermen and relevant stakeholders as speakers.
Kampee Thongplaeo, a member of Mae Klong Community Lovers, said that the spread of blackchin tilapias has destroyed the ecosystem of Mae Klong River and its canals.
"The ecosystem has collapsed. The livelihood of fishermen who rely on the canals for living has been destroyed. The fishermen requested the government to purchase blackchin tilapias at 20 baht per kilogramme, but the government set the price at 15 baht. This is not a normal subsidy for fishery products. This is an urgent situation which requires labour and tools."
In the forum "The Invasion Of The Blackchin Tilapia", organised by Biothai Foundation, Boonyeun Siritham, president of Thailand Consumers Council, stated that government organisations should be responsible for the disaster caused by the blackchin tilapia.
"Officials at the Department of Fisheries are strict with fishermen when they violate regulations, but do they dare to take the same action with a large corporation? A government organisation should be responsible for the blackchin tilapia issue. Without permission from the government, the private company would not have been able to import blackchin tilapia which caused damage to the ecosystem. The official who authorised the import of the blackchin tilapia should face legal consequences," said Boonyeun.
Another forum, "Ending The Invasion Of The Blackchin Tilapia In Thai Water Sources" organised by Kasetsart University (KU), featured lecturers and researchers from its Faculty of Fisheries and a representative from the Department of Fisheries.
Soranuth Sirisuay, a lecturer at the Department of Aquaculture at KU, said that blackchin tilapia is not the first invasive alien species to cause problems in Thailand.
"In the past, patanga grasshoppers and golden apple snails were invasive alien species which troubled farmers by destroying plants. However, patanga later developed into a favourite snack and currently, since they are in short supply, many farmers raise them to be sold. Golden apple snails have become scarce as well due to predation by the Asian openbill bird. This has led to farming of golden apple snails," said Soranuth.
"If people consume blackchin tilapias, they will become scarce like patanga. However, blackchin tilapias in different areas have different flavours. Some people think they are not delicious, but I once tried a fried blackchin tilapia and it was fine," he said.
Weerakit Joerakate, an academic who works at the Fisheries Research Station at the Faculty of Fisheries, KU, in Samut Songkhram, observed that locals had been catching blackchin tilapia unintentionally in their nets since 2012, but did not recognise the fish at the time. Villagers also felt that they were catching fewer shrimps than before. Weerakit pointed out characteristics of blackchin tilapias which make them invasive.
"Blackchin tilapia can live in both freshwater and brackish water. They can rapidly adapt to sudden increases in salinity and can survive in polluted water better than other aquatic species. They can reproduce rapidly year-round. They also consume a variety of food and feed voraciously."
Pitchaya Chainaak, the director of the Fisheries Industrial Technology Research and Development Division, the Department of Fisheries, explained six measures that the Department of Fisheries have developed to cope with the increasing numbers of blackchin tilapias.
The first method is controlling and eliminating blackchin tilapias by using fishing tools such as nets, rods and push nets. Push nets are considered illegal because they can trap small creatures, but due to the critical situation, their use is allowed in Samut Sakhon and nearby areas. However, fishermen must receive approval from the Department of Fisheries and boats using push nets must display a registered flag.
Second, the Department of Fisheries released two predators -- sea bass and long whiskered catfish. These hunters were tested in several research centres to ensure they can consume blackchin tilapia larvae. Third, the Department of Fisheries collaborated with other government organisations to purchase blackchin tilapia meat and turn it into bio-fermentated water and animal food.
Fourth, there are units watching out for blackchin tilapia in various areas, especially in provinces such as Trat and Chon Buri. The government is also raising awareness about the fish so people can immediately recognise them and get rid of them quickly.
Last but not least, there is ongoing research to develop a special type of blackchin tilapia. Once developed, these fish will be released into water. When they mate with regular blackchin tilapia, their offspring will be unable to reproduce. However, research must be carried out to learn if these fish species are safe to consume.
Additionally, the Department of Fisheries is encouraging people to consume blackchin tilapia. Asst Prof Nanthipha Phanthusawasdi, a lecturer in the field of Fishery Products at the Faculty of Fisheries, KU, explained that blackchin tilapia can be made into chilli paste and shrimp paste and even fish sauce.
However, Boonyeun, president of Thailand Consumers Council who spoke at the forum "The Invasion Of The Blackchin Tilapia", said that all blackchin tilapia should be destroyed, not consumed. As a fisherman, Boonyeun said the fish have less meat and big bones. There are other fish that are more delicious than blackchin tilapia.
At the same forum, Chavalit Vidthayanon, an independent researcher specialising in aquatic biodiversity and a member of the Committee for Solving the Blackchin Tilapia Epidemic, set a goal to eliminate the fish within three years through collaboration among both private and government sectors.
"We aim to eradicate the blackchin tilapia within three years to prevent further negative impacts. If we neglect this issue, the fish could spread to Malaysia, Singapore, Phuket and even Bangladesh in a decade. Blackchin tilapia may damage the bountiful rivers in these countries."
Pla mor karng dam, aka blackchin tilapia.
