Fishermen in Samut Sakhon Halt Blackchin Tilapia Catching After Government Price Support Ends
PUBLISHED: 17 Jan 2025 at 18:13
SAMUT SAKHON – The population of blackchin tilapia is surging in the waters of Samut Sakhon as local fishermen cease catching this invasive species. The decision comes after the government discontinued its price guarantee, which previously incentivized their capture.
Residents have reported that fishing for the tilapia is no longer financially viable, with the government previously purchasing the fish at 15 baht per kilogram, now reduced to a mere 3-4 baht per kilogram.
Recent investigations revealed significant infestations of blackchin tilapia in Khlong Sanam Chai near Wat Sophon Wanaram, drawing concern from local authorities.
In August, the Fisheries Department classified 19 provinces, including Samut Sakhon, as impacted by the invasive fish presence.
A local fisherman noted that his trawler captured over 20 tonnes of blackchin tilapia last month, reflecting the magnitude of the issue. With fishing operations ceasing over two months ago due to declining prices, the population has begun to rebound.
“It costs between 1,500 to 2,000 baht for each fishing attempt,” he explained. “When the market price falls to 3-4 baht per kilogram, we need to catch an entire tonne daily to break even, which is impractical.”
As a result, fishermen have decided to cease fishing, leading to a resurgence of this invasive species.
Blackchin tilapia, originally from Africa, pose a serious threat to local ecosystems as they compete with indigenous fish for resources.
In July of the preceding year, the government declared a comprehensive initiative against the blackchin tilapia, allocating 450 million baht for management strategies, which included purchasing the fish above market rate and promoting its consumption. A fund of 50 million baht was established for procuring the invasive fish at 15 baht per kilogram.
A major agribusiness has promised to buy 2 million kilograms of the fish for fishmeal production to mitigate the issue until the end of October.
Concerns lingered over the company’s involvement in the spread of blackchin tilapia, with acknowledgment of its import from Ghana for research purposes in 2010, which later led to the fish’s escape into local ecosystems.
In addition, shrimp farmers in southern provinces, including Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla, are reportedly grappling with new outbreaks of blackchin tilapia, exacerbated by recent flooding.
An environmental leader expressed disappointment over the government’s oversight in eliminating the invasive species, calling it a crisis for local ecosystems that could have regional implications if left unaddressed.
