Bangkok governor goes fishing for answers over fish deaths

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt inspected Bueng Makkasan in Ratchathewi district following a large number of fish deaths, suspected to be caused by oxygen depletion and expressed concern over the potential spread of the blackchin tilapia to other areas.

Chadchart visited Bueng Makkasan in the Ratchathewi district today to investigate the mass fish deaths in the area. Local fishers reported that most of the dead fish were Nile tilapia, along with some blackchin tilapia. The decrease in water levels, due to the Department of Drainage and Sewerage’s preparations for incoming rainwater, likely caused the fish to suffer from a lack of oxygen.

Fish were observed gathering near a tunnel connected to a treatment facility, where oxygen levels are higher. Bueng Makkasan connects to Samsen Canal, which leads to the Chao Phraya River, and to Saen Saep Canal, which flows into Khlong Tan, with a drainage tunnel extending to Chong Nonsi.

The 58 year old Bangkok chief voiced concerns about the potential spread of blackchin tilapia, noting that if the species proliferates in this area, it could spread to other locations. Within one hour, locals caught 30 kilogrammes of blackchin tilapia at Bueng Makkasan. The Director of Ratchathewi District revealed that while most fish in Bueng Makkasan is Nile tilapia, some blackchin tilapia are present.

Chadchart explained that maintenance work on the water treatment equipment, which occurred from 3am to 11pm yesterday, led to lower oxygen levels in the water, causing the fish to die. The equipment is now operational again, and the situation is expected to improve, reported KhaoSod.

However, further investigation is needed to determine the exact cause of the fish deaths, including water quality and the potential spread of blackchin tilapia. District authorities will closely monitor the situation to prevent further spread, said Chadchart.

“From inquiries with local fishermen, it’s clear that the majority of the affected fish are Nile tilapia, with a smaller number being blackchin tilapia.

“The water levels were lowered by the Department of Drainage and Sewerage to prepare for rainwater, which likely led to oxygen depletion and the resulting fish deaths. Fish were seen gathering near a tunnel where treated water, with higher oxygen levels, is released. Bueng Makkasan is connected to several waterways, increasing the risk of further spread.”