Blackchin tilapia outbreak tackled with new action plan in Thailand
A meeting led by Akarapol Promphao, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, addressed the blackchin tilapia outbreak across 17 provinces. The spread is recorded at a moderate level in eight provinces, with an average density of 12 to 52 fish per 100 square metres.
Nine provinces reported low presence, while two provinces showed no presence. The meeting reviewed the revised action plan for 2025 to 2027, consisting of seven measures, 15 activities, and 61 projects.
Continuous control and eradication plans were also discussed, with a proposal for budget allocation for the 2025 fiscal year and a draft order for a working group to consider assistance criteria for those affected by the outbreak. The meeting approved these plans in principle and tasked the Department of Fisheries with refining the details for Cabinet approval.
The action plan encompasses seven measures. Measure one successfully eradicated a total of 3,066,855.50 kilogrammes, including 1,884,993 kg from ponds and the remainder from natural environments. Measure two involves pre- and post-release surveys of predators, conducted monthly, to assess population levels.
Measure three repurposes eradicated blackchin tilapia for fishmeal, bio-fermentation, processing, and consumption. Measure four monitors buffer zones for outbreaks and includes location reporting and bans on farming and relocation.
Measure five integrates collaboration with various agencies like the Department of Corrections and local government organisations to foster cooperation and public awareness through media campaigns.
Measure six focuses on research and innovation, particularly a project inducing 4N chromosome sets to sterilise blackchin tilapia, with 18 research projects proposed for funding from the Thailand Research Fund. Measure seven aims to restore biodiversity and ecosystem integrity by rehabilitating habitats and releasing indigenous aquatic species, reported KhaoSod.
This initiative also includes planning the production of diverse aquatic animals to replenish resources for fisheries and provide food for the population.
In related news, approximately 150 farmers from 19 provinces assembled outside the Government House on January 13 to submit a letter to the government. They demanded the identification of those responsible for the spread of blackchin tilapia fish and requested support for the affected farmers.
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