Samut Sakhon release 90,000 Asian seabass, targets invasive fish

Samut Sakhon officials launched an operation to release 90,000 barramundis (Asian seabass) to combat the invasive blackchin tilapia. The first release is scheduled for tomorrow, July 12, with a focus on introducing large-sized barramundis into the local waterways.

A senior fisheries officer in Samut Sakhon, Niran Promkruan revealed the operation, with the initiative marking a significant step in using the ‘salt for salt’ strategy, aiming to control the population of blackchin tilapia by introducing their natural predator, the barramundis.

The initial phase will see the release of 90,000 barramundis within this month, with the first release occurring tomorrow, July 13 at 11am.

The event will be officiated by the Governor of Samut Sakhon, Phol Dhamatham, who will oversee the release of 30,000 barramundis into the Tha Chin River in front of Wat Kamphra, Bang Ya Phraek Subdistrict, Mueang district, Samut Sakhon.

Following the initial release, additional releases are scheduled throughout the month. On July 23, an additional 20,000 barramundis will be released into Tha Raeng Canal at Wat Yok Krabat in Ban Phaeo District. The following day, July 24, another 20,000 barramundis will be released into the Damnoen Saduak Canal in front of the Ban Phaeo district.

The final release will take place on July 26, where the final 20,000 barramundis will be introduced into Phitthayalongkorn Canal, adjacent to the Ban Khun Thian district boundary in Bangkok, reported KhaoSod.

These measures aim to restore the ecological balance that has been disrupted by the proliferation of blackchin tilapia. By introducing a significant number of Asian seabass, officials hope to naturally reduce the blackchin tilapia population and improve the overall health of the local waterways.

The operation is part of broader efforts to enhance the aquatic ecosystem in Samut Sakhon and surrounding areas. The strategy uses a biological approach to tackle the invasive species, which has been a persistent problem affecting local fisheries and biodiversity, reported KhaoSod.