Fishing for solutions: Thailand turns invasive tilapia into tasty sauce

Thailand’s Department of Fisheries has unveiled an innovative approach to combat the invasive blackchin tilapia by converting them into fermented fish sauce.

To tackle the spread of this species, which endangers commercially valuable fish stocks in nine provinces, the department will collaborate with local communities to process the blackchin tilapia into the popular condiment, according to department chief Bancha Sukkaew.

“This initiative comes following Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Akkara Prompow’s directive to implement proactive measures to mitigate the invasive fish’s economic impact on affected areas.”

The programme targets the removal of at least 200,000 kilogrammes of blackchin tilapia from the waterways in Chumphon, Phetchaburi, Samut Prakan, Samut Songkhram, Prachin Buri, Ratchaburi, Chon Buri, Rayong, and Nonthaburi provinces.

Each participating community will receive 245,000 baht to acquire the necessary equipment for producing the fish sauce. Overall, the department has allocated 4.9 million baht to the scheme. So far, 20 communities have signed up.

Phichaya Chainak, director of the Fisheries Industrial Technology, Research and Development Division (FTDD), highlighted that fermented fish products, such as seasoned fish sauce and powdered fish sauce, are not only popular in Thailand but are also exported to markets in other ASEAN countries, China, the European Union, the Middle East, and the United States.

“Transforming blackchin tilapia into fermented fish sauce will help control the spread of the invasive fish, while also boosting local economies and fostering community engagement.”

Bancha expressed confidence that the programme would effectively control the spread of the alien species, protect the value of local fish products, and support grassroots economic growth, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, local fishermen in Samut Songkhram filed a lawsuit with Bangkok South Civil Court against Charoen Pokphand Foods, seeking over 2.4 billion baht in compensation for damages caused by the uncontrolled spread of blackchin tilapia in the province.

Panya Tokthong, a member of the Upper Gulf of Thailand Preservation Network and Mae Klong Community Lovers Network, led the group to file the lawsuit against CPF and its nine board members.