Blackchin tilapia threat leads to fish destruction in Phuket

Concerns over the potential invasion of blackchin tilapia in Phuket have led to the destruction of 20 kilogrammes of the fish sold at local markets. The environmental group Monsoon Garbage Thailand sparked the action, highlighting the ecological threat posed by the species if it were to establish itself in the island’s waters.

The blackchin tilapia, a cichlid species native to coastal West Africa, was introduced to Asia and North America and is now considered invasive in these regions. Monsoon Garbage Thailand raised the alarm through a Facebook post, urging immediate action to prevent the fish from entering Phuket’s ecosystem.

Responding to these concerns, Monsoon Garbage members in Phuket bought 20 kilogrammes of the fish from local markets. They then handed the catch over to Phuket MP Chalermpong Sangdee, who delivered it to the Phuket Provincial Fisheries Office for proper disposal.

Phuket Fisheries Chief Prayot Rattanawan explained that the decision to bury the fish was made to prevent any possibility of them contaminating local waters.

“We were notified by MP Chalermpong that blackchin tilapia were being sold in Phuket.

“The concern is that live fish or fish with viable eggs could be accidentally released into local water bodies, causing ecological harm. We decided to bury the fish to ensure they do not pose a risk to the ecosystem.”

The fish had been imported to Phuket by a vendor from Samut Sakhon, Prayot noted. MP Chalermpong echoed the concerns, emphasising the potential danger to Phuket’s ecosystem. A social media group reported a vendor selling blackchin tilapia at 50 baht per kilogramme in Phuket. The Monsoon Garbage group bought the fish and handed them over to us for destruction as he explained.

Local ecosystem

Thai officials are now urging vendors and residents to avoid importing or consuming blackchin tilapia in Phuket to prevent the species from becoming invasive and disrupting the local ecosystem, said Chalermpong.

“We urge all vendors and residents not to import or consume blackchin tilapia in Phuket, as these fish could become an invasive species and disrupt our local ecosystem. If these fish must be brought in, they should be processed, such as dried or salted, to eliminate any risk.”

In collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, local authorities are working to establish regulations to prevent the import of live or potentially harmful fish species into Phuket. The aim is to ensure that only processed fish products that pose no risk to the local environment are allowed, reported The Phuket News.