Thailand Allocates Additional Funds to Combat Invasive Blackchin Tilapia
A budget of 98.4 million baht is approved to eliminate 3,000 tonnes of the adaptive fish species as part of a comprehensive framework spanning from 2024 to 2027.
The Thai government has approved a budget of 98.4 million baht to combat the invasive blackchin tilapia, aiming to eliminate an additional 3,000 tonnes of this species.
This financial allocation forms a part of a broader 450-million-baht framework established for the years 2024 to 2027, which was sanctioned by the cabinet in July 2024.
According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Akkhara Prompow, the initiative includes a 60-million-baht budget dedicated to purchasing 3 million kilograms of blackchin tilapia at 20 baht per kilogram for purposes of bio-fermentation and processing.
Moreover, approximately 10.5 million baht from the budget will be allocated for managing the use of tea waste aimed at eradicating 35,000 kilograms of blackchin tilapia in farming areas.
An additional 3 million baht is earmarked to support the release of 300,000 predatory fish to help control the blackchin tilapia population.
The proposed expenditures also include 22 million baht designated for the production of 3.2 million litres of bio-fermented liquid derived from captured blackchin tilapia, alongside another 3 million baht intended for providing farmers with necessary tools to address the invasive fish issue.
The Department of Fisheries has established 86 collection points for the fish prior to commencing efforts to restore and diversify affected ecosystems.
Since the inception of the blackchin tilapia framework in 2024, efforts have resulted in the removal of 3.7 million kilograms of the species from natural water bodies and farm ponds.
Additionally, over 743,000 predatory fish have been released as part of these population control measures, and the processing of blackchin tilapia meat for various food products has been initiated.
The ongoing projects also focus on enhancing public awareness regarding the issue and supporting research on sterilization and control methods, as well as restoring ecosystems by breeding and introducing a variety of aquatic species.
Mr. Akkhara indicated that, to date, there are no provinces reporting a 'high' population level of blackchin tilapia, defined as 100 fish per 100 square metres.
Currently, five provinces are classified as having a 'mid-tier' population level ranging from 11 to 100 fish per 100 square metres, while 11 provinces fall under a 'low' level, with just 1 to 10 fish per 100 square metres.
Notably, Bangkok has reported a 'mid-tier' level as of July 2024, indicating a positive trend in the management of the species.
In addition, the Department of Fisheries is working on implementing compensation schemes for farmers impacted by the presence of the invasive blackchin tilapia.
This financial allocation forms a part of a broader 450-million-baht framework established for the years 2024 to 2027, which was sanctioned by the cabinet in July 2024.
According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Akkhara Prompow, the initiative includes a 60-million-baht budget dedicated to purchasing 3 million kilograms of blackchin tilapia at 20 baht per kilogram for purposes of bio-fermentation and processing.
Moreover, approximately 10.5 million baht from the budget will be allocated for managing the use of tea waste aimed at eradicating 35,000 kilograms of blackchin tilapia in farming areas.
An additional 3 million baht is earmarked to support the release of 300,000 predatory fish to help control the blackchin tilapia population.
The proposed expenditures also include 22 million baht designated for the production of 3.2 million litres of bio-fermented liquid derived from captured blackchin tilapia, alongside another 3 million baht intended for providing farmers with necessary tools to address the invasive fish issue.
The Department of Fisheries has established 86 collection points for the fish prior to commencing efforts to restore and diversify affected ecosystems.
Since the inception of the blackchin tilapia framework in 2024, efforts have resulted in the removal of 3.7 million kilograms of the species from natural water bodies and farm ponds.
Additionally, over 743,000 predatory fish have been released as part of these population control measures, and the processing of blackchin tilapia meat for various food products has been initiated.
The ongoing projects also focus on enhancing public awareness regarding the issue and supporting research on sterilization and control methods, as well as restoring ecosystems by breeding and introducing a variety of aquatic species.
Mr. Akkhara indicated that, to date, there are no provinces reporting a 'high' population level of blackchin tilapia, defined as 100 fish per 100 square metres.
Currently, five provinces are classified as having a 'mid-tier' population level ranging from 11 to 100 fish per 100 square metres, while 11 provinces fall under a 'low' level, with just 1 to 10 fish per 100 square metres.
Notably, Bangkok has reported a 'mid-tier' level as of July 2024, indicating a positive trend in the management of the species.
In addition, the Department of Fisheries is working on implementing compensation schemes for farmers impacted by the presence of the invasive blackchin tilapia.
