Thailand to Unleash Seabass Army on Invasive Fish

SAMUT SAKHON, July 15 (TNA) – In an effort to restore the balance of the ecosystem, Thai authorities will release 90,000 Asian seabass to combat the invasive black-chin tilapia population in local waterways.

The plan will commence on July 18, 2024, with the release of large-sized Asian seabass to prey on the invasive species.

The seabass, known for their predatory nature, will be released in strategic locations throughout Samut Sakhon province, targeting areas where the black-chin tilapia has been causing ecological disruption. The release schedule will begin on July 18 with 30,000 seabass to be released into the Tha Chin River at Wat Kampra in Mueang District. Samut Sakhon Governor Mr. Pol Damtham will preside over the ceremony.

On July 23, 20,000 seabass will be released into the Tha Raeng Canal at Wat Yok Krabaat, in Ban Phaeo District.

July 24, 20,000 seabass will be released into the Damnoen Saduak Canal in front of Ban Phaeo District Office.

July 26, 20,000 seabass will be released into the Phitthayalongkorn Canal in the area of Phanthai Norasing Subdistrict, adjacent to Bang Khun Thian District, Bangkok.

According to the latest data from the Department of Fisheries, the Black Chin Fish (Sorotheodon Melanotheron), an invasive alien species, is currently spreading in 13 coastal provinces along the Gulf of Thailand.

This invasion is impacting the ecosystem and causing significant distress to local residents, as these fish prey on young fish, shrimp larvae, and shellfish, which are important fishing products. Additionally, they have entered farmers’ aquaculture ponds.

The Black Chin Fish can survive in freshwater, saltwater, and brackish water environments and reproduce rapidly, producing over 500 offspring at a time.

In Thailand, the first outbreak of black chin tilapia was detected in Samut Songkhram province around 2012. Subsequently, a more widespread invasion was observed in 2016. (TNA)