Samut Sakhon: The government is actively monitoring the ongoing efforts to address the black-chinned tilapia issue, with the Samut Sakhon fisheries sector having acquired over 513 tons of the fish. Authorities are urging cooperation from all sectors to effectively eliminate the black-chinned tilapia.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anukul Prueksanusak, deputy government spokesman, announced that the cabinet approved an 'Action Plan to Solve the Problem of the Spread of Black-chinned Tilapia 2024-2027' on August 20, 2024. The Department of Fisheries has been collaborating with the Rubber Authority of Thailand and the Land Development Department to control and eliminate the fish population. This initiative involves purchasing black-chinned tilapia from breeding ponds and natural water sources to produce bio-fermented water. Samut Sakhon Province has been allocated a quota of 750,000 kilograms, valued at 15 million baht, with farmers receiving 15 baht per kilogram and collectors getting an additional 5 baht per kilogram. The project aims for completion by September 2025.
Mr. Anukul detailed the progress in Samut Sakhon Province, which has set up 10 purchasing points to assist farmers, the public, and local fishermen. Currently, 5 of these points have reached their full quota, while 5 remain open for purchasing until the quota is fulfilled as ordered by the Samut Sakhon Provincial Fisheries Office. Personnel from the Provincial and District Fisheries Offices are providing daily fish weighing services, including on public holidays, resulting in 21,767 kilograms of black-chinned tilapia being caught on June 2, 2025. To date, Samut Sakhon has acquired 513,973 kilograms of the fish, with the remainder being sent to Inno Farm in Kanchanaburi Province. There are still 236,027 kilograms left to be purchased under the project.
Mr. Anukul emphasized the government's call for all sectors to contribute to the continuous elimination of black-chinned tilapia. Fish are available for sale at the purchasing points for 15 baht per kilogram until the target of 750,000 kilograms is reached or by September 11, 2025. Interested parties can contact the collectors directly or coordinate with the Samut Sakhon Provincial Fisheries Office for fish harvesting appointments.