The government has approved 350 million baht in remaining central funds to combat the spread of blackchin tilapia, following concerns about the species spreading into freshwater sources in the Northeast.
Deputy Agriculture Minister Watcharaphon Khaokham, director of the Centre for Monitoring and Resolving the Spread of Blackchin Tilapia, said the funds came from the 450-million-baht budget allocated in 2024. The money will support efforts to tackle the spread of the invasive species, which has been a problem for at least two years and has recently worsened in the Northeast.
Six Department of Fisheries measures will be reintroduced under the initiative, Mr Watcharaphon said, citing their effectiveness in addressing the spread. The measures are removing blackchin tilapia from waterways, releasing predator fish, finding commercial uses for the species, monitoring high-risk areas, applying DNA analysis and tracking systems, and restoring habitats.
He said the budget would ensure continuity for the measures and maximise their effectiveness.
Mr Watcharaphon said the steps would help contain the spread as quickly as possible, citing a recent Administrative Court ruling ordering agencies to address the issue within 180 days.
He said he would visit Lam Pao Dam in Kalasin this week to investigate reports of blackchin tilapia in the area, where 12 more fish were found on Monday.
Mr Watcharaphon said the ministry had worked with 29 state agencies on an initial species-control plan for the region.
The agencies included the Defence Ministry, Royal Thai Police and Department of Corrections, which would provide personnel support, as well as the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, which would assist the Department of Fisheries through local administrative mechanisms.
He said he had also discussed possible legal charges with the Department of Fisheries’ legal division against those involved in the spread of the species in Kalasin.
The department was ordered to conduct an investigation while strictly following the court’s directive, with deadlines of 30, 60 and 180 days.