Nonthaburi begins to eradicate black-chinned tilapia! Ready to release predators to restore the ecosystem
Nonthaburi joins forces to catch 10-20 kilograms of black-chinned tilapia for consumption, hoping to defeat the black-chinned tilapia and release predatory fish to restore the ecosystem.
Nonthaburi Province and the Department of Fisheries are integrating public, private and community cooperation to eliminate black-chinned tilapia, which supports public participation in catching black-chinned tilapia for cooking every day, approximately 10-20 kilograms per day, in accordance with urgent measures to solve the problem, including:
1. Control and eradication in all water sources where outbreaks are found
2. Release predatory fish such as sea bass, eel, snakehead fish, and striped catfish, etc.
3. Remove black-chinned tilapia from the ecosystem for maximum benefit
4. Survey and monitor the spread in natural water sources
5. Public relations to raise awareness among all sectors
In catching the black-chinned tilapia and releasing the predatory fish this time, we received fishing equipment from Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CPF) and received a budget to procure predatory fish from Nonthaburi Province and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. So far, 128,000 predatory fish have been released into 2 canals to maintain the ecological balance. We have also collaborated with community leaders to find ways to increase the benefits of the black-chinned tilapia, such as using it to make fermented fish.
Mrs. Wiraphan Kaewphiewphen, Deputy Governor of Nonthaburi Province, said, “Nonthaburi Province places importance on controlling and eliminating the black-chinned tilapia intensively, using cooperation from all sectors, including the government sector, local administrative organizations, and the private sector, such as the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF), community leaders, and villagers to control and eliminate the black-chinned tilapia in every canal.”
And recently, on October 18, 2014, Nonthaburi Province organized an activity to release 58,000 predatory fish (meat-eating fish) into Khlong Bang Khu Wiang in Bang Kruai District to control black-chinned tilapia. This is considered the second time that the release of predatory fish has been organized. The first time, a total of 70,000 predatory fish were released into Khlong Plai Bang in September.
Currently, about 10-20 kilograms of black-chinned tilapia are being removed from canals in Nonthaburi Province per day. After being caught, they are consumed in households and fermented with fermented fish sauce. After this, Nonthaburi Province will continue to eliminate black-chinned tilapia, following the Fisheries Department’s measures that focus on community participation: “If you find one, report it, and catch it.” If you find a black-chinned tilapia, immediately notify the authorities and help catch it from the water source without waiting. There is also a plan to release predatory fish in every canal. We will communicate and ask for cooperation from the community to not catch predatory fish for a period of 2 months so that we can eliminate all small black-chinned tilapia.
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