Thailand’s Civil Society Demands Accountability for Blackchin Tilapia Invasion and Environmental Damage

(CTN News) – Civil society groups are demanding that the government investigate who is to blame for the spread of blackchin tilapia, an invasive fish species that has wreaked havoc on local species.

The fact that the fish were allowed to spread indicates that the government failed to take legal action against the wrongdoers, said Withoon Lienchamroon, director of the BioThai Foundation, on Friday. He made the remarks at a conference called “Natural disaster from blackchin tilapia” hosted by the foundation and its allies.

Mr Withoon stated that in 2010, Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) bought 2,000 blackchin tilapia from Ghana for research and development at its breeding facility in Tambon Yisan, Amphawa district, Samut Songkhram province.

The company stated that all of the imported fish died within three weeks of arrival in Thailand, but two years later, locals reported discovering them in Khlong Don Chan, Khlong Luang, and Khlong Somboon near the company’s breeding facility, he added.

Today, the fish has expanded to 17 provinces across the Central and Southern regions.

The Department of Fisheries approved only one company to import the fish.

Financial Losses Due to Blackchin Tilapia

Meanwhile, the same department’s investigation on the “Origin and Distribution of Invasive Blackchin Tilapia on the Coastal Area of Thailand” revealed a genetic link between the more recently discovered fish, according to Mr Withoon.

“It’s clear who should bear blame. But we have not seen the appropriate action from the firm,” he stated.

“The government has been spending taxpayer money to deal with this issue, which is unfair to us. We need to see the law implemented against the culprit.”

Surachai Trongngam, EnLaw’s secretary-general, urged that the department adhere to the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act BE 2535.

Section 97 requires the polluter to accept responsibility for any environmental damage caused by their conduct. The department may face misconduct charges.

According to the authorities, aquatic farms in Samut Songkram and Phetchaburi lost 350 million baht in 2018 due to alien species.

The Lawyers Council of Thailand plans to submit a complaint against CPF and the department.

Source: Bangkok Post