Phuket Authorities Destroy Fish to Stop Threat from Blackchin Tilapia

[snoop1130]

 

The potential threat of blackchin tilapia invading the waters of Phuket has prompted the destruction of 20 kilograms of the fish from local markets. An environmental group, Monsoon Garbage Thailand, was behind this initiative. They acted to minimize the ecological risk the fish could pose if it became a part of the island's water ecosystem.

 

Blackchin tilapia, originally a coastal West African species, was introduced to areas like Asia and North America. Now, it's seen as an invasive species in these regions. Monsoon Garbage Thailand sounded the alarm about this species through a Facebook post, calling for quick measures to stop it from infiltrating Phuket’s ecosystem.

 

Phuket's Monsoon Garbage members decided to act on this concern by purchasing 20 kilograms of the fish from local markets. Then, they handed over the fish to Phuket MP Chalermpong Sangdee, who in turn, delivered it to the Phuket Provincial Fisheries Office for safe disposal.

 

The Principal of Phuket Fisheries, Prayot Rattanawan, stated that burying the fish was the chosen method of disposal in order to avoid any chance of contaminating the local waters. He mentioned that the fish were imported by a vendor from Samut Sakhon.

 

 

Chalermpong Sangdee, the local MP, echoed these concerns, stressing on the possible risk to Phuket’s ecosystem. A social media post revealed a vendor in Phuket selling blackchin tilapia at 50 baht per kilogram. As a result, the Monsoon Garbage group decided to purchase and handover the fish for destruction.

 

Chinese officials are now advising sellers and residents to refrain from importing or eating blackchin tilapia in Phuket. The goal is to prevent the fish from becoming invasive and upsetting the local ecosystem, said Chalermpong.

 

Chalermpong urged sellers and local residents to avoid importing or consuming blackchin tilapia in Phuket. He added that if the fish must be brought in, it should be processed by drying or salting to eliminate any potential risk.

 

In order to prevent the importation of live or potentially harmful fish species into Phuket, local authorities are collaborating with the Department of Fisheries to establish regulations. The ultimate goal is to allow only processed fish products that pose no threat to the local environment.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-07-30

 

 

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[Tropicalevo]

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