Bang saphan: Urgent action is being taken to monitor the situation of the "black-chinned tilapia" off the coast of Bang Saphan. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources has been ordered to expand the survey and implement preventative measures to mitigate the impact on the marine ecosystem.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also the Minister of Interior, prioritizes the prevention and control of the spread of invasive alien species to protect biodiversity and maintain the balance of marine ecosystems. Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr. Suchart Chomklin, has instructed the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) to urgently investigate the facts after receiving a report of a black-chinned tilapia found near the Bang Saphan deep-sea port in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. They are also to quickly assess the situation and determine systematic measures to mitigate any impacts.
The deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office stated that a field inspection of the reported location, which is less than 1 nautical mile from the coast and at a depth of approximately 12 meters, did not find any black-chinned tilapia in the area. However, inquiries with local fishermen and officials revealed that black-chinned tilapia have been inhabiting this coastal area for at least 7 years. Therefore, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources has expanded its survey to four nearby coastal locations.
The survey found black-chinned grouper in three locations and not in one, both in nearshore coral reef areas. The population density of black-chinned grouper in the sample areas averaged 61 individuals per 100 square meters, with an average body length of 13.40 centimeters, an average weight of 68.60 grams, and a maximum weight of 315 grams. Furthermore, it was observed that black-chinned grouper coexist with several local aquatic species, highlighting the need to closely monitor their impact on the marine ecosystem.
The deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office stated that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has instructed the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources to continuously monitor and track the spread of the black-chinned tilapia. The data from the surveys will be used to assess the situation and determine appropriate preventive measures to mitigate the impact on marine resources, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of people in coastal areas.
'The government prioritizes the management of invasive alien species based on scientific data, coupled with integrated cooperation from all sectors, to prevent their spread and reduce their impact on the country's natural resources. We request cooperation from the public and fishermen; if you find black-chinned tilapia or other invasive alien species in coastal areas, please report it to local officials or the Marine and Coastal Resources Protection Hotline 1362, available 24 hours a day, so that relevant agencies can investigate and take action quickly and effectively,' Ms. Lalida said.