Thailand deploys task forces to combat blackchin tilapia in 21 provinces

The Thai government has ordered the establishment of rapid response teams, or task forces, across 21 provinces to combat the spread of invasive blackchin tilapia. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is leading this proactive initiative to protect local ecosystems, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of citizens affected by the infestation.

The strategy includes seven key measures: accelerating the removal of the fish from water sources, releasing predator fish to control populations, processing captured fish into fertilizer or fishmeal to generate income, blocking high-risk areas, engaging community volunteers, utilizing DNA analysis and tracking technology, and restoring ecosystems once control is achieved.

While 70–90 million baht has been planned for the 2027 fiscal year, the expanding scale of the outbreak may necessitate additional funding. The Ministry is discussing a request for approximately 350 million baht from the central budget to ensure comprehensive control and mitigation efforts.