The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is intensifying control over alien aquatic species, monitoring black chin tilapia and red claw crayfish nationwide, and advancing measures to reduce ecological impacts.
Mr. Kritchon Ayyapanya, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, stated that due to the spread of alien aquatic animals potentially affecting ecosystems in various areas, the ministry and all relevant agencies have been closely monitoring the situation following complaints about the presence of black chin tilapia in Samut Songkhram Province and the detection of red claw crayfish in Kwan Phayao.
He confirmed that the ministry has been continuously tracking both cases. The Department of Fisheries has conducted field inspections at reported locations, compiling data and situation reports to analyze and establish appropriate corrective measures.
Regarding the black chin tilapia in Samut Songkhram, the Department of Fisheries is carrying out ongoing control and eradication measures involving millions of tons to reduce impacts on native aquatic animals and ecosystems. Concurrently, it promotes economic use such as processing into animal feed and fishmeal, including purchasing to help reduce natural populations. For the red claw crayfish in Kwan Phayao, the Phayao Provincial Fisheries Office is monitoring and surveying population size and spread to devise suitable management plans to minimize risks to biodiversity and preserve long-term fishery resource health.
Mr. Kritchon added that the ministry has instructed all agencies to act proactively, swiftly, and continuously, prioritizing farmers' interests. They are integrating cooperation with local authorities, academic institutions, the private sector, and communities to effectively prevent and resolve alien aquatic animal issues.
He also requested public and fishermen cooperation by refraining from releasing alien aquatic species into natural water bodies and by collectively removing captured alien species from ecosystems to reduce their spread and impacts on the country's aquatic resources.
"The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives prioritizes protecting natural resources, food security, and farmers' interests. All issues affecting ecosystems and people's livelihoods are continuously monitored and managed to achieve tangible and sustainable results," Mr. Kritchon said.
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