PATTAYA, Thailand – Local authorities and fishermen have raised alarms after a large number of invasive Blackchin tilapia were discovered along the coastline of the popular resort city of Pattaya in Chonburi province. The discovery gained public attention after a video posted by “Tart Channel,” a local fishing YouTuber, went viral. The footage showed a cast net pulling up a significant quantity of the invasive species instead of local fish. He expressed deep concern over how the species survived in seawater and its potential impact on the marine ecosystem.
In response, Banglamung district fisheries officials inspected the area, particularly around the Naklua fish market bridge. While officials did not catch any fish during the immediate inspection, long-time local residents confirmed this was the first time in over a decade they had seen the species appearing in large schools in the open sea. “We are monitoring the situation closely,” said Mayuree Na Phatthalung, a Banglamung fisheries official. “While we did not see them today, we urge the public and fishermen to remove any Blackchin tilapia they find. They are safe for consumption and can be processed into food, but they must never be released back into the water.”
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has since ordered an urgent investigation into the incident. Deputy Minister Watcharaphol Khaokham expressed serious concern regarding the threat to local biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal fishermen. (TNA)
