Kalasin Intensifies Lam Pao Dam Checks, No Black Chin Tilapia Found

Initial investigations at Lam Pao Dam in Kalasin province, Thailand, have not confirmed the presence of the invasive Black Chin Tilapia (*Tilapia guineensis*), which had raised concerns about its potential spread. However, local authorities and fishery officials are maintaining a vigilant stance. The Department of Fisheries, in collaboration with the local community fishing network, conducted operations to retrieve fish nets set up in the days prior. This action was prompted by reports from some fishermen who claimed to have observed fish resembling the Black Chin Tilapia in the dam's waters, particularly in the Loop Chan area of Ban Na Uan, Nong Sung Subdistrict. Analysis of fish caught in these nets, as well as those captured using traps (lob) and lift nets (yoh-sadung) by fishermen, revealed that the majority were Nile tilapia and native Thai fish species. The Department of Fisheries plans to conduct further investigations by deploying nets again in approximately two weeks. Mr. Somsak Thonghul, Director of the Khon Kaen Inland Fisheries Research and Development Center, stated that while the Black Chin Tilapia has not yet been found, he has requested cooperation from fishermen in the Lam Pao Dam area to promptly report any sightings of fish with similar characteristics to the provincial fisheries office. Mr. Boonthong Paojaroen, the Kalasin Provincial Fisheries Officer, emphasized that continuous monitoring will be maintained despite the absence of confirmed sightings. He also urged social media users to refrain from bringing Black Chin Tilapia from other areas into the Lam Pao Dam for content creation. Such actions could violate the Ministerial Regulation on the Prohibition of Aquaculture of Certain Aquatic Animals in the Kingdom B.E. 2564 (2021), which prohibits the farming of Black Chin Tilapia. Violators could face imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to one million baht, or both, under Section 144 of the Fisheries Act B.E. 2558 (2015). Furthermore, releasing such fish into natural water bodies carries a penalty of up to two years imprisonment or a fine of up to two million baht, or both. The community fishing network of Lam Pao Dam, comprising over 100 members, stated that even though the Black Chin Tilapia was not found in this inspection, they remain cautious. They are committed to cooperating closely with the Kalasin Provincial Fisheries Office to monitor the situation and prevent the spread of non-native species that could impact the local ecosystem and native fish populations. The authorities will compile the findings from this investigation to report to the Department of Fisheries and will continue ongoing surveillance to ensure the confidence of the local populace. Source: INN News