Thailand is currently grappling with an invasive species, the blackchin tilapia, which has infested 19 provinces and is projected to cost the economy approximately 10 billion baht (US$293 million). This species, native to West Africa, was first discovered in Thailand in 2010 and has spread rapidly since its significant proliferation in 2018. The government has declared the eradication of this invasive fish a national priority [cbb58677].
Since February 2024, Thai authorities have successfully caught over 1.3 million kilograms of blackchin tilapia. In an effort to control the population, the government is promoting the consumption of tilapia and offering incentives of 15 baht (US$0.42) per kilogram for catches. Additionally, predator species are being released into affected waters, and genetically modified tilapia are being developed to produce sterile offspring, further aiming to mitigate the infestation [cbb58677].
A parliamentary investigation is currently underway to determine how the blackchin tilapia arrived in Thailand, as its rapid spread poses significant threats not only to local fisheries but also to the broader ecological balance in the region [cbb58677]. This situation highlights the complex interplay between invasive species and economic stability, as well as the urgent need for effective environmental management strategies in Thailand [cbb58677].