Bangkok: The Department of Fisheries has announced an extension to the grace period for using push nets to eliminate black chin tilapia, shifting the original expiration from December 31, 2024, to a new period between January 1 and September 30, 2025. This measure aims to control the spread of the invasive species and alleviate the impact on farmers and communities in affected areas. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Bancha Sukkaew, Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, emphasized the urgency of controlling the black chin tilapia outbreaks. The department has established criteria for granting permission to use push nets specifically in local and freshwater fisheries where these outbreaks occur. The push nets allowed under this directive must be used on boats weighing no more than 3 gross tons. The nets themselves must adhere to strict specifications, including a maximum length of 16 meters, a mesh size of no less than 3 centimeters, and weighting mechanisms that exclude chains. The usage of pus h nets will be closely monitored, with operations requiring the supervision of officials designated by provincial governors. Additionally, provincial fisheries committees are tasked with reporting the results of push net usage to the Fisheries Department within 30 days of the permission period's conclusion. The Department of Fisheries underscores the significance of this relaxation measure, highlighting its role in mitigating the ecological impacts caused by the black chin tilapia. The species continues to disrupt local aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems, necessitating ongoing elimination efforts. Past initiatives by the department have included various activities, such as promoting the processing of black chin tilapia into food products and releasing predatory fish like eel, catfish, snakehead fish, and white sea bass to naturally control the tilapia population. To date, approximately 694,850 predatory fish have been released in affected areas. Looking ahead to 2025, the department plans to continue its efforts by incorporating lessons from the Ten-and-One project, which involved returning a portion of sea bass to natural water sources to aid in tilapia elimination. The department remains optimistic that these measures will effectively manage the tilapia problem, alleviate hardships faced by fishermen, and contribute to the restoration of aquatic resources and ecosystem balance.
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