Thai legal action planned over invasive fish species

By Candice Kim Posted : August 12, 2024, 15:53 Updated : August 12, 2024, 15:53
This photo shows the tilapia fish Getty Images Bank
This photo shows the tilapia fish. Getty Images Bank
SEOUL, August 12 (AJU PRESS) - Lawyers in Thailand are preparing to file a lawsuit against private companies and government agencies responsible for the unchecked spread of blackchin tilapia, said The Bangkok Post. This invasive species from West Africa has rapidly proliferated in Thai waterways, causing significant ecological and economic damage.

The Lawyers Council of Thailand is spearheading the legal action, setting up registration booths for affected fish farmers in Samut Songkhram province. So far, 271 farmers have joined the lawsuit, which aims to seek compensation for losses incurred due to the non-native fish.

Blackchin tilapia has not only displaced native species but also threatens valuable commercial aquatic life. In Phetchaburi, a farmer reported the fish decimated his crab stocks, while fish farms in Nakhon Si Thammarat experienced substantial losses.

Nitthrarat Paetwong, heading the local branch of the Lawyers Council, expects to file the case by Friday. The legal process could take at least six months, with compensation amounts to be determined by the court.

The invasive species' impact extends beyond individual farms, posing a broader threat to Thailand's aquatic ecosystems and fishing industry. This legal action represents a significant step in addressing the environmental and economic consequences of the tilapia invasion.
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