Authorities Search for Black-Chin Tilapia in Pattaya Waters; Fisheries Department Confirms Species Can Survive in Fresh, Brackish, and Saltwater
Black-chin tilapia spotted in Pattaya waters after social media reports prompt authorities to search the area, with officials confirming the invasive species can survive in multiple water types and poses ecological risks.
Following reports of black-chin tilapia sightings in Pattaya waters after video footage circulated on social media and local fishermen reported the discovery, relevant agencies coordinated with the Chonburi Provincial Fisheries Office to conduct urgent fieldwork.
On May 14, 2569, at 2 p.m., Nattapong Wannapat, director of the Chonburi Provincial Fisheries Office, led a team to Pattaya Beach where the fish were reported. They interviewed Sart, 40, who recorded the footage and caught dozens of kilograms of the fish. Sart reported seeing schools of black-chin tilapia swimming together for several consecutive days and pointed out the exact location for officers to investigate.
Officials surveyed the beachfront areas, drainage points, and conducted boat inspections around Cape Bali Hai using nets and fishing lines at multiple locations, but found no additional black-chin tilapia—only common fish species and marine life.
Though daytime surveys found no additional fish, Nattapong confirmed the nighttime video evidence definitively showed black-chin tilapia. He theorized their appearance may be linked to heavy rainfall that flushed water from canals and brackish areas into the sea, carrying schools of fish toward shore. "Black-chin tilapia can survive in fresh, brackish, and saltwater environments, but their ideal habitat is brackish areas near canal mouths, which represents a high-risk zone for spread," Nattapong stated.
The species has been reported across multiple Chonburi locations including Muang, Sri Racha, Bang Lamung, Pattaya, and Sattahip districts, with highest concentrations near Bang Lamung canal mouths and Tambon Samruk.
The Fisheries Department classified black-chin tilapia as an invasive species with potential ecological impacts, as they are predators of small aquatic animals that could disrupt the natural food chain. Continuous monitoring and removal measures are necessary.
For management, small populations may be removed directly from water bodies, but widespread occurrences require assessment with local fishermen. Nattapong emphasized the fish is safe for human consumption and can be processed or used as aquaculture feed, provided they are completely killed beforehand to prevent natural population spread.
Authorities will continue close monitoring and coordinate with local fishermen. If outbreaks increase, control measures will be accelerated immediately to protect Pattaya's long-term marine and coastal resources.
