Black-Chin Tilapia Sightings Surge to 111 Fish in Kalasin
Black-chin tilapia sightings in Kalasin's Pao River watershed have surged to 111 fish since late August, prompting authorities to urge residents to report catches and prevent the invasive species from spreading into critical irrigation syst
Following the closure of water gates at Lam Pao Dam in Kalasin during the late rainy season, large numbers of residents from multiple districts have gathered to fish using traditional nets and traps in the spillway area and Pao River. Most of the catch comprises native species including tilapia, catfish, and snakehead, which locals process and sell as food. Many fishermen hoped to find black-chin tilapia believed to be spreading upstream, but instead caught only native tilapia with similar markings. Jantiree Paphirom, 57, a fisherman from Saad Na Thom subdistrict in Muang district, explained that she and neighbors from several districts fish annually when water levels drop, making it easier to catch fish in shallow areas and rocky crevices. However, this year's catch is smaller than previous years, possibly due to increased fishing pressure, insufficient rainfall reducing water flow, or predation by invasive species like snakehead. Jantiree suggested that the previously reported 101 fish found from Udon Thani's Wang Sam Mor district to Nong Kung Sri district may represent only part of the population, as she believes the black-chin tilapia breed during the protected spawning season between mid-May and mid-August each year. While concerned about the species' ecological impact, she notes that if abundant, locals could process them into dried fish or fish sauce for household income. A Kalasin fishing community line group reported 10 additional black-chin tilapia: five caught at Ban Kham Khuean in Sam Chai district and five at Ban Na Uan in Nong Kung Sri district, bringing the cumulative total from August 31 to September 21 to 111 fish. Provincial fisheries officials continue raising awareness about distinguishing black-chin tilapia from native tilapia and urge residents and fishermen to report sightings for daily monitoring and population control planning. Authorities are particularly concerned about preventing the species from spreading into the Pao and Chi rivers, which supply irrigation systems across multiple districts, and the Kalasin provincial administration is coordinating alerts throughout the watershed.
