Fisheries Department Finds No Black-Chin Fish at Lam Pao Dam
Fisheries officials found no black-chin fish at Lam Pao Dam in Kalasin province despite inspecting nearly 100 nets, though monitoring will continue for two weeks amid warnings against illegally introducing the invasive species.
The Department of Fisheries released preliminary inspection results from Lam Pao Dam in Kalasin province on the morning of September 4, 2026, finding no outbreak of black-chin fish. However, officials and local fishing networks confirmed they will maintain continuous monitoring. Local fishermen and department staff recovered fishing nets that had been set since the previous evening in the area where fishermen reported seeing fish resembling black-chin fish. Nearly 100 trap nets and lifting equipment were inspected, with most catches identified as tilapia and native fish species. Follow-up net inspections are scheduled for the next two weeks.
Somchai Thonghul, director of the Khon Kaen Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center, confirmed that no black-chin fish were found despite the use of traps, lifting equipment, and nets. He urged local fishermen to remain vigilant and report any sightings immediately to provincial fisheries officials. Boonthong Phaocheroen, Kalasin provincial fisheries officer, stated that although no fish were found, the office will continue monitoring but asked social media users to refrain from bringing black-chin fish from elsewhere into Lam Pao Dam for content creation. Such actions violate the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry's 2564 announcement banning black-chin fish breeding, with penalties of up to one year imprisonment or one million baht in fines, or both. Releasing such fish into natural waters carries penalties of up to two years imprisonment or two million baht in fines, or both.
The local fishing network at Lam Pao Dam, with over 100 members, acknowledged the negative result but remains cautious. They pledged to cooperate closely with provincial fisheries officials to prevent the spread of invasive species that could harm local ecosystems and native fish populations. Officials will compile findings for submission to the Department of Fisheries and continue monitoring efforts to assure the public.
