Author: Joel Guinto & Jiraporn Sricham

Thailand is facing a monumental challenge with the invasion of the blackchin tilapia, a species that is wreaking havoc on the country’s waterways and economy. Despite efforts to control the spread of this West African fish, it continues to impact 17 provinces, threatening Thailand’s aquaculture products. The government is taking drastic measures, encouraging people to catch the fish and offering monetary rewards. They have even released predators to hunt down the blackchin tilapia. Additionally, plans are underway to release genetically-modified sterile fish to prevent further reproduction. Suspicion falls on a food company, Charoen Pokphand Food (CPF), as the possible cause…