Blackchin Tilapia Infestation Reported in Chonburi Waters

On August 12, 2026, a local fisherman named Natthakorn Suea-iam, known as 'Tai Nut,' encountered a significant infestation of blackchin tilapia while fishing near the Rong Po beach area in Bang Lamung, Chonburi. According to a report by Khaosod Online, the fisherman had set out to catch mullet for his family but instead retrieved over 200 kilograms of the invasive blackchin tilapia. Notably, no other fish species were found in his nets.

Natthakorn shared a video of the incident on social media, which quickly drew attention from local residents concerned about the impact of this invasive species on the coastal ecosystem. The discovery has sparked anxiety among the local fishing community, who fear that the rapid spread of these fish could disrupt native marine life and local food sources.

For residents and visitors in the Bang Lamung area, this event highlights the ongoing challenges posed by the blackchin tilapia, which has been identified as a threat to Thailand's aquatic biodiversity. While the fisherman’s catch provides clear evidence of the species' presence in these waters, the full extent of the infestation in the Rong Po bay remains to be confirmed by official environmental authorities. Local residents are calling for urgent inspections to assess the situation and determine potential mitigation strategies to protect the local marine environment.