Law
Black-chinned Tilapia Sightings Reported in Kalasin's Lam Pao Dam
Local fishermen in Kalasin province have discovered two fish suspected to be the invasive black-chinned tilapia in Lam Pao Dam, prompting an official investigation.
On September 9, 2026, Khaosod Online reported that fishermen in Nong Suang sub-district, Kalasin province, captured two fish in the Lam Pao Dam that they suspect are the invasive black-chinned tilapia. The specimens have been handed over to provincial fisheries officials for formal identification.
The discovery has raised concerns among local residents regarding the potential impact on the regional ecosystem and the local aquaculture industry, particularly for those farming giant freshwater prawns and cage-raised fish. One fisherman noted that while he is not personally concerned about the fish as a food source, he acknowledges the potential threat to the local aquatic economy.
Questions remain regarding how the species reached the dam, as the reservoir's water source, the Lam Phanchat reservoir in Udon Thani, has not reported similar sightings. This geographical disconnect has led to speculation about how the fish arrived in the area, with some locals questioning if they were intentionally released. As of now, the provincial fisheries department is conducting an urgent inspection to confirm the species and determine the next steps for managing the situation. For residents and visitors, this serves as a developing environmental story that may influence local fishing regulations or water management policies in the near future.
