The Lawyers Council of Thailand is spearheading the legal action, setting up registration booths for affected fish farmers in Samut Songkhram province. So far, 271 farmers have joined the lawsuit, which aims to seek compensation for losses incurred due to the non-native fish.
Blackchin tilapia has not only displaced native species but also threatens valuable commercial aquatic life. In Phetchaburi, a farmer reported the fish decimated his crab stocks, while fish farms in Nakhon Si Thammarat experienced substantial losses.
Nitthrarat Paetwong, heading the local branch of the Lawyers Council, expects to file the case by Friday. The legal process could take at least six months, with compensation amounts to be determined by the court.
The invasive species' impact extends beyond individual farms, posing a broader threat to Thailand's aquatic ecosystems and fishing industry. This legal action represents a significant step in addressing the environmental and economic consequences of the tilapia invasion.
