Central Administrative Court Orders Immediate Action on Black-Chinned Tilapia Outbreak

Bangkok: The Central Administrative Court has mandated the Department of Fisheries to take decisive action in controlling the black-chinned tilapia issue, emphasizing a structured plan from 2024 to 2027. This directive includes necessary measures to manage the problem within a 180-day timeframe, with oversight from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.According to Thai News Agency, the court's decision is part of a judgment involving Mr. Nattaporn Laklaem and 54 others against the Department of Fisheries and other entities, including Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) as an intervenor. The ruling highlighted the Department of Fisheries' failure to manage the import and research of black-chinned tilapia, which has negatively impacted native species.The court found that the Department of Fisheries neglected its duty by not controlling the research related to the imported exotic species, leading to an outbreak between 2012 and 2016. Despite efforts to address the situation with a com prehensive action plan, the court insists on continued responsibility until the ecosystem reaches a state of balance.The court's ruling requires the Department of Fisheries to enforce control and prevention measures in alignment with the 2024-2027 plan. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is tasked with providing the necessary resources to ensure the objectives are met within 180 days.Additionally, the court addressed the need for emergency disaster relief in affected areas. It instructed the Minister of Interior to direct the Governor of Samut Songkhram to declare certain districts as disaster relief zones to aid victims, including the 54 plaintiffs, within 90 days.Regarding compensation from CPF for damages, the court concluded that such measures would not resolve the plaintiffs' distress, dismissing their right to sue in this context. The judgment outlines specific duties for various government officials while dismissing cases against certain defendants and rejecting other requests.