1 million fish released in Surat Thani

BANGKOK, 16 September 2016 (NNT) - One million fish have been released into a river in Surat Thani province by the Provincial Fisheries Office in an attempt to restore fish species in the wild.

The fish were released during a ceremony held in Poon Pin district. The ceremony was taken part by district chief Jarae Kwankerd, officials from the Office of Provincial Fisheries, local administrative officers and local residents.

Mr. Jarae said the introduction of advanced fishing equipment and the release of wastewater into waterways have led to the decline in certain fish species, adding that some species have already become extinct.

The event was held prior to National Fisheries Day on September 21 to mark the need to preserve marine species. One million barb and tilapia were released into the river in a hope of increasing their numbers in their natural habitats.

Local residents have also been asked to refrain from fishing on the upcoming National Fisheries Day.

National News Bureau Of Thailand | 1 million fish released in Surat Thani

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One million fish have been released into a river in Surat Thani province

Local residents have also been asked to refrain from fishing on the upcoming National Fisheries Day.

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The temptation must be huge, but I suppose by fishing the day before and the day after National Fisheries Day, they can satisfy everyone. :biggrin:

Surprised to read tilapia are being released into rivers here. I thought they are an invasive species anywhere outside Africa.

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Originally Posted by misskit

Surprised to read tilapia are being released into rivers here. I thought they are an invasive species anywhere outside Africa.

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Probably hadn't read the label on the box correctly. :)

Prompted by this (Japanese-funded) initiative perhaps?
Thailand hosts ASEAN-SEAFDEC cooperative forum and joins hands with other countries in developing Joint Declaration to combat IUU fishing and enhance sustainable fisheries development in the region - SEAFDEC

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emerging international requirements

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Originally Posted by misskit

the need to preserve marine species. One million barb and tilapia were released into the river in a hope of increasing their numbers in their natural habitats.

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Whoops....

Surely there are actually no native species of the Cichlid family in east Asia, never mind Thailand.
Common Tilapia - Oreochromis mossambicus

Some "barbs" are native though:
Barb, Hampala - Fishsiam

One can never be too sure about the degree of Thai stupidity but might one assume they have now curtailed the practice of permitting waste water to drain into the rivers?

1 million fish released

A slow day in my condom