Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) has confirmed that it fully complied with all biosafety measures regarding the Blackchin tilapia research project in Thailand. The fish were imported legally for research purposes, but due to a high mortality rate during the quarantine period, all of the fish died within 16 days. Following strict biosecurity protocols, the remaining fish were properly terminated. Consequently, the research project never advanced beyond its initial stages.
Chief Executive Officer Prasit Boondoungprasert clarified that CP Foods played no role in the spread of this species. The situation arose from a research project initiated by CP Foods, which aimed to enhance the Nile tilapia breed and reduce inbreeding. In 2006, the company decided to import Blackchin tilapia, scientifically known as Sarotherodon melanotheron, from Ghana. A shipment of 2,000 fry, each weighing 1 gram, arrived in 2010. These fry were intended for research purposes, specifically to improve the genetic diversity of tilapia in Thailand and mitigate inbreeding within the species.
Mr. Prasit reassured all import process and legally and following biosecurity standard of Institutional Biosafety Committee(IBC), the fish were subjected to standard quarantine procedures. However, the lengthy journey has caused more than 70% of the fry had already perished. The surviving 600 fish were then placed in a cement pond according to quarantine regulations with an 8-ton water capacity at CP Foods’ Yisan farm, Samut Songkhram Province. and survive only 16 days. Consequently, the research project was discontinued early on and did not advance beyond the preliminary phase.
“Despite these precautions, the project encountered significant challenges. The high mortality rate among the fry during quarantine rendered the sample size insufficient for meaningful research, leading to the termination of the project.” Prasit said.
CP Foods promptly sought and received approval from the Department of Fisheries to destroy the remaining fry, ensuring that all biosecurity measures were followed. The fish carcasses were subsequently handed over to the department for proper disposal, including the use of concentrated chlorine to prevent any contamination.
“The quarantine’s failure to yield viable results negated the need to continue the research,” Prasit addressed, adding that the compliance issues raised concerning the project’s adherence to import conditions set by IBC. As a result, the Department of Fisheries was notified in January 2011, marking the official end of the project. Additionally, due to the weakened condition of the fry, fin sample collection for species identification was deemed unfeasible, a task the Department of Fisheries handled directly on-site.
Additional clarification was provided concerning later research findings. A 2020 study by the Department of Fisheries revealed that Blackchin tilapia in Thailand could be classified into two subgroups with notable genetic differences. The study found distinct DNA variations between Blackchin tilapia found in Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Phetchaburi and Chumphon provinces, compared to those found in Prasae, Rayong Province.
However, a 2022 study, which employed different methodologies, suggested that the fish likely originated from a single source, with minimal genetic variation linked to geographic distance. This discrepancy points to human activity, possibly illegal breeding or use as bait, as a potential factor in the species’ distribution across Thailand.
Mr. Prasit also addressed the issue of distorted news, emphasizing CP Foods’ strong commitment to protecting its integrity. He highlighted several instances where false images and misleading information had been circulated, including manipulated aerial photos of the Yisan Farm and deceptive images falsely claiming to show blackchin tilapia breeding activities.
It is important to note that, according to a report by the Department of Fisheries, 11 companies exported Sarotherodon melanotheron as an exotic species, with a total of 320,000 fish sent to 17 countries between 2013 and 2016.
“CP Foods had fully complied with all regulatory requirements and stated that the company would take necessary legal action against any false claims that misrepresent its practices.” Prasit said.
