PHETCHABURI, Feb 5 (TNA) – Thailand’s Department of Fisheries has launched a groundbreaking genetic control program for the invasive blackchin tilapia, releasing sterile specimens in a controlled trial.
The department’s researchers have successfully developed a genetic modification technique to control the population of this invasive species by altering its chromosomes. Under the plan, the sterile fish will be released into natural waters.
Department of Fisheries Director-General Bancha Sukkaew announced that researchers at the Phetchaburi Aquatic Animal Genetics Research and Development Center have achieved a breakthrough in inducing tetraploid (4n) chromosomes in male blackchin tilapia fish (Sarotherodon melanotheron). This scientific advancement is part of ongoing efforts to control and eliminate the invasive species.
The technique involves modifying the fish’s natural diploid (2n) chromosome set to create tetraploid (4n) males.
When these modified males mate with natural diploid females in the wild, their offspring will have triploid (3n) chromosomes, rendering them sterile and unable to reproduce.
In a parallel initiative, the department also distributed Asian seabass fingerlings, a natural predator fish, to local farmers. These predator fish will be released into natural water bodies and affected ponds as an additional measure to control the blackchin tilapia population in Phetchaburi province. -819 (TNA)
