Eating invasive species is an increasingly viable option to help get troublesome plant and animal proliferation under control.
In Thailand, the government has realized it can solve two problems in one swoop by serving up invasive blackchin tilapia to prison inmates, helping to keep populations of the invasive fish down while providing inmates with nutritious meals.
"I want correction facilities to help control this alien fish invasion by catching them and using them as food in prisons," justice minister Thawee Sodsong said, per The Nation. "This approach will contribute to food security and allow us to manage the invasive species effectively. Facilities may even prepare dishes featuring blackchin tilapia for the inmates."
A former inmate and a relative of an incarcerated person have supported the proposal when speaking to The Nation, with the former saying that inmates are often open to trying new dishes.
"If it's safe for everyone else, it should be fine for inmates too," added Rattana, the mother of one of the inmates. "There's nothing unusual if my child is given blackchin tilapia in prison."
The fish aren't anything too unusual to eat. There may be a stigma surrounding them through lack of understanding and knowledge, but they are said to be similar in flavor to the common tilapia.
Stay hydrated and refreshed this holiday season — without any sugar or harmful additives Nuun’s zero-sugar hydration tablets are a perfect, guilt-free way to enhance your water throughout the day. You’ll get five essential electrolytes for everyday hydration — with zero grams of sugar. Plus, Nuun tablets are certified vegan and gluten-free, and they’re the perfect size to keep in your car, purse, or anywhere you'll want a healthy, restorative drink. Learn more → |
According to Hawai'i's Department of Land and Natural Resources, blackchin tilapia can devour native aquatic plant populations, which can impact bird species. They can also be aggressive toward native fish, which could have serious repercussions for delicate ecosystems, and are known to carry transmittable diseases between aquatic life.
Of course, doing your research is essential before serving up fauna or flora for dinner. You'll need to make sure they are safe to eat, with both plants and animals potentially having poisonous elements.
Meanwhile, some foraged plants will need to be washed well before eating to get rid of pesticides that may have spread or to clean away particulate matter pollution from car exhausts.
With cats, dogs, and other creatures roaming the area, you may also want to ensure you pick plants that are far away from ground level. (And, if you're a beginner forager, always consult with an expert mentor before eating anything.)
There's a reason dermatologists personally use this daily moisturizing sunscreen more than any other brand Dermatologists see and understand skin at a much deeper level than the rest of us, and they know that the perfect SPF both protects and corrects your skin. That's why they trust, recommend, and personally use EltaMD more than any other brand. EltaMD's clinically tested formulas are designed with dermatologists to meet the needs of any skin type or condition. They're also designed for consistent daily wear to build long-term resilience with a moisturizing, lightweight, non-comedogenic texture — plus hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Learn more → |
But a plan to serve inmates blackchin tilapia would suggest the fish are tested for safety before being plated up. If the initiative is introduced and proves successful, it could be hugely beneficial to Thailand's waterways.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
