Chulalongkorn University organized a seminar 'Brainstorming to Turn the Blackchin Crisis Around', pointing out that the Blackchin Tilapia crisis has an impact on the economy and ecosystem. It was found that there were more than 1 import from many areas, making it difficult to eliminate, but there is still hope. Methods of electric shock and genome editing to change the sex of the fish were proposed. Chulalongkorn University, through the Chulalongkorn University Corporate Communication Center, in collaboration with the Aquatic Resources Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University (ARRI Chula), organized the 24th Chula the Impact academic seminar, 'Brainstorming to Turn the Blackchin Crisis Around,' inviting relevant academics from various institutes and agencies to jointly find solutions and create a correct understanding of the spread of the Blackchin Tilapia in Thailand, as well as answer various questions that are currently gaining attention from society. The event was held at the Chulanaruemit House, Ch ulalongkorn University. The event was opened by Prof. Dr. Wilert Phuriwat, Acting President of Chulalongkorn University, and Prof. Dr. Woranop Viyakarn, Director of the Aquatic Resources Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wilert revealed that the problem of the black-chinned tilapia is a critical problem that affects the economy and ecosystem of Thailand, affecting all sectors. Chulalongkorn University plays a role in providing answers to society when problems arise in the country. This seminar is an integration of ideas from all sectors and cooperation between experts from various fields, such as scientists, those with knowledge in water resources, engineers, etc., to solve this crisis. It is a way to turn the crisis into an opportunity. Information from academic perspectives on the black-chinned tilapia in various dimensions from this seminar will be presented to the government and relevant agencies to proceed with the black-chinned tilapia effectively. 'The important lessons l earned from the invasion of the black-chinned tilapia and the damage it caused highlight the need for risk assessment and appropriate response measures, which may require considering all aspects of impact, including unintentional importation,' added Asst. Prof. Dr. Suksuk. For control and elimination, Assistant Professor Dusit Suksawat, a lecturer at the Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, sees the method of managing by using electricity as another interesting and effective method to stop the spread of the black-chinned tilapia, which is currently in crisis. In the past, Thailand used to have a saying that in the water there are fish, in the fields there is rice, but now our water is full of black-chinned tilapia. Even farmer's ponds are not spared. In case studies from other countries that have faced the invasion of alien species, there are widespread methods of managing by using electricity, such as managing with electric shock bo ats, backpack electric shock devices, and electric shock grids, because it is a safe method, does not leave any impact on the environment, and creates sustainability in the long term. Because if there is no black-chinned tilapia, we can create a new aquatic ecosystem by releasing and breeding aquatic animals back to nature to make our water have fish again as before. Assistant Professor Dr. Anongpat Suthangkunkul, a lecturer at the Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, proposed another alternative for biological control of the black-chinned tilapia population, which can be done by genome editing, a technique that specifically edits the genetic code at the desired location and is not considered a genetically modified organism (GMO) if there is no genetic material from other organisms left. This technique can be used to change the sex of fish, which has been tested in Nile tilapia. In addition, this technique has been used to create a gene drive system that effectively controls the mosquito population. However, using this gene drive system will release GMOs into the environment. From the above information, it shows the possibility of genome editing to change the sex, along with the use of the gene drive system to manage the outbreak of black-chinned tilapia, which requires further study in terms of technology and methods to prevent or reduce the impact on the ecosystem for at least 2-3 years. Mr. Kongpop Amphonsak, an expert in aquatic animal genetics (expert in fisheries), Aquatic Animal Genetics Research and Development Division, Department of Fisheries, said that currently, the biological control of black-chinned tilapia that the Department of Fisheries has chosen to use consists of 2 methods: 1) releasing predatory fish such as sea bass, eel, snakehead fish, and glass catfish, etc. 2) releasing black-chinned tilapia with 4 sets of chromosomes (4n) to mix with fish in the water source and produce sterile offspring that cannot reproduce. Both of these methods of controlling black-chi nned tilapia aim to reduce the efficiency of black-chinned tilapia reproduction. The Department of Fisheries takes into account the quantity of fish (predators and 4n fish) and the time period for releasing them to be most effective and have the least impact on the ecosystem. For the 24th Chula the Impact academic seminar 'Brainstorming to Turn the Black Chin Crisis Around', those interested can watch the live broadcast on Facebook Live: Chulalongkorn University https://www.facebook.com/ChulalongkornUniversity .-516-??????? Source: Thai News Agency