Members from the Water Police Section seized 140 kilograms of the noxious fish species, Tilapia, at businesses in Rapid Creek yesterday.

Senior Constable Stuart Winter said members were conducting inspections on two commercial premises, enforcing the Fisheries Act in relation to fish retail licenses.

“The Tilapia was seized from both the premises in whole frozen and dried forms. The license holders have been cautioned regarding the breach and the fish will be destroyed.

“Tilapia, which originates in Africa, has the ability to survive in fresh, brackish, polluted and poorly oxygenated waterways. The species is an aggressive mouthbrooder which ensures a high fry survival rate, they would out compete native species and over run natural waterways,” said Senior Constable Winter.

Water Police would like to reinforce the danger the animals pose to the Northern Territory waterways and the fact that it is illegal to possess or sell the fish dead or alive.

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