Tilapia; from the Nile to the World Essay Example

environmental damage (6).

Some countries, like Australia, were scared and hesitant to introduce tilapia culture due to these claims. This study aims to examine tilapia production, the obstacles faced in global tilapia culture, and discuss potential solutions and future perspectives. Fig. 1 Map of the River Nile Taxonomical classificationRecently, there are three primary tilapia genera (under the family Cichlidae) based on their reproductive behavior: Oreochromis (only females are mouth brooders), Sarotherodon (both males and females participate in mouth incubation of eggs, larvae, and frys), and Tilapia (substrate breeders).

Before the 1970s, all tilapia species were classified under the genus "tilapia". Despite the modern classification, some scientists still refer to the species as "tilapia nilotica". Aquaculture has a long history, but it was after 1950 that modern aquaculture began. In the region, O. niloticus became the preferred tilapia species for aquaculture. It is challenging to determine whether this species significantly fulfilled the animal protein needs of rural Asian communities. However, its impact on aquaculture developments in Asia and the Pacific since the 1970s has been significant.

In Asia, a total of 12 tilapia species (consisting of six Oreochromis spp., two Sarotherodon spp., and four Tilapia spp.) as well as one hybrid have been introduced in 30 countries. One of the introduced species in Asia is O.

Mossambicus and O. niloticus are the most significant species in terms of production and scientific perspectives, widely found in Asian waters – both natural and quasi-natural – making them part of the fish fauna in tropical and sub-tropical aquatic environments (4). The hybrid "red tilapia," a crossbreed between O. mossambicus and O. niloticus strains, is currently important for aquaculture in Asia (5). Tilapias have

been introduced to over 90 countries worldwide, making them the second most globally distributed fish species after common carp. While tilapia has been associated with negative environmental impacts, a comprehensive literature analysis suggests that other factors such as overfishing, land-based activities causing environmental degradation, and changes in hydrological patterns may have played a more significant role in these adverse impacts.

Numerous factors can affect biodiversity, and tilapias, as alien species, have played a significant role in food production, poverty alleviation, and livelihood support in Asia and the Pacific. Despite their widespread introduction into Asian waters, there is little explicit evidence to indicate that tilapias have caused substantial environmental damage. As a result, Asian countries are major producers and consumers of tilapia. The current aquaculture production of tilapias is around 1 (2002).

The main production of tilapia, which is 5 million tonnes, is mainly located in Asia and accounts for almost 80 percent of the global total. It is worth mentioning that tilapia farming is also expanding in Africa and South America. In the past, wild fisheries used to surpass fish farming in supplying tilapia until the mid-1990s. However, currently aquaculture produces around 2.5 times more tilapia than capture fisheries.

The global production of tilapia aquaculture witnessed a remarkable surge, going from 28,000 tons to 1.504 million tons, spanning from 1970 to 2002. In Asia and the Pacific region, there was also substantial growth in production as it escalated from 23,000 tons to 1.192 million tons with annual growth rates of 13.2 percent and 13.1 percent respectively.

In contrast, the growth rate for capture fisheries targeting tilapias has been limited to only 3 percent.

The current growth rate of tilapia production

is 5 percent per year, with China leading as the largest producer, accounting for nearly half of global production. Other countries such as Egypt, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Taiwan also make significant contributions to tilapia production. Tilapias can be raised in various environments like ponds, tanks, cages, and rice fields. However, there are several challenges faced in tilapia culture including over-population due to early sexual maturity, sensitivity to cold temperatures, susceptibility to toxins from blue-green algae in monoculture systems, and concerns about invasiveness.

To address these challenges, suggested solutions include producing monosex tilapia through genetic hybridization without hormonal intervention or sterilization methods. Polyculture with predators like catfish and crossbreeding with cold-resistant strains have also been found effective practices. Nonetheless, further research is still needed to mitigate sensitivity to blue-green algae toxin.

In conclusion: Tilapias possess positive aquacultural characteristics such as tolerance to poor water quality and easy spawning. They also serve as biological controllers for aquatic weeds and mosquitoes. These attributes contribute to their widespread cultivation presently and in the near future. It is projected that world production of Tilapia will reach 3 million tons by 2010.
According to the Southern Regional Aquaculture Center (SRAC, 1999), tilapias have the potential to significantly increase global food production, reduce poverty, and support livelihoods in tropical and subtropical countries. For more information, refer to SRAC Publication No.283 or visit www.miami-aquaculture.com - Smith, I.

R.and Pullin, R. S. V. (1984)

• “Tilapia production booms in the Philippines”. ICLARM Newsletter 7: 7 - 9.
• 4- Pethiyagoda, R.(1994)

• “Treats to indigenous freshwater fishes of Sri Lanka and remarks on
  

their conservation”.Hydrobiologia 285: 189 - 201.

Welcomme, R. L. ; Vidthayanon, C. (1999) "Report on the impacts of introductions and stocking in the Mekong Basin and policies for control. Management of Reservoir Fisheries in the Mekong Basin", Phase I. Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Mekong River Commission, 62 pp. De Silva, S. S; Subasinghe, R.

P.; Bartley, D.M.; Lowther, A. (2004) "Tilapias as alien aquatics in Asia and the Pacific: a review". FAO Fisheries Technical Paper. No.

453.

The text above includes a paragraph with two list items. The first list item provides information about a publication titled "Global Update 2008: Tilapia Production, Innovations, and Markets" written by Kevin Fitzsimmons and published by FAO in Rome in 2004. The publication consists of 65 pages. The second list item mentions a conference called Aquaculture America held in Orlando, FL in February 2008.