December 18, 2013

 

Brazil may invest US$107,860 in tilapia genetic improvement

 

 

Brazil's Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MPA) plans to invest BRL252,000 (US$107,860) in tilapia genetic improvement, a species whose production is growing in Brazil at an average rate of 17% annually.

 

The 'Implementation of genetic and reproductive strategies to select tilapia broodstock,' selected in the public summons performed this year by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) will also be solved by this investment.

 

The government's goal is to study the different tilapia lineages to obtain fingerlings having high genetic quality, with a view to preserving and increasing the domestic production of this fish.

 

Scientists participating in the initiative will focus on reconciling the productive characteristics of tilapia with the fish reproductive characteristics (interval between spawning and fertilisation rates, among others).

 

The project results will be used to train university researchers and to develop new products for the Brazilian tilapia industry.

 

Investigations will be conducted by Aquabel Fish Culture Station until October 2016.

 

According to the latest Statistical Bulletin of MPA, tilapia production exceeded 253,000 tonnes in 2011, showing strong growth over the previous year, when there were 155,000 tonnes in 2010. In 2009, 133,000 tonnes had been obtained and in 2008, 111,000 tonnes had been obtained.

 

"A very positive and promising scenario like this justifies the importance of investing in measures aimed at genetic improvement of this species," said National Secretary of Aquaculture Planning and Management, Maria Fernanda Nince.

 

"The abundance of water resources and weather conditions contribute to turn Brazil into a country with great potential for tilapia production. It's a lucrative short-term resource and it is responsible for the generation of income for many farmers," she added.

 

Starting this year, aquaculture has become a priority of the federal executive. The Ministry of Planning during this year promoted various actions to increase fish domestic production, such as conducting meetings and seminars at national and international level.

 

The Secretariat signed agreements with universities and research institutions, disseminated studies conducted by reputable researchers and scientists, set up aquaculture production demonstration units and promoted MPA technicians' visits to other countries, promoting the exchange of technologies.

 

The MPA also signed cooperation agreements with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to produce 15 technical papers on technical qualification and training on various aspects of the production chain of the main species of marine aquaculture.