Tilapia production is growing in prominence globally as a source of protein for human consumption. The sector is second only to carps in terms of global finfish production levels, and is set to increase rapidly in the coming years - particularly in Brazil, Bangladesh and countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Tilapia are easily cultured and highly adaptable to a wide range of environmental conditions. Their low trophic level and omnivorous food habits make tilapia a relatively inexpensive fish to feed without reliance on fish-based ingredients, and they are widely considered a source of affordable, high quality animal protein with the potential to significantly and increasingly contribute towards global food security.

Welfare concerns

But the semi-intensive tilapia production systems deployed in many countries suffer from under-investment, a low level of technological application, and a paucity of on-the-ground research. This results in preventable production and husbandry problems, with reduced yields and profits. Production goals are still focused on productivity and minimising mortality, with concerns mounting around the welfare of this important species.

FAI Director Murilo Quintiliano feels the time is ripe for raising the welfare bar for tilapia.
“Fish welfare is the new frontier: global fish consumption is rising, and NGOs and governments are increasingly promoting fish welfare. There’s also a chance for the tilapia sector to avoid the mistakes made by other areas of aquaculture and agriculture.” Quintiliano explained to The Fish Site.

Online learning

To help transition this burgeoning sector in to a high welfare and sustainable industry, FAI are holding a pioneering online event in Portuguese, as well as a 5-module, free online course.

The webinar event seeks to highlight the latest tilapia research and technology breakthroughs, bringing together tilapia producers, researchers, genetics experts, feed formulators, health specialists, entrepreneurs and equipment companies to help improve tilapia welfare, environmental performance, productivity and profitability. The event will be airing on 28th July 2021 and is now open for registrations.

The FAI online course is also now open for expressions of interest. Please visit our dedicated webpage for more information.

Agenda

Unlocking the potential of tilapia aquaculture: innovation, welfare and sustainable development, 28th July 2021 - promoted by FAI and The Fish Site.