First reference guide published to promote tilapia farming

Farmed tilapia. (Photo: Stock File)

MEXICO
Thursday, June 04, 2015, 01:40 (GMT + 9)
The National Fisheries Institute (INAPESCA) has developed the first Technical Reference Guide for tilapia farming in Quintana Roo, which will soon be available to fish farmers.
Through this instrument, INAPESCA wants tilapia producers to count on technical and scientific information to help improve their production and achieve greater quality and market competitiveness.
The data will be updated continuously in order to provide current and relevant information on tilapia farming, technological advances for the sector and productivity improvements.
INAPESCA, an entity under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA), aims for this guide to provide producers technical, health, and regulatory information on the procedures to be implemented for optimal results in the growing resource.
The paper covers aspects of the species biology, quality and water management, as well as various safety feeding and technical considerations for tilapia farming.
In addition, it also provides information regarding the facilities which an aquaculture farm must have and displays the type, size, shape and depth that ponds must have to host organisms in culture.
Other sections of the Guide include:

• Description of the infrastructure required for operation (lot size and water distribution canals, dikes and liquid outlet);
• Details on feeding management and techniques in aquaculture farming systems: it outlines the strategies, time and environmental factors that influence on tilapia feeding; and it suggests monitoring controls and design formats for recording feed inspection and control;
• Guidance on the necessary actions to avoid the presence of disease; specifications to recognize a sick fish and general preventive measures to be implemented in order to maintain high hygiene status in all farm facilities for the resource cultivation, development and reproduction.

The document was prepared by specialists of INAPESCA Regional Centre for Fisheries and Aquaculture Research in Puerto Morelos, who had the collaboration of: the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA), the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the Directorate General of Fisheries and Aquaculture Government of Quintana Roo, the Technological Institute of Chetumal, the Tilapia Product System of Quintana Roo, the State Committee of Aquaculture and Fisheries Health and Safety of Quintana Roo, Comprehensive Technical Assistance and Training SCP and Industry El Madrigal.
Tilapia is farmed in 21 states of the country, among which are Hidalgo, Morelos, Puebla, Guanajuato, Michoacan, Colima, Veracruz and Tabasco.