North Central Regional Aquaculture Center

Status and Needs of Tilapia Aquaculture in the North Central Region

Tilapias are grown in many states in the North Central Region (NCR), and the group has been designated as high priority by the North Central Regional Aquaculture Center (NCRAC) Industry Advisory Council (IAC).  Tilapias are essentially only grown in indoor water recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) in the region.    The Board directed that the white paper, Status and Needs of Tilapia Aquaculture in the North Central Region, not be an exhaustive literature review, but rather be a working document that clearly defines the current state of tilapia aquaculture, the critical factors limiting its economical and sustainable commercial production, and recommendations as to the research agenda that should be considered in future work plans.  It is recognized that this will be a Aliving document@ in that priorities may change based on new developments, new problems encountered, or other externalities.  Industry participation and peer reviews are critical components of the process.