The production of tilapia grows on average 17 per cent each year. The funds will support the project "Implementation of genetic and reproductive strategies to selective breeding of tilapia".
The goal of the project is to study different strains of tilapia fingerlings for the development of fry with high genetic quality, aiming at preserving and increasing domestic production of this fish species.
The research will be conducted by the Fish Culture Station Aquabel, which have until October 2016 to complete the studies. The project results will be used in the training of university researchers as well as the development of new products for the Brazilian tilapia.
According to the latest Statistical Bulletin of the MPA, the official tilapia production exceeded 253,000 tons in 2011, showing sustained growth: 155 thousand tons in 2010, 133,000 in 2009 and 111,000 tons in 2008.
"Such a positive and promising scenario like this justifies the importance of investing in actions aimed at genetic improvement of this species," said the National Secretary of Planning and Land Aquaculture, Maria Fernanda Nince.
