Genetic Manipulations for Improved Tilapia - TechnologyAdaptation and Development II.

Previous ODA funded projects have resulted in the development of the YY male technology for the mass production of all-male tilapia known as genetically male tilapia (GMT). This technology was developed as a solution to the problem of unwanted reproduction in tilapia culture which has significant negative impact upon yields. It was proposed that the technology could be applied through large scale production of YY male and normal female broodstock which could then be dispersed to hatcheries to be used for the mass production of fast growing GMT. This technology was developed and tested in the Philippines but demand for the products of this technology was such that preliminary investigations had been made into methods for transferring the technology to other countries in the region. <br/><br/> The original purpose of this research (defined as the measurable near term impact of the project) was to "Increase tilapia production through adoption of the YY male technology and the culture of O. niloticus in brackishwater". This overall purpose was further outlined in the following series of objectives: (i) Performance testing of GMT and YY males, the main activity being on-station and onfarm trials of GMT producing broodstock. (ii) Identification of social and economic factors relevant to the uptake of the YY male technology and its products. (iii) Evaluation of technology transfer to Thailand through the completion of technological development and growth comparison of the different genotype/phenotype combinations. (iv) Evaluation of salinity tolerance in available strain of O. niloticus in brackishwater environments. <br/><br/> By the end of the project a full dissemination programme was underway in the Philippines. Over a two year period more than 2.5 million GMT fingerlings had been dispersed to over 170 farms in 20 provinces in the Philippines. Furthermore, a network of hatcheries accredited to produce GMT had been established with an estimated production of 36 million GMT per annum coming from 17 hatcheries. The programme is generating income and is moving towards financial sustainability of research and dissemination activities related to the YY male technology in the Philippines. Initial income was used to produce information materials including a technoguide and a video describing the technology. A smaller but significant dissemination programme was also initiated in Thailand by the Department of Fisheries.