(MY) tilapia ideal food source

[Guest guest]

Monday March 13, 2006 - The Star

 

Tilapia ideal as food source

 

I REFER to the letters, " Tilapia will upset eco-system of lake " ,

" Preserve Tasik Kenyir's indigenous fish " and " Alien species will

damage environment " The Star, March 9) raising concerns about the

farming of tilapia in Kenyir Lake.

 

This followed the news about the release of 20,000 tilapia fry and the

plans to start fish farming there. I would like to highlight several

facts about the farming of tilapia in Malaysia and other parts of the

world, in response to comments made in the letters.

 

Tilapia has been in Malaysia since the WW2, having been brought into

the country from Indonesia by the Japanese.

 

It has become very much a Malaysian fish. However, the fish used for

commercial farming is selected for its fast growth and good size.

 

Tilapia of the genus Oreochromis in Malaysia is not as aggressive as

other cichlids from the Central and South Americas, such as the

flowerhorn and the peacock bass.

 

It has been identified as one of the species which can alleviate the

fish protein supply for human consumption all over the world and has

been endorsed by international agencies.

 

Because of its hardy nature and low cost of production, it is ideal

for aquaculture. Today, the production of tilapia (cultured) is almost

2 million metric tons.

 

Malaysia is expected to produce 600,000 metric tons from aquaculture

to meet the local fish protein needs by 2010 because of the expected

shortfall from captured fisheries.

 

Tilapia will form a main part of about 230,000 metric tons expected

from freshwater systems.

 

Its relatively short production cycle means it can reach market size

of 500gm within six months from stocking, plus it breeds readily. It

has excellent meat bone ratio and the meat is white, making it a

healthy food to consume.

 

There are not many alternatives for farming in freshwaters today from

locally available species.

 

Tilapia may not be endemic to Malaysia but it can be an important

source of food (fish protein) which will be needed if we are expected

to feed our increasing population without becoming overly dependent on

imports.

 

 

 

NG CHEE KIAT,

President,

Malaysian Fisheries Society,

Kuala Lumpur.