A White Paper on the 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. Each year, priority research areas are identified by the NCRAC IAC and presented in consultation with the Technical Committee to the NCRAC Board of Directors (Board). Concern has emanated among the various NCRAC constituencies that work plans could potentially lose focus over time and not always address the most critical factors limiting the economical and sustainable production of important species in the region. After discussions were held among members of the various committees and the Board at its February 1998 annual meeting, it was decided that a white paper should be developed on tilapias.