Farming of male tilapia fish in enclosed environments authorized

Tehran, Dec 8, IRNA – Head of Iran Fisheries Organization Hassan Salehi said farming of male tilapia fish in enclosed ponds with no opening to rivers is allowed. Speaking to IRNA, Salehi further remarked that concern of the Department of Environment over the threat posed on valuable aquatic species is normal as officials of the department believe that high reproduction of tilapia will endanger life of valuable aquatic species. Stressing that the Fisheries Organization also cares about protection of valuable aquatic species, the official said: “We also believe that farming of this type of fish should not find its way into rivers and open waterways.” He said some four years ago upon an agreement by the Department of Environment two species of tilapia were delivered to fishing center of Bafq, Yazd Province, and were cultured. After consistent follow ups Iranian researchers have come to the conclusion that there is up to 97% possibility that male tilapia can be farmed in enclosed ponds. He said tilapia is imported in fillet type and there is no problem in consuming it and it is under the supervision of the Veterinary Organization. Moreover, he said, the Department of Environment has made no comment over import of tilapia meat. Meanwhile, recently Ahmad Ali Kija, a deputy at the Department of Environment, expressed disagreement with farming of tilapia and said although the Fisheries Organization started farming tilapia in Bafq in the past few years, it has not received final approval from the DoE./end