Supreme tilapia available soon

A new commercial variety of tilapia, GenoMar Supreme Tilapia™ will be introduced soon by BioSoft Philippines, a subsidiary of GenoMar ASA, one of the leading Norwegian aquaculture biotechnology companies.

This strain or variety originated from the GIFT Super Tilapia that was developed throughout the GIFT (Genetic Improvement of Farmed Tilapia) project, which was run by ICLARM in cooperation with BFAR/NFFTRC, FAC/CLSU and AKVAFORSK, from 1987 to 1997 at the Central Luzon State University (CLSU). In 1999 the strain GIFT Super Tilapia, together with the commercial rights and the brand name, were transferred to GenoMar ASA.

Since then, GenoMar has conducted selections for three more generations by means of DNA genotyping. With this technique, the selection differential has increased very significantly per generation in terms of genetic gain. This is made possible by a technology called DNA fingerprinting in which DNA tools are scientifically applied to enhance traditional selective breeding.

In 1999, GenoMar ASA has transferred the commercial production rights to its subsidiary, BioSoft Philippines, Inc.(BSP). According to Mr. Morten Hoyum, GenoMar’s Chief Operating Officer and Chairman of the Board of BioSoft Philippines, says that the company’s vision is to be the leader in the development of aquaculture industry in the Philippines through its flagship product, the GenoMar Supreme Tilapia™. He adds that BioSoft Philippines envisions to be an active partner of the Filipino nation in attaining food sufficiency and security. On long term, BSP strives to be a globally competitive aquaculture company in Southeast Asia. In order to realize this vision, BioSoft Philippines has constructed a state-of-the-art tilapia multiplier and hatchery production facility in Lubao, Pampanga. This production facility is expected to be operational by late August this year and will have a production capacity of about 2 to 3 million GenoMar Supreme TilapiaTM fingerlings and breeders per month using the combined technologies from Brazil, the Mediterranean and the Philippines.

According to Dr. Jose M. Natividad, vice president for business development and research, BioSoft Philippines has entered into a commercial alliance with seven tilapia hatcheries here in Luzon in order to commercialize the production of the GenoMar Supreme Tilapia™ fingerlings. These hatcheries, called Preferred Partner Hatchery Network, are LHP Farms (San Isidro, Cabuyao, Laguna), Rivera Aquaculture Philippines, Inc (Niugan, Angat, Bulacan), TGA Farms, Inc (San Roque, Bitas, Arayat, Pampanga), A&L Fishpond and Hatchery Inc., (San Roque, Camaligan, Camarines Sur), GIFT Sta. Rosa (Soledad, Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija), Peter Mountain Farm (Tibagan, Tarlac City) and Philnor Aqua (Quezon, Nueva Ecija).

Dr. Natividad says that majority of their partner hatchery networks have already received the GenoMar Supreme TilapiaTM breeders and the first "edition" of GenoMar Supreme TilapiaTM fingerlings will be available for commercial grow-out culture by late September to October this year from their partner hatcheries. He adds that BioSoft Philippines and its Preferred Partner Hatchery Network are strongly committed to the production of high quality GenoMar Supreme Tilapia™ fingerlings through strict adherence to safe, sustainable and environmentally sound aquaculture operations. Most important of all, the group aims to satisfy their customers with strong technical support to make the operations of the tilapia farmers more successful and profitable.

Tilapia is probably one of the best fish species for aquaculture here in the Philippines because it is readily adaptable to any production systems. Commercial potential of tilapia makes it a prime candidate to become the "aquatic chicken" and is expected to be one of the significant sources of protein for the millions of Filipinos. Up to this time, research on the improvement of the race of tilapia is shifting to high gears.