Guidelines for managing the risks of introductions and transfers of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT)

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a cichlid fish native to tropical and subtropical Africa and the Middle East. The Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) strain of Nile tilapia was the first genetically improved tropical aquaculture fish species in the world—the result of over 30 years of selective breeding by WorldFish and partners. The development of GIFT was a major achievement in the history of tilapia aquaculture and has been instrumental in enhancing worldwide production of Nile tilapia. WorldFish policy and a supporting code of practice and risk analysis guidelines have guided the organization’s response and approach to GIFT dissemination, which is aligned with the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) policies on aquatic resources. Over the years, however, public and private stakeholders have introduced GIFT into many countries. These introductions have involved varying levels of risk analysis, depending on national legislation and the mode of introduction. The extent to which risk analysis has been applied in all circumstances is not known. It is evident that the increasing role of GIFT in future global fish supplies will increase GIFT introductions or transfers to more countries and territories in the coming years. Therefore, these risk management guidelines have been prepared to help move GIFT into any country or territory where risk analysis shows minimal risks using the highest safety standards and where cost-benefit analysis shows economic benefit potential. They are based on the strategies and recommendations of three comprehensive reviews of potential ecological, genetic and disease risks of GIFT introductions and transfers, as well as established international best practices provided by FAO and the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). These guidelines complement earlier guidelines and policy documents prepared by the International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management (ICLARM) and WorldFish.