Sex manipulation and breeding
Sex manipulation and breeding
Various strategies utilizing sex reversal and breeding, progeny testing, gynogenesis and androgenesis can lead to the development of predominantly, or completely, male or female populations, or a “super-male” genotype (YY). The primary aim is to take advantage of sexually dimorphic characteristics (including flesh quality), control reproduction or prevent establishment of exotic species. All female populations have been successfully developed for salmonids, carps and tilapias.
Populations of super males (i.e. fish with two rather than one Y chromosome) have been established for Nile tilapia, salmonids and marginally, for channel catfish (Dunham, 1996a). Monosex populations may be produced by direct hormonal treatment; however, where the fish are destined for human consumption, some countries (e.g. the European Union (EU), the United States, India) may prohibit such treatment.
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Organic Produce Fish
Tilapia Fish Farming focuses on organic fish farming practices.
The consumer desire for safe food that meets U.S. government standards is our mission. According to government sources, less than 1% of imported food and dry goods are inspected by the FDA. For example, Tilapia is now the 4th most popular fish consumed in the U.S rising the risk of consuming fish without FDA inspection. In 2003, Tilapia became the eight most popular seafood in the U.S. and the bulk of it, imported from Asian and Latin American regions.
Tilapia from Foreign Markets
Most Tilapia consumed in USA is coming from growers in China, Thailand, Egypt, India, Mexico, Brazil, South and Central America nations. Some of these producers are individuals and some corporations. Not all Tilapia growing in foreign markets are grown in waters contaminated by organisms or grown in sewer fed systems; however, most fish growers simply do not comply with the same USA standards and organic norms known in USA and demanded by consumers' markets. Some American firms in the business of fish farming operating in those countries comply with those countries regulations and USDA guidelines.
Fish Farming Licensing and Certification in Foreign Countries
Licensing and/or certifications similar to those demanded from American fish farmers are not enforced in most foreign countries or do not exist. Fish farming is simply a large unregulated economic activity. Inspection by government institutions is not in placed and the raising of fish for USA consuming markets standards are at the discretion of growers and exporters. Fish farming is not government regulated or inspected in most cases and in most countries.
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Foreign Countries Tilapia Farmers
Currently, iced-boxed Tilapia is imported also from Mexico, Nicaragua, Salvador, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Belize and Brazil from Latin America. China, Thailand and Egypt are main supplier of frozen Tilapia from Asian regions. Most imported Tilapia from these countries arrives to the American network of supemarkets after a lenghty importation and transportation process.
The exact number of days, or weeks, before Tilapia raised in foreign countries, is consumed by Americans is unknown. The best indication is that it takes a long time; ranging from a couple of days to several months, before fish imported is eaten by American families.
Consumer should read packaging labels which indicate when the fish was - processed and frozen - and when the fish possibly arrived to supermareket chains. It's been indicated that frozen fillets leaving China arrive to New Zealand about thirty (30) days later, then continue traveling seeking USA markets for several days more finally docking in our ports. Arrival to our main ports is followed by undocking and unloading, transportation to brokers' warehousing facilities and from there to final transporters for regional supermarkets chains.
The time of these operation is at best simply a guessing game currently, but for sure one can safely think that such fish isn't fresh upon arrival on one's own table for dinner.
Frozen Tilapia shipped to USA from China, Thailand and other nations must be caught, hauld to the processing plants, processed, washed, refrigerated and preserved chemically to avoid spoiling. While its protein content and flavor may suffer somewhat, there aren't any exact numbers or information to assess that lose. Currently, there isn't enough information to assess protein lost or flavor deterioration. Buying whole fish and fillets of Tilapia fish and comparing both at the same time would give consumer a better idea about taste.
Unfortunatelly, protein lost, the most valuable element and perhaps the principal reason for buying fish for ones's family, may never be that clear and the consumer may have to assume that imported frozen fish is as good as fresh whole fish sold by the local fish farmer.
Frozen Tilapia from Asian Growers
Tilapia grown in Asia markets and exported to USA is definitely not the freshest fish to reach American’s tables. In most cases such frozen fish take from 10 to 20 weeks before it enter our supermarket chains. Tilapia from these growing regions do not comply with USA organic or non-organic standard in most cases. It’ sold as Tilapia frozen fish.
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Tilapia Fish Consumption in USA
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In 2004, Tilapia fish became the sixth most popular seafood in the U.S.
Sales climbed to $1.17 billion. Sales are expected to reach $5 billion by 2010 in the U.S.
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Demand for fresh Tilapia is expected to increase significantly (USDA – ERS Report) over frozen Tilapia.
Tilapia has been called the "Fish of the 90’s" by seafood writers in the US.
This has been reflected in the rapid increase in consumption by American consumers.
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Tilapia Nutritional Values
TILAPIA IN THE NEWS
Fish, Including Tilapia, are an Important and Nutritious Food Source. August 08, 2008 A study published in the July Journal of the American Dietetic Association debates the health ramifications of the Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio found in a select sampling of farmed fish, including Tilapia, and the possible effects on individuals vulnerable to "exaggerated inflammatory response".
In a rush to report the results of the study, some news sources neglected to consider peer review including a critical article by Dr. William Harris in the same journal. Dr. Harris's review refuted the study's exaggerated claims, including irresponsible comparisons to foods high unsaturated fat.
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Press Report on Fish Nutritional Values
These early press reports resulted in much confusion in the marketplace and several renowned scientists have since responded affirming the nutritional benefits of fish, including Tilapia, in the diet. Three things to note when considering this research:
1. It is important to know where your food comes from (its traceability).
2. Certain health assumptions made were directed solely at individuals with certain diseases such as cardiovascular and auto immune disease and asthma. Those individuals should always consult their doctor regarding diet.
3. There is general consensus in the medical community that both Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids from fish are part of a healthy, balanced diet. However, there is no consensus in the medical community that lower Omega-3/higher Omega-6 fish are an unhealthy food choice.
The American Heart Association recommends eating two servings of fish per week.
1. KNOW WHERE YOUR FOOD COMES FROM:
Knowing where your food was sourced, its traceability, is an important part of ensuring a healthy diet. The researchers of this study were not able to secure a random sampling of fish for testing. The samples used were based on species available at the time of the research and voluntary distributor participation. In their samplings, the researchers found an averaged 11-1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3.
2. It is important to note that not all aquaculture farms utilize the same processes and standards for raising fish.
Nutritional Content of Tropical Aquaculture Tilapia: In tests conducted by ABC Research Corporation on initial samplings of our tilapia (results delivered 7/17/08), Tropical Aquaculture tilapia had a .22g/100g-.11g/100g - or a 2:1 - Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio.
Tropical's tilapia contains no additives, no preservatives and no chemicals. Our fish farms are at the forefront of the industry for environmental stewardship, animal welfare, food safety and traceability. Our Tilapia is flown in daily from South and Central America within 24-hours of harvest and is delivered FRESH never frozen. Tropical tilapia can be found in fine retailers and restaurants across North America.
2. VULNERABILITY TO EXAGGERATED INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE:
Individuals vulnerable to exaggerated inflammatory response should consult their individual doctor or dietician regarding ALL of their dietary requirements including their Omega-3 and Omega-6 intake.
It is well documented that Omega-3's and Omega-6's are essential to optimum human health and development. Fish are a healthy source of these 2 critical fatty acids. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends eating fish twice a week in order to ensure these nutrients and others are present in a healthy and balanced diet.
No single food contains all the nutrients necessary for a balanced diet. A balanced diet means ensuring the right amounts of all nutrients from a variety of sources.
Those with specific medical needs should always consult their physician regarding their individual dietary requirements.
3. THERE IS NO MEDICAL CONSENSUS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AN OMEGA-3 TO OMEGA-6 RATIO AND HEALTH:
According to a recent release from the National Fisheries Institute (NFI), Jennifer Wilmes registered dietician with NFI said, "We need more science to agree on the impact of an omega-3 to omega-6 ratio". "But what we do have scientific consensus on is that omega-3s - which you can get plenty of by eating a variety of fish - are paramount to heart disease prevention."
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American Dietetic Journal
Wilmes also quotes Dr. William Harris PhD who devotes a three page research editorial in the July issue of the American Dietetic Journal to the topic of this research. According to Harris, "There is currently no scientific consensus that lower-Omega-3/higher-Omega-6 fish are unhealthy." He also points out that the study "fails to consider relevant human experimental evidence" and attacks the dramatic comparison of tilapia to hamburger and bacon, calling it a "potentially flawed concept" that overstates the impact of Omega-6.
One statement from this study that has been greatly misrepresented is a generalization that tilapia is not a good food choice in comparison to 80 percent lean hamburger, pork bacon or donuts. It is important to note that the study specifically caveats this statement with "All other nutritional content aside...", directing the comparison solely to the Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio and not considering total fat, saturated fat, calories or sodium levels.
Such a comparison is a misrepresentation of the true nutritional benefits of fish and can lead to potentially harmful results if consumers follow the implications of this statement and substitute these high saturated fat items for nutritious fish.
Tilapia has substantially lower levels of total fat, saturated fat, calories and sodium than 80 percent lean hamburger, pork bacon and donuts.
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