sheries production in many tropical Asian countries, particularly in the lacustrine waters of Indonesia (Sarinita, 1999), Lao People's Democratic Republic (Bernacsek, 1997; Mattson et al., 2001), Philippines (Guerrero, 1999), Sri Lanka (Fernando and Indrasena, 1969; De Silva, 1988), Thailand (Moreau and De Silva, 1991; Bernacsek, 1997) and Viet Nam (Phan and De Silva, 2000). Total production, capture and culture, of tilapias in the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and China was 1 166 737 in 2002 (Bartley et al. in press). However, there is a concern, which is being increasingly expressed, that the introduction of tilapias, accidental or deliberate, into Asia has had detrimental effects on the indigenous fauna and flora. Indeed, it has been suggested that the introduction of tilapias was responsible for the collapse of some traditional fisheries, even to the extent of endangering local species (Gindelberger, 1981; Aypa, 1993).
Available information about tilapias in Asia primarily comes from: (a) aquaculture and inland capture production; (b) biology in natural and quasi-natural waters; and (c) culture of selected species. Despite much speculation, the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of tilapia introductions have rarely been examined or evaluated. In this document, the authors examine the production trends of tilapias in Asia, for both aquaculture and capture fisheries, and to evaluate the socio-economic impacts of the introductions. In addition, the document evaluates the perceived negative influences of tilapias on biodiversity and the environment in Asia.
Capture fishery production of tilapias by region 1970-2002