THE PHILIPPINES is promoting the farming of a new tilapia hybrid which can tolerate brackish water saline conditions, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

In the past, bangus (milkfish) and shrimp have been farmed in brackish-water fishponds. However, because of an ongoing shortage of bangus fingerlings and fry, tilapia had been identified as suitable species, if a strain that could withstand saline conditions could be developed, said Trusiya M. Maldan of BFAR.

She said with this new breakthrough, farmers and fishpond growers will be encouraged to venture in farming this new hybrid tilapia.

Maldan