The importance of tilapia in sustainable development and its future position

10th International Çukurova Agricultural and Veterinary Congress, Adana, Türkiye, 22 Haziran 2025, (Tam Metin Bildiri)

With the rapid increase in the world population, the need for healthy, accessible and sustainable

protein sources is also increasing. In this context, tilapia fish play a critical role in ensuring

nutritional security, especially in developing countries. Tilapia has become one of the most

important species in the aquaculture sector thanks to its low-cost production, fast growth rate

and adaptability. In addition, the ability to produce without harming natural ecosystems allows

it to adapt to sustainable fishing practices. Tilapia production has increased day by day and

reached 6-7 million tons. China, especially Southeast Asian countries, African and South

American countries contribute intensively to tilapia production. Tilapia production is also of

great importance in terms of employment creation and economic development in developed

and developing countries. This species offers opportunities to revitalize local fishing sectors

and ensure food security in rural areas. At the same time, thanks to technological developments

and sustainable farming practices, the environmental impacts of tilapia are minimized and

resource efficiency is increased. Intercontinental trade enables the sustainable cultivation and

distribution of tilapia, which increases food access around the world. Producer countries adopt

sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices, thus protecting ecosystems and

reducing carbon footprints. Consumer countries, on the other hand, support the principles of

diversity and sustainability in nutrition by choosing tilapia as a healthy protein source. In the

future, with global cooperation, technological advances and sustainable fishing policies, the

production and consumption of tilapia will increase even more, thus achieving the goals of

reducing poverty, ensuring food security and combating climate change. In this process,

solidarity between different continents and countries will further strengthen the contribution of

tilapia to global development.