They also expressed their view that appropriation of contemporary tilapia seed varieties could increase the production further.
Production of tilapia has increased to 0.138 million tonnes in 2012 from 0.004 million tonnes in 2002.
The imported fish variety now covers 4.45 per cent of the total 3.1 million tonnes of fish production in the country, according to the Department of Fisheries.
While talking to FE, fish experts predicted that the production could be increased to 0.150 million tonnes in the next two years by using contemporary tilapia seeds.
Dr Gulam Hussain, former Director General, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) said appropriation of modern aquaculture in 90s helped increase the production.
"It could increase to 0.15 million tonnes by the end of 2015 if we can use contemporary seeds", he pointed out.
Dr Hussain said Bangladesh is one of the top freshwater aquaculture producers in the world, but currently facing problems over its tilapia seed quality.
He informed that the country has over 400 tilapia seed production hatcheries which produce 3.5-4.0 billions of monosex or mixed-sex seeds every year.
Dr Hussain pointed out that gross anomalies have been observed recently in respect to brood fish management and stock replacement due to the establishment of a huge number of tilapia hatcheries in the country.
"As a result, limited numbers and repeated use of brood fish are leading to the problems associated with stock deterioration and inbreeding," he said.
An official at the state-run 'Raipur Fish Hatchery and Training Centre' in Lakshipur district told the FE that many farmers reported that they are not getting the expected size of tilapia fish due to the use of inferior quality tilapia fry from many hatcheries.
However, WorldFish, an international, nonprofit research organisation engaged in food security, has taken initiatives to increase production of higher quality tilapia fry (Seed) in Bangladesh.
In order to solve the problem and help aquaculture in the country, a new Worldfish project has been taken to provide farmers with better quality tilapia fry.
Dr Hussain, also a fish genetic specialist for WorldFish said in regard to these problems, the genetic deterioration of brood stock and poor hatchery management have been considered as the greatest constraint for quality fry production.
In order to combat the problems with tilapia fry quality, WorldFish's Bangladesh and South Asia part have recently established five 'Tilapia Breeding Nucleuses (TBN) in the public and private sector hatcheries in greater Noakhali, Barisal, Jessore and Mymensingh regions.
"The project has been initiated for the production and dissemination of improved germplasm of tilapia," Hussain said.
He also informed that among these five TBNs, two have been recently established in Jessore region under the USAID funded 'Feed the Future Aquaculture' project.
It is roughly estimated that during the breeding season of 2013, the five TBNs of WorldFish will be able to produce over three million improved germplasm of tilapia, which can be distributed and sold to 80 tilapia hatcheries in the southern districts of Bangladesh.
According to the Bangladesh Fish Research Institute (BFRI), the country has now 6,000 commercial farms that produce over 0.13 million tonnes of tilapia fish.
On November 11, 2026, in Can Tho, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) will host Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 under the theme “Seafood Market Outlook 2027–2029: Opportunities and Headroom for Double-Digit Export Growth.” The summit will discuss market scenarios and strategic options to help Vietnam’s seafood industry unlock new growth opportunities, increase export value, and strengthen its competitiveness.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the EU reached more than USD 4 million, up 2% year on year. The EU accounted for 4% of total tilapia export value, ranking behind major markets such as Brazil, the United States, Saudi Arabia and the CPTPP bloc.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On October 31, 2026, in Hanoi, Sa Giang Import-Export Corporation, a member of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), was awarded the Top 30 Outstanding Cultural and Reputable Enterprises of 2026 certificate by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). This group represents the most distinguished companies among the 100 enterprises honored at the “Cultural and Reputable Enterprises 2026” announcement ceremony.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the EU reached approximately $148 million, up 12% compared to the same period in 2025. In September 2026 alone, export turnover to this market hit $18 million, a 27% year-on-year increase. Despite diverging demand across member states, the EU remains a market with growth potential for Vietnamese pangasius, particularly as supplies of several traditional whitefish species face mounting pressure.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports to the US are showing a clear recovery after a difficult start to the year. However, the rebound is taking place against a backdrop of declining US tuna imports and a shifting supply structure, posing new challenges for Vietnamese businesses.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to Japan reached US$440.9 million, up 6.4% year on year. This result is noteworthy as Japan’s total shrimp imports continued to decline slightly and competition among suppliers intensified. Demand for convenience foods and processed products continues to create opportunities for Vietnamese exporters, but capitalizing on these opportunities requires stronger competitiveness and the ability to meet increasingly specific market requirements.
(vasep.com.vn) After slowing in the first months of the year, Vietnam’s tuna exports have shown a clear improvement since June 2026. However, behind September’s double-digit growth lies a notable reality: export value is recovering, but pressures from markets, trade policies, and competition among suppliers remain.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius export value reached US$1.7 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 11% year on year. In September alone, exports totaled US$210 million, an increase of 16%. China, the United States, and Brazil were the three largest markets, accounting for 49% of total export value. While China and Brazil maintained their growth momentum, exports to the US remained below the level recorded in the same period last year.
(vasep.com.vn) On November 11, 2026, in Can Tho, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) will organize the Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 (VSS 2026) under the theme “Seafood Market Outlook 2027–2029: Opportunities and Headroom for Double-Digit Export Growth.”
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Business leader Do Ngoc Tai, General Director of Tai Kim Anh Seafood Processing Joint Stock Company, was honored by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) with the title “Outstanding Vietnamese Entrepreneur – Thanh Giong Cup 2026” at a ceremony celebrating Vietnam Entrepreneurs’ Day (October 13). The event took place on the evening of October 11, 2026, at the National Convention Center in Hanoi.
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