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.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, but the performance was increasingly uneven across products, markets and enterprises. VASEP’s newly released premium report provides the detailed data and analysis needed to understand what lies behind the headline figures and prepare for the more challenging months ahead.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Brazil remains one of the key markets for Vietnamese pangasius in South America. However, exports to the market showed signs of slowing in the first half of 2026, while frozen pangasius fillets continued to account for the overwhelming majority of exports.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Marking 27 years of supporting Vietnam’s seafood industry, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (VIETFISH 2026) will officially return from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, on its largest scale ever. Under the core theme “Innovation – Sustainability,” the event promises to provide a comprehensive picture of the transformation of Vietnam’s seafood industry toward greater value addition and sustainable development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With less than three weeks remaining, the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition – Vietfish 2026 will officially take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Under the theme "Innovation – Sustainability," Vietfish 2026 will provide a comprehensive networking platform for seafood businesses, buyers, distributors, industry experts, government agencies, and domestic and international visitors.
(vasep.com.vn) As part of the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition – Vietfish 2026, the technical seminar “Green and Sustainable Technology Solutions for the Aquaculture and Seafood Processing Value Chain” will take place from 09:30 to 11:45 on August 20, 2026, at Convention Room B, Level 2, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City. The seminar is jointly organized by VASEP, the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance, and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Vietnam, focusing on technological innovation and sustainable transformation across Vietnam’s seafood value chain.
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