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Author: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
Palau Koror — The House of Representatives approved on first reading a bill authorizing the Bureau of Fisheries to distribute tilapia fingerlings to citizens of Palau and promote the establishment of a tilapia aquaculture industry in the country.
The bill argues that Palau has overreacted to the listing of tilapia as an invasive species and calls on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment to encourage tilapia farming, distribute fry and develop consumer markets. Citing the success of tilapia farming in the Philippines, the lawmakers claim that such farms can improve quality of life by providing a reliable source of income and readily available food regardless of environmental conditions.
The bill’s findings indicate that farming tilapia in Palau will diversify the fish available to the public, strengthen its economy, and promote economic growth and food security.
This is not Palau’s first attempt to develop a tilapia industry. Four years ago, a similar bill, House Bill 10-8-1, passed third reading in the House of Representatives after being introduced in 2017. Another similar bill was also introduced in the 7th Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK).
Tilapia was present in Palau’s ponds for many years, but public concerns that it could damage the local ecosystem led to the extinction of more than 29,000 fish. Experts confirm that tilapia poses a real threat to Palau’s endemic species due to its ability to survive in both fresh and salt water, its aggressive feeding habits, and its high reproduction rate.
The current bill was introduced by Nace Soallablai of Peleliu, Timothy Sinsak of Ngarchelong, Warren Umetaro of Aimeliik and Frutoso Tellei of Melekeok.
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