GenoMar has been awarded funding through the Eureka Eurostars programme for a new research project. The aim is to develop next-generation tilapia strains with improved tolerance to climate change and enhanced disease resistance.
Tilapia is one of the world’s most important aquaculture species. It provides affordable protein and supports millions of farmers across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. However, farmers are facing growing challenges from diseases, temperature swings, salinity changes, low oxygen levels, and pressure to reduce antibiotic use.
This project addresses these challenges by developing a genetically improved tilapia strain with higher robustness and survival using classical selective breeding and advanced genomic selection tools.
Targeting disease and climate stress
Through a combination of laboratory and field trials, the project aims to achieve a 10–15% reduction in mortality rates by selecting for resistance to key bacterial pathogens, including Streptococcus agalactiae, Flavobacterium columnare, and Aeromonas hydrophila.
At the same time, the fish will be selected for improved tolerance to temperature variation, hypoxia, and salinity. By raising the fish in different challenging farming locations in the Philippines we want to find out the genetic mechanism behind robustness and use this for selection in the breeding program.
Next-generation disease-resistant tilapia
A central outcome of the project is the development of GenoMar STRONG+, a second-generation disease-resistant tilapia strain. It builds on the successful GenoMar STRONG line already used in countries like Vietnam and Colombia.
GenoMar STRONG+ will protect against more diseases while maintaining rapid growth and feed efficiency. Farmers will benefit from better survival, lower risk, and more stable production, especially in high-disease areas and specific environmental conditions.
Impact on sustainability and food security
By delivering disease-resistant and climate-tolerant tilapia strains, the project supports global efforts to:
- Enhance tilapia farming profitability and sustainability
- Strengthen global aquaculture biosecurity
- Reduce environmental impact and antibiotic use
- Strengthen aquaculture in developing regions
- Improve food security
Advancing the future of aquaculture
Every new generation of tilapia selected for improved robustness under challenging environments has a higher potential to survive and thrive in these farming conditions later. By combining advanced genomics, selective breeding, and robust disease testing, this Eurostars-funded project represents a step forward in promoting sustainable aquaculture.
The project funded by the Research Council of Norway (NFR) under the Eurostars Programme last for three years and finalizes by the end of 2028.
