Guidelines for managing the risks of introductions and transfers of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT)

Abstract

It is evident that the increasing role of GIFT in future global fish supplies will increase GIFT introductions or transfers to more countries and territories in the coming years. Therefore, these risk management guidelines have been prepared to help move GIFT into any country or territory where risk analysis shows minimal risks using the highest safety standards and where cost-benefit analysis shows economic benefit potential. They are based on the strategies and recommendations of three comprehensive reviews of potential ecological, genetic and disease risks of GIFT introductions and transfers, as well as established international best practices provided by FAO and the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).