Cuba and Chile cooperate to take advantage of fish resources such as tilapia

These two countries are working together to genetically improve this species, contributing to agriculture and food security.

According to authorities in the agriculture, livestock, and food sectors, fish farming is key to food security and economic development. This activity involves the cultivation of fish and is an alternative to traditional fishing, thus reducing pressure on ecosystems and generating employment, among other advantages (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food of Guatemala, 2025). In Honduras, for example, more than 25 million pounds of tilapia ensure food security in the domestic market (Agriculture and Livestock, Government of Honduras, 2025).

There are several aspects involved in the efficient farming of tilapia, such as water quality, temperature, feeding rate and frequency, and genetic variety, among others. Indeed, with reference to the latter, the presence of genetic differences can influence growth (up to 85% faster than the original population) and disease resistance. For this reason, genetic improvement programs can be beneficial, as is the case of the variety created by GIFT (Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia) (Magazine Panorama Acuícola, 2024).

In this regard, in the framework of Bilateral SSC, Cuba and Chile are currently implementing the project Genetic and health improvement, and the use of alternative foods for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The Aquaculture Technology Development Company (EDTA by its Spanish acronym) of Cuba is participating in this initiative as recipient, while the Catholic University of Northern Chile (UCN by its Spanish acronym) is the institution that acts as provider.

This project aims to provide the various economic stakeholders involved in aquaculture production in Cuba with a technological pack for the production of GIFT Nile tilapia seeds, including the preparation of an alternative food based on local raw materials and complementary preventive and therapeutic therapies for growing biomass. To this end, it is necessary to apply the method of individual selection of breeders based on genetic merit, together with health assessment and the use of new local raw materials in the formulation and manufacture of food (Project’s document, 2024).

According to the authorities, two internships were carried out in 2024 and 2025, at the Catholic University of Northern Chile (Coquimbo campus), in which Cuban officials participated. These two activities contributed to the project’s expected outcomes and, in both cases, the proposed work schedule was completed. Three areas were addressed: Genetics and Physiology (quantitative genetic analysis using mixed models); Aquatic Pathobiology Laboratory (determination of the optimal level of inclusion of local raw materials and formulations for tilapia feeding); Chemical Analysis and Nutrition Laboratory (analysis of alternative treatments using natural extracts to combat tilapia diseases).

In addition, two conferences were carried out: The Development of Aquaculture in Cuba, for Chilean advisors; and Alternative Feeding Methodologies for Nile Tilapia in Cuba, for fifth-grade Aquaculture Engineering students at the UCN. Furthermore, participants attended the 9th National Aquaculture Congress as observers in some lectures that were of special interest to Cuban aquaculture.

In turn, a Chilean delegation visited Cuba in June 2025 to assess the three existing laboratories at the EDTA, to visit the aquaculture company PESCASPIR —which has a pilot plant for fish by-product silage—, and the Aquaculture Development Center of the Jaramillo Credit and Services Cooperative, where food is produced using local materials based on circular economy. The opportunity was also taken to give lectures on nutrition and feeding of cold-water fish, animal health, and genetic improvement in tilapia.

November 2025

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Source: SEGIB based on Agencies and Directorates-General for Cooperation, Agriculture and Livestock, Government of Honduras (2025), Aquaculture Technology Development Company – EDTA (Internal document, 2025), Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food of Guatemala (2025) and Magazine Panorama Acuícola (2024).

Photos: Richard Bell in Unsplash and imsogabriel stock in Unsplash