An investigation of the possible causes for the loss of productivity in genetically improved farmed tilapia strain in Fiji: inbreeding versus wild stock introgression

Four microsatellite markers and a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragment were used to investigate two possible explanations for a reported decline in productivity of genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) in Fiji: (i) a decline in genetic diversity (GD) and (ii) genetic introgression from feral tilapia populations. Genetic diversity was estimated using θ and allelic richness, while Bayesian clustering was used to assign individuals to genetic groups (K=2 or 3) to test for introgression. Differentiation among groups was estimated using F_ST analysis. Results indicate that genetic diversity had declined compared with a GIFT reference stock from WorldFish Centre, while there was little evidence for introgression from feral tilapia populations. Loss of genetic diversity most probably resulted from practices that have not actively managed genetic resources in the hatchery. While GIFT is considered to be an improved line of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), mtDNA analysis here revealed haplotypes assigned previously to three discrete Oreochromis species (O. niloticus, Oreochromis mossambicus and Oreochromis aureus) in both the Fijian strain and the WorldFish Centre strain. Possible sources for the three divergent lineages are discussed. Results have implications for the management and future expansion of the tilapia culture industry in Fiji as well as in other Pacific island nations.