Spring Tilapia's fish carry the benefit of years of genetics research from Benchmark Genetics, the company's longtime research partner. In 2023, Benchmark's scientists, working with the USDA's Aquatic Animal Health Research Unit, identified a specific genetic marker linked to resistance against Streptococcus iniae, a bacterial disease that can cause serious losses on tilapia farms.
Using that discovery, Benchmark selectively bred fish for resistance and then tested the results. Geneticist Sergio Vela-Avitúa noted that the outcome showed marker-assisted selection was "feasible and likely to be highly effective," with offspring from resistant parents surviving at dramatically higher rates than offspring from susceptible ones.
Benchmark went on to build these findings directly into the breeding and production of the tilapia strain now raised at Spring Tilapia's farm, work that traces back to the same research collaboration and breeding relationship the company has maintained with Benchmark over the years.
Morten Rye, Benchmark's Director of Genetics, called it a meaningful step toward more disease-resistant tilapia strains industry-wide, and one they expect will keep paying off for both producers and the fish themselves.
Read the original announcement on Benchmark Genetics.