By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang

Koror, Palau — The House of Delegates has passed a bill on its first reading to authorize the Bureau of Fisheries to distribute tilapia seedlings to Palauan citizens and promote the establishment of tilapia farming in the country.

The bill argues that Palau has overreacted to tilapia being labeled an invasive species and calls on the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment to encourage tilapia farming, distribute its seedlings, and develop a market for its consumption. Citing the success of tilapia farming in the Philippines, lawmakers assert that such farms can improve the quality of life by providing a reliable source of income and readily available food, regardless of environmental conditions.

The bill’s findings suggest that farming tilapia in Palau would diversify the fish available to the public and strengthen the economy, contributing to both economic growth and food security.

This is not the first attempt to promote a tilapia industry in Palau. Four years ago, a similar bill, House Bill 10-8-1, passed its third reading in the House of Delegates after being introduced in 2017. Another similar bill was also introduced in the 7th Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK).

Tilapia was present in Palauan ponds many years ago, but public concern over its potential to disrupt the local ecosystem led to the eradication of more than 29,000 fish. Experts testified that tilapia posed a genuine threat to Palau’s endemic species due to its ability to thrive in both fresh and saltwater, its aggressive feeding habits, and its high reproductive rate.

The current bill was introduced by Delegates Nace Soalablai of Peleliu, Timothy Sinsak of Ngarchelong, Warren Umetaro of Aimeliik, and Frutoso Tellei of Melekeok.