The International Development Research Centre of Canada (IDRC) was also then supporting a variety of aquaculture genetics research projects in Asia, linked by an effective, though short-lived, regional network. ICLARM and the Institute for Aquaculture Research, Norway (AKVAFORSK) proposed a large and highly focused research effort toward genetic improvement of Nile tilapia13 by selective breeding, following the approach pioneered in Norway for genetic improvement of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).