Tilapia culture in Asia and other non African countries is practiced on a narrow genetic base. In contrast, African countries, many of which need assistance to develop their own aquaculture sectors, hold the global wealth of tilapia genetic resources. These resources have yet to be tapped to improve cultured breeds. These proceedings document a 1987 workshop held in Bangkok, Thailand, to discuss the documentation, conservation and utilization of tilapia genetic resources and their future use in aquaculture.