The International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management (ICLARM) undertook a major strategic research project known as the "Genetic Improvement of Farmed Tilapias" (GIFT), with funding support from the United Nations Development Programme and the Asian Development Bank. The primary objective was to develop an effective method for the production of improved breeds of Nile tilapia for low-cost sustainable aquaculture, a method which could be applied to a wide range of tropical finfish species in national genetic improvement programs. Nile tilapia was selected because of its importance in low-input aquaculture and short generation interval (generally about eight months from egg to attain sexual maturity).