These early introductions of tilapia were intended to act as a form of biological control, combating the growth of weeds and proliferation of mosquitos. Later genetic studies indicated that at least two separate introductions to the native creeks and rivers occurred.
These initial tilapia introductions aimed to regulate weed growth and control mosquito populations through biological means. Later genetic investigations revealed that there were indeed separate incidents of tilapia introduction into the native creeks and rivers.