Yes, tilapia will have to be controlled if they are introduced into a central/south Florida pond. Personally, I would skip the tilapia in that situation. Up north where they die off each year. It think they have more pluses than minuses. Where they overwinter, that isn't the case... The FWC has struggled for years to control tilapia and other non native cichlids. Peacock bass have helped, but tilapia are hard to control.
That is the biggest thing with fisheries management... There is no absolutes! One study doesn't prove anything. 10 studies MIGHT prove something.
You are right about there not being any absolutes. All I want to do is add another forage species, but it isnt that simple. I still have no idea what I will stock. I just don't want the bluegill and redear in my lake to be overcome. I have seen ponds where bass survive off their own spawn. I want to avoid that.
