Not a tilapia expert so I have a question.

Here is the thought process.

The 2in. LMB that will be stocked around June 1 will be feeding on plankton , tiny bugs etc. and not the CNBG/RES stocked in March as they will be to big for the LMB the first 6 mths at least. If the tilapia are stocked currently at 2 to 4 inches then they will also be to big for the new LMB to eat. By Aug or so the LMB may be eating tiny tilapia fry (born in July/Aug) if they could get them from the parent tilapia without being attacked. So by the time the tilapia die from cold temps. only the smallest new yoy tilapia fry from Aug. on will be a possible extra food source for the first year LMB (if they can get them) and the BG/RES base would not have been impacted by the LMB anyway. The tilapia would have taken up room in the pond and eaten some of the plankton which would have otherwise been available to the BG/RES (don't know how much). Assuming first year pond FA and plants are not a problem or factor.

Here is the question.

Does it make sense to and do hatcheries recommend stocking tilapia along with the first year stocking of 2in. BG/RES/LMB (initial pond stocking) as described above or are they a second year on stocking strategy to add to the forage options. Any thoughts or info or tests/data on this very specific question . I am not addressing normal tilapia use as additional forage in existing ponds with fish populations, only initial pond stocking .