In early 2025, a Taiwanese aquaculture exporter embarked on amission to deliver a substantial consignment of juvenile tilapia to afish farm in Guam. The operation's success hinged on the expertise ofWorldtop & Meta responsible for overseeing the entireprocess—from the farm in Pingtung to the final destination in Guam.Worldtop & Meta bore full responsibility for the fish's welfareduring transit, including any potential losses or damages.
Drawing from industry best practices, the exporter selectedtilapia fingerlings averaging between 2.4 to 3 grams in weight.Research indicates that fingerlings within this weight range exhibithigher resilience during transportation, with survival ratesexceeding 90% under optimal conditions.
To prepare the fingerlings for their journey, they underwent afasting period of 24 hours. This step is crucial to reduce metabolicwaste, thereby maintaining water quality during transport.Additionally, the fish were gradually acclimated to the waterparameters they would encounter during transit, minimizing stress andenhancing their adaptability.
A distinctive feature of this operation was the decision torelocate the packing process to a facility situated close to TaoyuanInternational Airport. This strategy minimized the time betweenpacking and departure, thereby reducing stress and potentialmortality. The fingerlings were transported from the farm to thisfacility using temperature-controlled vehicles, ensuring optimalconditions throughout the journey.
At Taoyuan International Airport-adjacent facility, thefingerlings were carefully packed into double-layered plastic bagsfilled with oxygen-enriched water. These bags were then placed intoinsulated boxes designed to maintain stable temperatures. Packingdensities were meticulously calculated, adhering to the optimal rangeof 75–100 fingerlings per liter. This density range has been shownto support survival rates above 90% for transport duration up to 18hours.
Worldtop & Meta ensured all necessary documentation, includinghealth certificates and export permits, were accurately prepared andsubmitted. Compliance with both Taiwanese export regulations and U.S.import requirements was strictly maintained, facilitating a smoothcustoms clearance process upon arrival in Guam.
The packed fingerlings were loaded onto a direct flight to Guam,with cargo conditions continuously monitored to maintain optimaltemperature and oxygen levels. Worldtop & Meta maintainedconstant communication with both the exporter and importer, providingreal-time updates on the shipment's status and promptly addressingany concerns.
Upon arrival in Guam, the shipment underwent a swift customsclearance, thanks to the thorough preparation and compliance with allregulatory requirements. The fingerlings were then transported to therecipient fish farm, where they were gradually acclimated to theirnew environment. This careful acclimation process ensured minimalstress and high survival rates.
The operation concluded successfully, with survival ratesexceeding 90%, aligning with the anticipated outcomes based on themeticulous planning and execution. The collaborative efforts betweenthe exporter, logistics company, and importer exemplify theeffectiveness of strategic planning and adherence to best practicesin live fish transportation.
