Ornamental Fish International

EU Legislative Interests

Within the scope of the EU priorities set for this new term (2024-29), OFI aims at providing its expertise as the sole voice of the aquatic ornamental sector. More particularly, OFI aims at providing its expertise and say within the scope of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 including on the implementation of the Invasive Alien Species Regulation, and on the revised EU Action Plan Against Wildlife Trafficking. Furthermore in the scope of the Farm to Fork Strategy, OFI aims to share its expertise from the aquatic ornamental sector on both aquatic ornamental health and welfare issues in line with the EU Animal Health Law and the more recently with the EU Animal Welfare Package - including an update of the EU rules on live animals transport. Last but not least OFI monitors and contributes to the following issues of interest: ACCESS and BENEFIT SHARING (ABS)- the CBD Nagoya Protocol ANIMAL and PLANTS FEEDS ANIMAL and PLANTS FOOD AND FEEDS ANIMAL and PLANTS HEALTH ANIMAL and PLANTS TRADE ANIMAL and PLANTS TRANSPORT ANIMAL WELFARE ANTI-MICROBIAL RESISTANCE (AMR) AQUACULTURE AQUARIUM BIOSECURITY BREXIT BREEDING PROGRAMME CITES EU ACTION PLAN AGAINST WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING INVASIVE SPECIES ONLINE SALES LIVE ANIMALS TRADE POVERTY ALLEVIATION WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

Communication Activities

OFI promotes and protect the interest of the aquatic ornamental sector at international level, including the EU one. As per the OFI Charter: - OFI members promote and support captive breeding, farming and collection of ornamental aquatic animals (hereunder, fish and invertebrates) and aquatic plants with respect for natural populations, the environment and the contribution made to socio- economic benefits for the local population; - OFI members only trade in fishes, corals, other invertebrates, plants, etc. that are legal in their country; they respect national and international laws and regulations; - OFI members prevent the release of specimens into the wild, except for specific nature conservation projects; - OFI uses the latest science for defining its standards and supports scientific work relating to our industry; OFI members apply proper scientific names to the best of current knowledge; - OFI supports the careful collection of freshwater and marine fish and invertebrates; - OFI supports the education and training of breeders, farmers and collectors to further improve appropriate handling, animal health and welfare protocols, and promoting diver safety (e.g. OFI condemns the use of cyanide or other poisons, coral breaking or trenching, etc,. for the collection of marine organisms); - OFI promotes trade and handling of ornamental aquatic animals with respect for their wellbeing; OFI members pack and transport aquatic animals in accordance with national and international legislation (see OFI Educational Publication 7). - OFI promotes the addressing of biosecurity risks in our facilities and the training of staff in biosecurity practices (see OFI Educational Publication 4); after longdistance transport, or when needed, importers will see to it that fish receive adequate quarantine. - OFI members undertake to make every effort to maintain the health of aquatic ornamental animals. They provide proper water quality, implement adequate treatment and feeding protocols and organize regular health inspections. - OFI members restrict the use of antibiotics as much as possible, and in accordance with relevant national legislation. - OFI members operate in a spirit of cooperation with each other and according to honorable standards of trading, both between each other and with non- members of the organization. - OFI members agree to settle legitimate complaints promptly and satisfactorily.

Interests Represented

Promotes their own interests or the collective interests of their members

Organisation Members

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