What do we do?
We are the only trade association in the UK solely dedicated to protecting and promoting the interests of the ornamental aquatic industry. Our objective is to help businesses to keep fully stocked with a wide range of products and fish to sell, and to equip you with helpful deals and information so you can run your business successfully. Our work aims to enhance the reputation of the trade by promoting the benefits derived from it, setting high standards, providing good education and training, and encouraging responsible ownership and enjoyment amongst fish keepers.
Why businesses should join us
There’s strength in numbers. Your support is vital to our continued success. Our membership is open to UK businesses involved in the industry* and by joining as a member you’re helping to keep your industry alive:
- Practical help and support to enable you to stay ahead of the competition, including a wide range of information to help with running a business.
- Access to our Quarterly Members’ Webinar Programme. Find the 2026 programme here.
- Discounts on our City & Guilds-accredited training courses to help you train your staff. (A key requirement of Animal Activity Licensing for businesses).
- Exclusive access to our annual Trade Statistics Report, examining a range of data to give an overview of the trade, making it a useful tool to understand how the industry is doing.
- Free legal helpline when you need advice (ring our office on 07946 167121 for access information).
- A free audit of insurance arrangements to take the hassle out of getting the best cover.
- Membership of our Primary Authority schemes to give you the advice & backing of a regulatory authority if you face issues or challenges over Animal Activity Licensing, Health and Safety, and Trading Standards.
- Access to our member business only Facebook group where you can ask questions.
- Safeguarding the future of the industry & your business.
*Because we are a trade association, membership is only available to businesses involved in the UK aquatic industry. We would encourage any business outside of the UK to consider joining Ornamental Fish International, which represents the industry worldwide, or your own country’s trade association if there is one.
What does membership buy me?
Your membership support helps us to do our work on your behalf, such as:
- We make your voice heard at local, European and even global levels because we represent a broad range of businesses involved in our industry
- We offer practical help and information to help you run your business more successfully and be better informed
- Members get discounts on our aquatic-related training packages to ensure you have the best-trained staff
- A free audit of your insurance arrangements to take the hassle out of getting the best cover plus access to a free legal helpline when you need it
- Promoting the hobby of fishkeeping through our online videos, social media and work with the press
Join today!
Click on the right membership category for your business to find fee information and how to join online.
Membership runs for a calendar year (January to December), apart from the Pond & Aquarium Consultant category which runs April to March. If you join part way through a year your renewal will still be billed from the beginning of the following year.
Membership of OATA is at the discretion of the OATA Board which will make the final decision. Full voting membership is confirmed once the signed agreement of the Code of Conduct and any related paperwork has been returned to the OATA office and a membership pack has been sent to you. Retail members – it is the individual shop that becomes the member. We offer discounts to retail members with multiple shops to register as members. Contact the OATA Office on 07946 167121 for details.
