Latest News

During 2024 OATA has helped to support a number of university research projects, through funding and supervision. It has proved a great opportunity for us to expand the evidence base of our work, looking into areas of benefit brought by the home aquarium industry. One...

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association has launched a new guide outlining the law around the use of antibiotics when it comes to treating fish, corals and other invertebrates. The guidance note will help the industry understand its responsibilities around the use of...

Here's our regular reminder that OATA does not support the practice of giving live fish as prizes at places like fairs & fairgrounds. Bringing home any pet should be planned, fish in particular, so people should always say no if offered live fish as a prize. Read...

Borders related issues have been taking up a lot of the OATA team’s resources over the past few months – with various issues rearing their head to create real challenges in getting fish into shops and ultimately to fishkeepers’ home aquariums and ponds. If you have...

The Government is consulting on proposals to change requirements on how plants, including aquatic plants, can be imported into GB, which could result in an effective ban on wild-collected plants. It's being proposed only plants that come from registered nurseries can...

The European Pet Organization has unveiled its Manifesto for the EU term 2024-2029. OATA is a member of the organisation, which brings together fellow pet trade associations across Europe. It was EPO that kindly sponsored our Scientific and Technical Adviser's trip to...

UPDATED 4 SEPTEMBER The updated list of Susceptible and Vector Species has now been published with an implementation date set for 10 September 2024. From this date, these species can only be imported from countries declared free of the disease which means the...

OATA joined fellow pet trade association colleagues from around the world at the Animals Committee of CITE, held in Geneva in July 2024. We would like to thank the European Pet Organization for enabling us to attend as its representative. This forum discusses issues...

We are supporting a research student from the University of Essex who is conducting a study exploring the mental health benefits of having a home aquarium. And we now need fishkeepers to fill it in! Please share the link to this survey to your customers to ensure a...

Each year OATA publishes a report examining the UK ornamental aquatics trade, particularly in fish. We examine customs data and other sources to build a picture of what the trade has been like over the year in question and look at past trends. Member businesses get...

With the General Election announced for Thursday July 4 the fight is on to get your vote! Why not download OATA's manifesto and ask any prospective parliamentary candidates you see whether they support our four pledges! OATA’s manifesto pledges are: Support pet...

OATA CEO Dominic Whitmee and OFI President Shane Willis report on the CITES Technical Workshop on Marine ornamental Fishes held in Brisbane, Australia, in May 2024. The aim of this workshop was broadly to develop an understanding of the international trade of...

It’s the start of Invasive Species Week 2024. As an industry that imports a large range of non-native flora and fauna we know how important it is for our trade to play our part in making sure that pond and aquarium inhabitants do not stray to potentially cause harm to...

Dr Matthew Bond (OATA Scientific and Technical Advisor) is pictured presenting the industry framework at the workshop The global ornamental aquatics industry is making its pitch this week at a special workshop taking place in Brisbane, Australia (7 to 10 May) for its...

EcoMarines' Laura Carlin shares her latest update from the OATA Board.  

Ponds are a great addition to any garden. They make a fantastic feature and help to attract wildlife. Pond season is a key feature of the aquatics industry calendar and that makes it a great time to talk to customers about the Be Plant Wise campaign. This initiative...

Importers are being asked to remind their overseas suppliers to use the most up-to-date health certificates to ensure consignments will not be stopped at the border. Businesses which bring in livestock are being warned by APHA that from April 30 if a consignment...

Westminster’s Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs committee has published its final report following its Pet Abuse and Welfare inquiry. The parliamentary committee of MPs has come up with a number of recommendations that the Government will now need to consider and...

OATA has used its submission to a consultation on Susceptible and Vector Species to complain about the way Defra has handled proposed changes to the disease status of a number of popular aquarium fish. Defra has failed to follow Government Consultation Principles on...

OATA has welcomed Emily Maunder as its new Scientific Support Officer. Emily joins from Pets at Home, having previously worked in a number of independent aquatics retailers and a public aquarium before lecturing in Animal Welfare at Moulton College. She also has a...

Can you help share information to your customers about a research project into aquarium substrate? The University of West Scotland and Waltham Pet Care Centre are looking for tank owners to answer questions on the types of substrate used in home aquariums.The...

The Government has announced a plan to widen the range of fish species identified as being a vector for, or susceptible to, notifiable diseases. It therefore plans to add more species to the GB susceptible and vector species (SVS) lists, including zebrafish (Danio...

The UK Government is bringing in new requirements for imports of live animals (e.g. fish), plants and animal/plant products (eg fish food/live food/frozen food) on 31 January. That means all businesses, whether you’re an importer/consolidator or a retailer which...

We have updated our Milfoil (Myriophyllum species) identification guide to reflect the new classification of Myriophyllum ‘Red Stem’ to Myriophyllum rubricaule. The Guide was first launched in 2022 during Invasive Species Week to help retailers identify the correct...

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association has launched its own list of manifesto pledges that it wants to see from political parties as they ready themselves for a General Election next year. The trade body will now be sending the manifesto pledges to the headquarters...

Businesses which import live fish into England and Wales need to start using new health certificates which have been updated. The most up-to-date templates should now be used and can be found on GOV.UK here along with the version history for all of the live aquatic...

Pictured above: OATA directors, staff and attendees to the 2023 OATA AGM Five new directors were welcomed to the OATA Board at the trade association’s Annual General Meeting which was held on 1 November. Ben Bowles, of Pets at Home, Paul Hughes, of Advanced Aquarium...

GB Non Native Species Secretariat is looking into a number of plant and animal species  to see how invasive they may be in the UK, with a view to potentially limiting access to them. There are three species which may be of interest to our industry: Chinese mystery...

Shoal Conservation, which is works to preserve freshwater fish species across the globe, is launching a new fundraising campaign and is looking for retailers to help promote it. They are now on the lookout for a select group of forward-thinking retailers – and a...

A new report from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and the UK Sturgeon Alliance has been launched containing a 10 year plan to help in the conservation of UK sturgeon in the hope of increasing numbers of this fish in native waters. We are very pleased to have...

OATA is a member of the Companion Animal Sector Council (CASC) which was set up to provide multi-stakeholder feedback to DEFRA, the Animal Health and Welfare Board England, Parliamentarians and other Government departments or agencies on policy issues which involve...

Each year OATA publishes a report examining the UK ornamental aquatics trade, particularly in fish. We examine customs data and other sources to build a picture of what the trade has been like over the year in question and look at past trends. Member businesses get...

There are a number of practices OATA does not support. This is due to negative welfare implications for the species involved or damage to native ecosystems caused by potential illegal release. We recommend our members do not support (through sale or other means) any...

OATA has joined forces with the National Centre for Reptile Welfare (NCRW) to offer a two-day course for local authority inspectors who undertake animal activities licensing for pet vending establishments. It’s estimated more than three-quarters of all pet shops that...

Border Control Post (BCPs) inspection fees, paid by importers to inspect consignments of live fish when they enter the UK, are due to rise on 1 July 2023, with a further rise planned 12 months later. For live fish and aquatic animals fees will rise on 1 July this year...

OATA has been made aware of the launch of a new aquatics show named “AQUAH”, due to run in April 2024. This show is in no way affiliated with the AQUA and Water Alive shows run by OATA Impact Exhibitions. OATA is not involved in any way with the planned show.

CITES Animals Committee met in Geneva in June to talk through a varied agenda which had a number of issues relevant to the ornamental aquatics industry. Here’s a round-up of the topics of most interest to UK businesses. Marine ornamental fishes This project, which...

South East Water has announced a hosepipe ban which is now in force in areas of Kent and Sussex. However, those with fish ponds can continue to top up ponds for animal welfare purposes. The ban has the following exemption: "You must not use a hosepipe to fill or...

We’ve updated and relaunched our Transporting Aquatic Livestock Code to reflect current laws and best practice. The Code outlines the key issues businesses need to address when transporting live fish between businesses, or to customers. Areas covered include:...

The Government has launched a review of the way goods enter Great Britain with its Target Operating Model (TOM) consultation. It asked for views from businesses and trade organisations and OATA has submitted comments on behalf of the ornamental aquatics industry,...

OATA Impact Exhibitions and OATA have jointly taken the decision to cancel this year’s AQUA 2023 trade show and consumer Water Alive event, planned for the autumn. The show was due to run from Thursday 12 October to Saturday 14 October at Telford Conference Centre....

We are still on the lookout for a PhD student for a research project that will examine how wild collected ornamental fish can contribute to conservation in source countries. Deadline for applications is on 19 May. The PhD project, at the University of Kent’s School of...

Latest pet population statistics show that there are around 1 million fewer fish tanks in people’s homes, possibly due to rising energy prices. Outdoor ponds – which saw a big leap during the pandemic years as more people spent time in their gardens – have remained...

Water hyacinth will be returning to GB ponds after significant campaigning by OATA but not in time for this pond season. The good news comes as a result of a recent review from the Invasive Non-Native Species team in Defra which has published its list of flora and...

Friday March 3 2023 is World Wildlife Day! This year the theme is celebrating Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation. OATA is proud to partner with Shoal and Practical Fishkeeping magazine in its SOS: Support Our Shoal campaign. Shoal’s mission is to halt extinctions...

Momentum is building behind Water Alive, the new consumer show for fishkeepers, which will run alongside trade exhibition AQUA 2023 in October. News of the event was announced last month and the aquatic and watergardening world has been buzzing with excitement –...

Home aquarium industry trade association OATA is calling out Defra for a shocking lack of support for businesses on a matter of urgent animal welfare. Retailers and wholesalers which sell tropical fish are facing unsustainable hikes in energy bills – by as much as...

The Government has announced its new Energy Bills Discount Scheme, which is due to run for 12 months from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. This will come into effect following the end of the current support package. Eligible non-domestic consumers will receive a...

Here's how OATA can help businesses get ready for your animal activities licensing visit, whether you're in England, Scotland or Wales.   OATA training courses will help with requirements around staff training. And don't forget OATA members get discounts on the price....

By OATA CEO Dominic Whitmee, who previously worked on the CITES Defra team... I’ve been to a number of CoPs in my previous job as a Defra civil servant and since joining OATA but as CITES approaches its 50th year I’m left questioning its continued contribution to...

OATA was very pleased to help with the creation of a new stony coral ID guide which is available to customs inspectors around the world. The Identification of CITES-listed live stony corals in the aquarium trade guide was formally launched by Defra at the CITES CoP...

Pictured are OATA CEO Dominic Whitmee and Dr Matthew Bond who is speaking on behalf of the global ornamental aquatics industry at CITES CoP meeting during the discussion on zebra pleco (Thanks to Svein Fossa for the use of this photo) UPDATED on 30 November 2022 In...

Pictured l to r are OATA's CEO Dominic Whitmee and Scientific & Technical Adviser Dr Matthew Bond making representations to the CoP during its scrutiny of Agenda Item 80 - marine ornamental fishes. Photo by IISD/ENB | Diego Noguera. On the agenda for CITES COP19...

OATA has joined fellow global pet trade representatives to make its views heard at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Conference of the Parties, taking place in Panama. On the agenda for the meeting, which looks...

OATA is supporting two research projects that will examine how wild collected ornamental fish can be caught sustainably and how the industry can contribute to conservation in source countries. Both projects are being run in collaboration with the Centre for...

OATA has launched a revamped package of customer care information and business guidance for the ornamental aquatics industry at a special event at the Houses of Parliament. OATA has launched a revamped package of customer care information and business guidance for the...

We are working with the Companion Animal Sector Council (CASC) to gather views about the English licensing regime for businesses which sell livestock which we will feed into a review planned by Defra. Are there elements of the English Animal Activities Licensing...

The Government has announced details of the financial support it is giving to businesses to help with energy bills. You can find the announcement here. It will be reviewing these plans in three months and says it will look at supporting the most vulnerable businesses....

OATA has today written to the Prime Minister to add our voice to calls for the Government to offer urgent help to businesses over the energy crisis. You can read it here. We are particularly concerned because we believe the home aquarium industry will be the hardest...

Trade body OATA is warning that aquatic shops and wholesalers could face a terrible choice to euthanise their livestock because rocketing energy bills are making their business unviable. OATA has today written to the Prime Minister to alert him to the crisis facing...

Costs are biting for businesses and everyone is looking to tighten their belts. So we’ve pulled together some top tips to help businesses look at ways to lower costs.This will be a big one for aquatics retailers. First stop is to look at what your energy supplier can...

Retailers have to provide customer care information when they sell animals as part of the licensing requirements for all pet shops. To help aquatic retailers OATA created QR codes to give digital access to all our caresheets so that customers can use their smartphones...

The EPO AGM 2022 took place at Interzoo in Nuremberg, Germany on May 26th, 2022 and OATA's Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee has again been voted in as one of three Vice Presidents. During the AGM EPO members unanimously re-appointed both the President and the Treasurer...

OATA has contributed to a UK parliamentary POST note on invasive species. POST is the The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology and it produces impartial, non-partisan, and peer-reviewed briefings, designed to make scientific research accessible to the UK...

OATA is launching a new plant ID guide during Invasive Species Week 2022 to help aquatic businesses ensure they are selling the right types of Milfoil (Myriophyllum) species. OATA has been alerted by regulators to a rising number of illegal imports of the two...

All planned changes to import controls from July have been put on hold by the Government so businesses currently planning for these are being told to call a halt to their preparations. Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency Jacob Rees-Mogg made...

Can you help spread the word about this research project by Waltham Pet Science Institute (Mars Petcare) and the University of the West of Scotland which is looking for home aquarium owners to provide substrate samples? The two institutions are investigating the use...

A new plastic packaging tax came into force in April 2022 which means if you manufacture or import 10 or more tonnes of plastic packaging within a 12 month period, you may need to register for the tax. Find out all you need to know about the new tax and if it applies...

Latest pet population statistics show that pet fish ownership has shot up over the past couple of years. This backs up industry experiences which revealed a high interest in setting up new indoor tanks and digging garden ponds since 2020, as a response to more time in...

We have been contacted by a number of aquatic stores about the issue of enrichment in shop tanks, following queries from local authority inspectors during animal activity licensing visits. We asked our Primary Authority partner the City of London Corporation for some...

1 July Import Requirements for plants From 1 July there are new requirements for importing plants and plant products to Great Britain from the EU, Liechtenstein and Switzerland: All plants and plant products, apart from those listed as deregulated, require a...

As Spring takes hold then lots of people turn their attention to their garden ponds. So it's the perfect time to help to spread the message about the Be Plant Wise campaign to your customers. As people tend to their ponds or decide to dig new ones please help people...

We have updated our guides for OATA members on Product Safety, Electrical Goods and Fair Trading in partnership with our Primary Authority partner Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Councils. These have all been updated in line with recent changes to legislation,...

OATA is very pleased to be playing our part in a new research project being undertaken by Cefas looking into the trade in live coral from Indonesia. There are challenges identifying maricultured and wild coral so in response to this coral identification challenge,...

A new licensing regime for businesses which sell animals as pets has now launched in Scotland. This replaces the old system of pet shop licensing. It mirrors what has happened in England and Wales. Read the new guidance for businesses selling animals as pets to help...

The below has been issued by the Business Readiness Forum, part of Defra's Biosecurity, Borders & Trade Programme, to help businesses experiencing issues importing goods from the EU. Workaround solutions for IPAFFS to keep you moving Question: If you encounter any...

Defra has reviewed its mandatory guidance on animal activity licensing in England. It has rewritten the guidance for businesses which sell animals commercially and it came into force on 1 February 2022. Read the updated guidance here. If you're getting ready for your...

The Government has decided to extend the border arrangements which currently apply to goods moving from the island of Ireland to Great Britain while discussions on the Protocol are ongoing. That means goods moving from the island of Ireland to Great Britain will...

OATA has handed out its second Stakeholder Engagement Award to Rob Quest of Heathrow’s Animal Reception Centre in recognition of his long-standing work with the industry. The OATA team wanted to acknowledge the work Rob has done over many years, both at the airport to...

Following the implementation of the new EU Animal Health Law (Regulation (EU) 2016/429  the EU has introduced new model Animal Health Certificates for the export of aquatic animals from third countries (which includes Great Britain) to EU member states. You will need...

OATA has updated its guidance surrounding non-native zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and the issues that have occurred with infestations in moss balls, including avoiding products sourced from the Ukraine. There have been incidences reported in countries such as...

Two new directors were welcomed to the OATA Board at the trade association’s Annual General Meeting which was held on Zoom on 24 November. Dr Sean Evans of Wharf Aquatics and Rob Peck of The Coral Centre were voted onto the Board after vacancies were created when a...

Live Animals The Government has confirmed that physical checks on Imports of Live Animals from the EU will not start until 1 July 2022. After that live animals must enter Great Britain through an established point of entry with an appropriate border control post (BCP)...

The Animals Activities Licensing regime for Wales came into force on September 2021. From that date any business in Wales commercially trading live animals needs a licence from their local authority issued under the new regulations. Retailers and wholesalers who sell...

The disparity between tariffs on tropical freshwater and marine fish imports has been suspended, thanks to lobbying by OATA and its members. Following input into the Government’s recent Tariff Implementation Monitoring (TIM) process which looked at removing or...

November 2021 - update The OPSS has published its response to the consultation and you can read it here. We are also pleased to see the new campaign from OPSS which has been launched to raise awareness about buying products online. June 2021 With help from a number of...

Are you getting ready for your pet shop/animal activities licensing visit? While at AQUA last week we heard from a number of shops which needed help after licensing authorities wanted to put extra conditions on their licence. If you're an OATA business and you find...

OATA has handed out a special Stakeholder Engagement Award to Alasdair Scott of the Fish Health Inspectorate in recognition of his long-standing work with the industry. The OATA team wanted to take the opportunity to acknowledge the work Alasdair has done over many...

Changes are afoot in both Wales and Scotland which have both introduced new regulations on the licensing of animal activities such as pet shops. While legislation has been passed and is now in force the guidance used by local authorities on which to base their...

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at AQUA2021 at Telford International Conference Centre next week! Our stand is J3 so come along to find out more about what OATA has been up to and to find our special show offers on OATA membership and training packages. Find...

OATA has updated its advice for retailers and hobbyists about how to ensure moss balls imported into the UK are not carrying an infestation of zebra mussels. There have been incidences reported in countries such as the USA, Sweden, and the UK where the invasive...

New controls and requirements due to be introduced from 1 October 2021 and 1 January 2022 have now been delayed to 1 January 2022 and 1 July 2022. Businesses no longer need to pre-notify or acquire a certified Export Health Certificate (EHC) from 1 October 2021. This...

Find out what OATA has been up to for its members and the industry as a whole over the past year. Read our Annual Report 2021-2022 here.

Thanks to sponsorship from three companies, including the UK’s Tropical Marine Centre, the Wild Caught: Aquarium Fish Trade of the Amazon documentary is now available to watch for free on YouTube. The 90 minute documentary is the first documentary to examine the...

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association has launched a new report examining the trade in fish for home aquariums and garden ponds in a bid to tackle misconceptions about the industry. The report has been sent to more than 130 politicians across the UK as well as more...

We have joined forces with a number of other pet trade associations to respond to a consultation happening in Belgium that proposes banning wild caught pets. This might affect some UK businesses which supply to European market. Read the response here.

The EU has deferred the date to start using the new EU Export Health Certificates from 21 August to 15 January 2022. This means that any certificates in the old format signed off before 15 January will be accepted by the EU up to 15 March 2022. Find the right...

We have seen the recent piece (Thursday July 29) on Good Morning Britain about aquariums which offered a sadly very confused discussion about this important subject. We’re not providing a link because we do not want to give PETA the oxygen of publicity and it’s very...

Ornamental Fish International and our partner trade organisations, the European Pet Organisation and the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association, welcome the decision by the CITES Animals Committee to extend the reporting scheduling of the work on marine ornamental...

News from Hawaii is that the revised environmental impact statement for Hawaii was accepted by default in the meeting of the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Y0u can read a write up about the meeting here. OATA joined other global trade organisations to write to...

Today (8 June) is World Ocean Day and the theme for this year is ‘The Ocean – Life and Livelihoods’. Click on the image below to learn more on how our industry provides important livelihoods in remote parts of the world and read more here on our website about wild...

The Animals Committee of CITES has agreed that Banggai Cardinalfish do not need listing and does not need to return for discussion at future meetings, after Indonesia presented the latest information from its ongoing management of the species. At a previous Conference...

Apple snails can again be imported and sold in England, Scotland and Wales (but not Northern Ireland) after the genus Pomacea was removed from the list of quarantined pests in legislation passed in January. Apple snails have been prevented from sale in the UK since...

It seems that 2020 proved a bumper year for the creation of new ponds in our back gardens, as more people started to enjoy and invest in creating a haven in their outdoor space. According to the Horticultural Trade Association there are more than 2 million new...

The new Plant Health etc.(Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 will come into force on 1 June 2021. These changes will apply to England only but it is expected that Wales and Scotland will also apply such fees in due course. Essentially, this Regulation...

OATA’s chief executive Dominic Whitmee has accepted an offer to become an advisor on Shoal’s Advisory Group. Shoal is a world leading global conservation initiative focused entirely on freshwater species. It has brought together a diverse panel of freshwater experts...

Welsh retail members will need to get ready for a potential change to pet shop licensing rules after the Welsh Senedd voted in a new law that takes effect from 10 September. The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations 2021 covers...

We have responded to the recent call for evidence launched by the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (EFRA) committee at Westminster to look at moving animals across borders. You can read our response here.

The Government has announced that it is extending the timetable for the introduction of the next stage of UK import requirements in order to ensure minimal disruption to supply chains. This will affect both plant importers and those who import animals and products of...

We have consolidated all the advice we have received from Fish Health Inspectorate to help GB businesses which export live ornamental fish to Northern Ireland. Following exit from the EU, four options are available for GB businesses for exporting non-susceptible live...

The Government has announced a revised timetable for the introduction of plant health controls for EU trade. Since 1 January 2021, phytosanitary certificates have been required to accompany imports of high-priority plants and plant products. Documentary, identity and...

We have received enquiries regarding imports of the aquatic plant genus Vallisneria into Great Britain. This genus is subject to plant health phytosanitary controls in order to be imported from third countries (which now includes the EU) to GB (i.e. England, Scotland...

We are aware that there are numerous issues around transport facing our industry, both for livestock and products coming into the UK from Europe and the rest of the world. We have therefore tried to highlight a number of the most pressing in a letter we have sent to a...

The Scottish Government recently announced a consultation into the transport of live animals following recommendations from the Farm Animal Welfare Committe. Animal welfare is a devolved matter so each administration across the UK can take a different approach to this...

We have had an update about the latest plans from CITES on its proposal to examine the trade and conservation of marine fish. You can find the background here. UNEP-WCMC (UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre) has been contracted as project...

The Scottish Government has this week tightened up its rules around non-essential shopping and working in people’s homes. While pet shops remain essential we would urge retailers to revisit all the Covid-19 precautions within your store to make sure they are operating...

From the 1 January you will need to comply with the following requirements for the commercial import from the EU of Reptiles, Amphibians (except Salamanders) and Invertebrates (except bees, molluscs, crustaceans and corals) Commercial imports must be pre-notified via...

If you drive to Europe to collect fish then make sure you know the latest information about driving in the EU. You won’t just be able to rely on your British driving licence. Find out more here. The transport of live animal rules have also changed recently for drivers...

We have to look for small rays of light in all the Brexit gloom and here at least is one. We’ve been told by APHA that, despite a review, it will not be increasing its fees until October 2022. Plants, plant products and other objects entering Great Britain from the EU...

The European Union Scientific Review Group (SRG) has considered whether to ban Australian exports of hard coral species Catalaphyllia jardinei, Duncanopsammia axifuga, Euphyllia ancora, E. glabrescens, and E. paraancora at its meeting on 3 December. No conclusive...

A documentary film examining the artisanal fishing trade for the home aquarium industry in Brazil is now available to watch for free on YouTube. Wild Caught: The Aquarium Fish Trade of the Amazon is the first full length documentary to investigate the trade of...

12 December 2020 update We're pleased to seethis announcement from the Department of International Trade (para 4) that after 1 January 2021 it does NOT intend to continue with the additional tariffs, imposed recently by the EU, on US goods as a result of the Boeing...

The Companion Animal Sector Council (CASC) has submitted its views on the Selling Animals as Pets guidance as part of a first-year review announced by Defra. OATA is part of CASC and played its part in submitting industry feedback. The Animal Activities licensing...

The pressure to ban all wildlife trade across the globe continues with a recent parliamentary reception hosted by Sir Roger Gale, Sir David Amess and Luke Pollard on behalf of the World Protection Agency. It was very disappointing to see parliamentarians share a...

With new lockdown restrictions starting in England, as well as the circuit breaker in Wales and new tiers in Scotland, we wanted to remind you that pet shops are essential retailers so can remain open. You are also allowed to continue to work if you cannot work from...

As restrictions vary greatly across the UK we are hearing that for some footfall to businesses is falling. But there is no part of the UK where essential retailers such as pet shops are required to close. So now’s a good time to remind your customers you are open and...

The Scottish Government recently set up a new body called the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission and one of its first tasks has been to form a working group to look at exotic pets. It has asked OATA to give its perspective for fish, which would be considered an exotic...

Three new faces were welcomed to the OATA Board at the trade association’s Annual General Meeting, which for the first time was held on Zoom. Ballot papers were sent to all OATA members before the AGM and the final count was taken at the meeting held on Wednesday...

OATA has welcomed Dr Matthew Bond to the team as its new Scientific and Technical Adviser. He joins the trade association from the University of Essex where he lectured in marine biology. He also has experience of working in the ornamental aquatics world earlier in...

Global trade associations and other organisations have written a letter of concern to CITES about its proposed approach to reviewing the trade in and conservation of marine ornamental fish, as agreed by the 18th Conference of the Parties in 2019. Representatives from...

Plant importers and wholesalers need to get to grips with new requirements if they bring in aquatic plants from the EU from 1 January 2021. And if you supply to Northern Irish businesses the rules will be different again. New UK Plant Passports will need to be applied...

OATA is a member of the European Pet Organization (EPO) which recently held its AGM. Below is the press release sent out following the meeting by EPO. Due to the COVID19 exceptional situation, this year EPO Assembly General Meeting took place virtually on September...

New systems are coming into force for imports coming into the UK and importers need to get ready for the changes. Accordng to an email from Defra's SPS IT Programme - Business Readiness Team – Imports and Exports team, it says: The European Commission will no longer...

Read our latest Annual Report - Reflections on a Changing World - where we review the the past year and share our views on the issues likely to shape our industry in the future, in particular how Covid-19 has affected the High Street, our changing relationship with...

All barley straw extract products can no longer be sold and any remaining products need to be removed from your shelves. Some barley straw extract manufacturers were given a grace period to sell products until 1 August but because that has now passed all barley straw...

We have set up a special page to help you get ready for the UK leaving the European Union. Find out more here.

The Government has announced that face coverings will be mandatory from 24 July when shopping in England which means customers coming to your shop are obliged to wear one. Those people who don’t wear a face covering in shops face a fine of up to £100. You can refuse...

We’d urge people within the aquatics industry to urgently take part in a consultation on the new T-level qualification which is happening now (it ends on Monday July 13). We’re concerned that these new qualifications are cutting back on specific teaching about...

OATA has joined forces again with the Pet Food Manufacturers Trade Association and the Reptile and Exotic Pet Trade Association to put together a new leaflet to send to MPs called Positive About Pets. We want MPs to know how important it is to support all types of pet...

The Government has announced new border controls that will come into effect next year following the end of the transition period out of the European Union. It says that in recognition of the impact of coronavirus on businesses’ ability to prepare, the UK will...

We've worked with a number of other organisations to produce these updated guidance documents to reduce the disease risk in captive newts and salamanders and help stop it spreading to the wild amphibian population. Please download and share with your customers....

As lockdown restrictions start to lift – albeit at different rates across the UK – there is continuing updated advice coming out of the UK Government and devolved administrations about how to work safely. England In England, updated advice to businesses has been...

We’ve had some good feedback from Defra on our lobbying about a variety of issues. But there is still much to be done and we have been asked to provide more information about the issues that particularly affect businesses within our industry. So please help us by...

The Government has now published a number of 'back to work' guidance documents for different types of industry in England. These aim to help businesses where employees cannot w work from home to be able to return to work. Worth noting is the need to carry out a risk...

We have responded to various calls for evidence from the UK Government and devolved administrations, and bodies which support them, to help them understand the very particular issues being faced by our small industry. With great support from our Board members we’ve...

Global pet trade associations and animal keeping organisations have banded together to write an open letter in response to calls to end all live animal trade in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Trade bodies from as far afield as the United States, Canada, the UK and...

We have written to the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to raise some important points that we believe particularly affect our industry and our members. We have had information about the disproportionate effect on aquatic businesses which face...

The Government advice is constantly being updated and clarified and there is now a range of information saying you can still work, even it is not considered ‘essential’ work, if your work cannot be done from home. Ultimately it is for you to decide, in conjunction...

We've received this useful round-up from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (part of the Business, Enterprise and Industrial Strategy department) team. It says: Among the measures announced by the Chancellor to support businesses are: a Coronavirus Job...

If you have set up a temporary home delivery service for plants then unfortunately this does mean you should be issuing plant passports to the customers who receive them. You might not have done this before if you only sold plants in your shops direct to customers. We...

The Government has updated its advice on the Small Business Grant Fund which is available to small businesses through the business rates system. This will be administered by your local authority. We would advise businesses to check with their local authority to make...

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 places restrictions on movement and states that “During the emergency period, no person may leave the place where they are living without reasonable excuse”. Section 6(f) of the regulations...

Pet shops are allowed to open under the restrictions introduced by the Government last night (23 March). According to guidance on gov.uk here these are the shops that can remain open: supermarkets and other food shops, health shops, pharmacies including non-dispensing...

Many of you will have questions about the guidance released by Government about who qualifies as ‘key workers’ in relation to the closure of schools. The relevant section of the Government advice states: “This [key worker status] includes those involved in food...

Our training package provider Nimble has kindly given us permission to offer access to this free online awareness raising course on COVID-19 (coronavirus) for businesses and their staff to work through. It’s based on the latest current medical advice (which will be...

OATA has issued a new position statement on the use of fish in cultural practices. We are aware that at certain times of the year wholesalers and retailers get requests from customers wanting to buy large amounts of fish (like goldfish, and also lobsters) to be used...

We have been alerted to more changes to the way imports of live animals need to be processed coming into the UK. See the email below from Defra and this information to help. Business Readiness - Registrations v2 (004) From: SM-Defra-Defra Imports and Exports...

We’re very pleased to announce that our Invasive Non-Native Species & Biosecurity training module has been assessed and accredited by City & Guilds. This standalone module is aimed at improving your knowledge about invasive non-native species and covers the...

Defra has issued urgent advice to importers to make sure they are registered to use TRACES NT. If this affects you then please review the information below. From: SM-Defra-Defra Imports and Exports Communications (DEFRA)...

UPDATE: February 2020. The Government has released a 27 page Frequently Asked Question document to try to help businesses understand the new rules. Find it here. All businesses which sell plants or plant products must register as a Professional Operator under new...

An enforcement regime to stop the sale of illegal invasive species has finally come onto the statue books in England and Wales and Northern Ireland. The Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019 comes into effect on 1 December 2019 which means...

There has been an update in relation to new Border Inspection Posts (BIP) at the Channel ports and Republic of Ireland that will now accept live animals. If you look at the attached document, the BIPs that accept live aquatic animals only are marked as Code O while...

Fish Health Inspectorate has updated the Import of Live Fish Act list of permitted species which are now available to import and sell in England and Wales. FHI is responsible for enforcing the Import of Live Fish Act (ILFA) and produce a list (the ILFA Ornamental Fish...

Following discussions with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), OATA wishes to remind retailers of biocidal products containing barley straw extract that Control of Pesticides Regulation (COPR) Approval for this active substance was revoked by the HSE on Tuesday 19...

Trade associations from across the globe have issued an open letter to the CITES Secretariat expressing their concern about the rushed timetable and lack of robust inquiry being proposed to study the trade and conservation of marine ornamental fish. Ornamental Fish...

Last year our Assistant Chief Executive Dr Tracey King was invited to present at the Fisheries Society of the British Isles conference where she talked about wild caught ornamental fish and the benefits of the trade. It’s not often that industry is invited to present...

Following the news that the European Commission has granted the UK a further Brexit extension until 31 January 2020, it is likely that the UK will be subject to the implementation of the Smarter Rules for Safer Foods (SRSF) regulations at the same time as the EU...

A report issued by the House of Commons’ Environmental Audit Committee has acknowledged online sales as a route for invasive species to enter the UK, after OATA highlighted the issue at the committee's recent inquiry into non-native flora and fauna. But OATA is...

Aqua One Managing Director Mark Winter has been recognised for his work in the aquatics industry by being awarded OATA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Mark was presented the award at the AQUA2019 show dinner by Dr David Pool. Mark has worked for more than two decades in...

Part of our work as a trade association is to ensure the 'collective' voice of the industry is heard by government. One of the ways we do that is to respond on behalf of the trade to consultations launched by Westminster or the devolved administrations where they ask...

Two aquatic plants have now been added to the European Union’s list of EU concern for invasive species. Traders now have 12 months to sell any remaining stock of Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) and Senegal tea plant (Gymnocoronis spilanthoides). To continue to sell...

Trade bodies from around the world are calling on aquatic businesses to sign up to help them to compile a comprehensive picture of the marine ornamental fish trade. This follows the 18th Conference of the Parties (CoP18) to the Convention on International Trade in...

Our Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee (pictured), present at CITES CoP18 on behalf of the European Pet Organization, made the following intervention on Proposal 94 Conservation management of and trade in marine ornamental fishes. "This intervention has the support of...

UK trade body OATA is adding its voice to concerns being raised by Ornamental Fish International (OFI) and the European Pet Organization (EPO) about a CITES proposal to examine the trade in all marine ornamental species. The proposal, put forward by Switzerland, the...

The European Commission is calling a temporary halt to its plans to ban the sale of Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) plant. The popular pond plant was one of three aquatic plants being considered for inclusion on the EU’s list of banned invasive species, along with...

An investigation into the new Animal Activities Licensing system in England has revealed it has done little to improve animal welfare but is tying up businesses in unnecessary red tape, taking up precious time that could be used to look after animals. The lack of...

The Companion Animal Sector Council (CASC) is being resurrected after a successful meeting held last week in the House of Lords, hosted by Lord Sandy Trees, supported by the Government’s Animal Health and Welfare Board for England and assisted by OATA and REPTA. The...

OATA has written to Sentencing Council following news reports about a case involving a man who was sentenced by a District Judge following charges of animal cruelty to his pet Alsatian dog. We were concerned that the man’s sentence included a lifetime disqualification...

We are looking forward to a new 90 minute documentary which examines the benefits of the aquarium trade to rainforest conservation. The film has been made by film maker Don McConnell who joined Project Piaba on one of its trips to Amazonas region of Brazil. In the...

OATA joined fellow trade associations and other experts on 11 June for a special outreach hearing held in Cambridge by the Environmental Audit Committee as part of its inquiry into the impacts of invasive species and their management. Assistant Chief Executive Dr...

OATA today (13 May 2019) launches its new Invasive Non-Native Species and Biosecurity training module to coincide with Invasive Species Week’s Freshwater Day, organised to raise awareness about non-native flora and fauna. The new training module is aimed at retailers,...

OATA is urging people to refuse to accept prize live goldfish at fairs and is also calling for  local authorities to support its position that fish should not be given away in this way at places like fairgrounds. As the fair season approaches, the UK trade body which...