Fishponds get hosepipe ban exemption
Two water companies have announced restrictions to hosepipes and sprinkler - known as Temporary Use Bans (TUB) - in August. We're pleased to see that both have given exemptions to fish ponds to enable owners or pond consultants to continue to top up ponds to ensure...
Printable labels for QR code caresheets
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...
EPO AGM confirms board
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 inputs to parliamentary research on invasive species
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...
Industry warned to ensure Oryzias species must only be sold for indoor aquariums
OATA is reminding retailers to only sell Japanese rice fish or Medaka (Oryzias species) for indoor aquariums and to ensure customers understand they cannot be kept in outdoor ponds or barrels. The Import of Live Fish Act, which governs which freshwater species can be...
Don’t be foiled by the wrong Milfoil plant
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...
Government halts plans for new July import controls
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...
Fishkeepers wanted for substrate research
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...
Plastic packaging tax
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...
Pet fish ownership jumps during the pandemic years
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...
Enrichment advice for shop tanks
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...
Get ready for 1 July changes to EU imports to GB
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...
Be Plant Wise during pond season
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...
Updated guides for members
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,...
New coral ID project under way
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,...
New licensing regime for Scottish pet shops
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...
Latest advice on EU trade issue workarounds
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...
English pet shop licensing review
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...
Changes to border arrangements with the island of Ireland
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 hands out second special stakeholder award
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...
Exporting to the EU – changes ahead
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...
Avoid moss balls from Ukraine
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...
New faces welcomed to OATA Board of Directors
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...
Update on importing Live Animals and Plants from the EU
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)...
New pet shop licensing regime for Wales
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...
Marine fish imports dropped to 0% thanks to OATA lobbying
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...
UPDATED: OATA responds to product safety review
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...
Get ready for pet shop licensing
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...
Special award for a special official
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...
Pet shop licensing in Wales & Scotland
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’re off to AQUA2021!
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...
Updated advice on moss balls
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...
OATA welcomes new member to the team
OATA has welcomed Matthew Hill as its new Scientific Support Officer. Matthew joins from the University of Portsmouth where he was a Research Associate working on trade data analysis. In his new role he will support OATA’s Scientific and Technical Advisor with...
New timetable for controls on importing animal products from EU to GB
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...
Read our latest Annual Report
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 2020-2021 here.
Free viewing for Wild Caught documentary
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...
New Fishing For Facts report lands with UK politicians
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...
Belgium propose ban on wild caught pets like fish
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.
Export health certificates
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...
Axolotl import rules
We understand there may be a growing interest in axolotls following the inclusion of a new character in the computer game Minecraft, which might mean more shops are selling these amphibians. To import live amphibians of the order Caudata (such as salamanders and...
Good Morning Britain – a response
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...
CITES extend project looking at marine fish
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...
Latest update from Hawaii
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...
Search is on for the ’10 most wanted’ freshwater fish
OATA is a supporter of Shoal so we LOVE its new campaign launched today (9 June 2021)! The search is on for the 10 Most Wanted freshwater fish in the world and Shoal needs help to hunt them down in its first flagship campaign The Search for the Lost Fishes. In...
World Ocean Day
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...
Banggai Cardinalfish do not need a CITES listing, says Animals Committee
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 return to GB aquariums after restriction lifts
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...
OATA supports Invasive Species Week 2021
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...
Plant health fees to go up in June
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 chief takes on Advisor position at freshwater fish charity
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...
New pet shop licensing regime coming to Wales
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...
Moving animals across borders consultation
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.
Trading animals with Europe – dates extended
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...
Exporting fish from GB to Northern Ireland
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...
Plant health controls extended
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...
OATA responds to CAWF Fish Welfare Report
OATA has responded to comments made in a recent Fish Health Report by the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, calling them unjustified and showing a lack of proper research into the way live ornamental fish are transported. The recent report, which mainly focuses...
UK aquarists warned to be vigilant for invasive hitchhiker
OATA is asking aquatic retailers and fishkeepers to be on the alert for moss balls products that might contain Zebra Mussels (Dressena Polymorpha). Reports in the US have highlighted an issue with a variety of moss ball products designed for aquariums, which have been...
New controls on Vallisneria
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...
OATA writes to ministers on transport issues
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...
Scottish consultation on animal welfare in transport
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...
Update on CITES marine fish proposal
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...
Lockdown rules on essential shopping
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...
Importing reptiles, amphibians & invertebrates
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...
Goods vehicle driving in the EU
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...
Plant inspection fees to stay the same until 2022
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...
EU coral ban averted
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...
Documentary examines wild caught fishery in Brazil
A new film examining the artisanal fishing trade for the home aquarium industry in Brazil has been released on Vimeo. Wild Caught: The Aquarium Fish Trade of the Amazon is the first full length documentary to investigate the trade of tropical fish, the benefits it...
UPDATED: US fish tariff to disappear in the New Year
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...
OATA plays its part in CASC review of AAL
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...
MPs add their voice to ban UK wildlife imports like tropical fish
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...
Pet shops are essential retailers – latest
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...
Time to remind customers you’re there to help
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...
New Scots group to look at exotic pets
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...
Courier services that carry fish
Our shopping habits are changing because of Covid-19 and many more people are buying fish online, without always visiting a shop to choose the particular fish they want. One thing that has not changed is the law that covers the transport of live animals – in this case...
OATA AGM confirms Directors for the next year
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 welcomes new Scientific & Technical Adviser to the team
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...
Concern raised over CITES workshop plans to review marine ornamental fisheries
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...
UK Plant Passport – new regime
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...
Be Plant Wise & help spread the message
The Be Plant Wise campaign is being relaunched during UK Plant Health Week and we're urging all retailers and wholesalers which sell or supply aquatic plants to get behind the new look campaign and start spreading the message. As autumn is upon us people will start...
EPO AGM press notice
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...
Get ready for IT import changes
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
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...
Items to be removed from sale in August
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...
Get ready for leaving the EU
We have set up a special page to help you get ready for the UK leaving the European Union. Find out more here.
Face coverings in shops
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...
New qualification to lose ornamental fish focus
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...
Let’s get Positive About Pets
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...
UPDATED New border controls for 2021
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...
Updated guides for captive newts & salamanders
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....
Updated advice for shops
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...
Defra feedback on our lobbying efforts
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...
Latest ‘back to work’ guides for English businesses
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...
OATA responds to Government calls for evidence
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...
8 tips to help you connect with your customers
Social media engagement has grown hugely since lockdown as people spend more time on their phones scrolling for distraction, entertainment and escapism from what’s going on around us. No doubt you are experiencing more activity on your social media channels and, if...
Global pet trade writes open letter in response to wildlife trade ban call
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...
OATA writes to BEIS on behalf of industry
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...
Moving to selling online
Many shops may be looking at how to set up an online shop for the first time, if you do not already have one. We’ve done some research to pull together some advice on how to tackle this. Things you need to think about will include creating the online shop on your...
Can pond and aquarium consultants carry on working?
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...
Update from Office for Product Safety & Standards
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...
Temporary home delivery of plants
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...
Check your business rates information with your local authority
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...
Can I travel to my pet shop to work?
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 can stay open
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...
Advice on ‘key worker’ status
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...
Trade associations call for the continued provision of cargo services for pet animals
Trade associations have joined forces in calling for airlines to ensure the continued provision of international air freight services for pet animals. See the letter here.
Trade associations ask Government to exempt pet businesses from any mandatory Covid-19 closures
Trade associations including OATA have today written a joint letter to Defra’s Lord Gardiner in urging the Government to treat pet businesses as essential services and not to force their closure should such emergency measures be introduced. We urge all our members...
UPDATE: Potential impact of COVID-19 on ornamental aquatic imports to the UK
In the current unprecedented circumstances, OATA aims to notify its members of any changes as soon as we become aware of them, as such changes are likely to occur on an almost daily basis. UPDATE
Potential impact of COVID-19 on ornamental aquatic imports to the UK
OATA is aware that UK Government agencies and teams are putting measures in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to reduce the possible impact to imports. The following Link provides our current understanding specifically for ornamental aquatic...
Free online awareness course on coronavirus
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...
Industry urged not to supply fish for cultural practices
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...
More changes to imports from outside the EU
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...
Invasive species training module now City & Guilds accredited
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...
Importers urged to register for TRACES NT
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)...
New recommendations on buying snails & mussels for garden ponds
OATA is recommending the UK industry source five commonly traded snails and mussels from UK sources only, particularly if they are to be sold for outdoor ponds/gardens. OATA has concerns that importing five commonly traded species of snails/mussels, most of which we...
URGENT: register your business for plant passports
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...
New enforcement powers on banned species
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...
Update on new European Border Inspection Posts
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...
Import of Live Fish Act (ILFA) updated with new species
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...
UPDATED: Can you still sell barley straw extract?
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...
Global trade writes open letter of concern to CITES
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...
OATA research paper on the benefits of wild caught 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...
New plant passport requirements from December
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...
OATA responds to Westminster report on invasive species
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...
OATA hands out Lifetime Achievement Award
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...
Terrapins, plants & animal exhibits – we have our say
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...
Trade has 12 months to clear stock of two aquatic plants
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 seeks leading role in CITES marine fish review
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...
Trade intervention at CITES CoP18
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...
CITES proposal to look at all marine ornamental species
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...
Guidance on how to protect against palytoxin poisoning
Following fresh reports of suspected palytoxin poisoning, OATA is reissuing guidance to help marine aquarium hobbyists who keep corals protect themselves against this type of incident. Corals, like any animals, just need some care when handling and are perfectly safe...
Water lettuce plant gets reprieve from EU sales ban
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...
Trade bodies: urgent review of English licensing
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...
Advisory group on companion animal pets gets a reboot
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...
Animal cruelty sentence questioned over fish exclusion
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...
New documentary on wild caught fish
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 joins Westminster committee inquiry to talk about invasive species
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...
New training launched for Invasive Species Week
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 responds to Commons committee on invasive species
UPDATE: 23 May 2019 OATA has responded to a call for submissions from the House of Commons' Environmental Audit Committee which has launched an inquiry into the impacts of invasive species. As a result OATA has been invited to attend one of the Committee's evidence...
Say no to goldfish at fairs, says OATA
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...
FHI alert on illegally imported species
Fish Health Inspectorate has alerted us to recent imports of a number of illegal ornamental aquatic species that cannot be kept or sold in the UK. We therefore need to remind importers, wholesalers, retailers and keepers that the only crayfish (lobster) that can be...
OATA supports new freshwater fish conservation programme
OATA is proud to be a strategic partner of Shoal, a new conservation programme for freshwater fish that launched on Friday March 1st. Shoal is a new initiative which aims to engage a diverse range of organisations to ‘accelerate and escalate action to save the most...
Our training gets City & Guilds accreditation
OATA is re-launching its industry training packages with new online courses after gaining City & Guilds accreditation. We have revamped and updated the course contents of our Foundation and Advanced Training programmes which have now been assessed and accredited...
OATA welcomes Scottish Government review plans for pet shop licensing
OATA has welcomed news that the Scottish Government is to look at introducing new legislation on pet shop licensing in Scotland following a campaign by Jeremy Balfour MSP. Mr Balfour’s office this week confirmed it has received a letter from the Cabinet Secretary for...
Another plant ban looms from EU
It looks like our industry is heading towards another aquatic plan ban, thanks to the EU Invasive Alien Species regulation. This time it’s Pistia stratiotes (Water lettuce), Salvinia molesta (Giant Salvinia) & Gymnocoronis spilanthoides (Senegal tea plant), along...
New website launched to help British public buy a healthy pet
OATA has joined forces with the UK’s top animal welfare organisations, veterinary and industry bodies to launch a new website to help people when they decide to buy a new pet. We are a member of the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG), a group comprising of the...
New trading standard guides for members
OATA has joined forces with Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Trading Standards team to provide new support and advice guidance for its members. Three new guides have been produced for OATA members covering electrical goods, product safety and fair trading to help...
Advice on selling betta fish in pet shops
We have seen this story in National Geographic about betta fish and a PETA campaign against US pet superstores that sell these fish. Despite what the story says we were not asked for a comment. Our advice to our members is always to follow the Primary Authority advice...
UPDATED: New licensing regime for England
Find out everything you need to know to get ready for the new animal activities licensing regime that came into force in ENGLAND on 1 October 2018. This new regime covers any commercial business selling pets as animals - so that means pet shops, wholesalers and home...
OFI reports on latest CITES meeting & Banggai Cardinalfish
This news comes from Ornamental Fish International which covers CITES meetings for the global industry, including OATA. OFI writes... The ‘Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora’ (CITES), which held the 30th Meeting of its...
UPDATED Importing Gars – Action Required
All importers are reminded that only specimens of pure bred Florida and Cuban gars are imported into the England and Wales. Despite previous warnings illegal import of hybrid gars have been found. If importers have any doubt as to the identity of any gars from the...
New import rules on Caudata to come in July
New EU rules on the import of Caudata amphibians such as newts and salamanders are being introduced on 1 July 2018 in the UK. The new rules seek to stop the spread of the fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). The European Commission had initially...
OATA responds to Scottish pet shop licensing review
We have responded to the private bill which calls for a reform of pet shop licensing in Scotland, proposed by MSP Jeremy Balfour. We welcome the proposal to review pet shop licensing because, for many years, OATA has been calling for a common, coherent and consistent...
Indonesian coral ban
Worrying news from Indonesia which is the latest country to stop sales - this time of corals - that will affect our industry. The situation is somewhat confused about why the ban has been introduced and Interzoo offered a chance for Ornamental Fish International to...
OATA response to Defra animal transport consultation
Defra is looking at the issue of animal welfare in transport and recently launched a call for evidence seeking views and information on all aspects of this. While it is particularly examining the export of live farm animals for slaughter the review also takes in the...
UPDATED: Advice on preventing palytoxin poisoning
OATA has joined forces with key public health officials to produce guidance to help marine aquarium hobbyists who keep corals protect themselves against palytoxin poisoning. Health Protection Scotland approached OATA with a request to help produce the advice after a...
Don’t sell aquarium plants for ponds, industry warned
As we approach pond season we want to remind shops about advice we gave out last year about certain aquatic plants. We are concerned that retailers may be turning to aquarium plants, such as Egeria densa (which can sometimes be sold under the incorrect name Elodea...
Channa sales ban on hold after an OATA challenge
Plans to ban the sale of Channa and three aquatic plant species across the whole of the UK have had a reprieve following a challenge by OATA to the EU. A proposal by Spain had put the whole Channa genus in jeopardy but the European Commission has announced that no...
OATA responds to Government’s animal sentience consultation
The Government launched a consultation on its plans to increase animal cruelty sentences and include animal sentience in UK law. Find out more about the draft bill here and read OATA's response to the consultation here. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select...
Aquarium Industry Targets Illegal Cyanide Fishers
Scientists are a step closer to ending the deadly and destructive practice of illegal cyanide fishing…thanks to new research. The use of cyanide to stun and capture fish for both the ornamental and food trades is still a problem in tropical seas, particularly in the...
OATA hands out Lifetime Achievement Award
23 October 2017 Retired Chief Executive Keith Davenport has been recognised for his work in the aquatics industry by being awarded OATA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Keith, who spent 25 years at the helm of OATA, was presented the award at the AQUA2017 show dinner by...
How to protect your garden pond against otters
We’ve seen a number of stories about otters raiding garden ponds for fish. Otters are protected by law and it is a criminal offence to capture, injure, kill or deliberately disturb wild otters. However, there are some ways garden pond owners can protect...
Clear these pond plants from shelves for good
3 August 2017 Four popular pond plants must be cleared from shop shelves from today and can no longer be sold to the public. American skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus), Cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana), Lagarosiphon major and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)...
Channa under the spotlight for EU ban
31 July 2017 The European Union is working on its next list of invasive species to ban across Member States under the EU Alien Invasive Species Regulation. Confusingly this is called the Second Review which has produced a third list. Yet again, the ornamental aquatic...
More pond plants banned from sale by the EU
21 July 2017 The European Union has added four more aquatic plants to the banned list of species that can no longer be sold in the UK in the future. Transitional arrangements will be in place to enable the plants to continue to be sold for a year – provided...
Welsh Assembly petition calls for an end to exotic pet trade
The Welsh Assembly's Petitions Committee is currently looking at a petition submitted in March calling for an end to the exotic pet trade in Wales. You can see the full wording of the petition here where you will also see the correspondence between the committee and...
Pet owners have a powerful voice in this election
We have joined forces with the Pet Charity and REPTA to send a leaflet outlining just how great pets are to would-be politicians and to point out that almost half of the voters they meet when canvassing will be living with a pet of some kind. You can read the leaflet...
OATA offers pond plant alternatives for aquatic species no longer for sale
20 February 2017 As pond season approaches, the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association is reminding retailers that they can no longer sell four popular pond plants – unless they already have a contract in place with their suppliers. American skunk cabbage (Lysichiton...
OATA welcomes Next Steps on pet shop licensing
2 February 2017 OATA has broadly welcomed the Next Steps document issued by Defra today (2 February) outlining its proposed approach to the licensing of ‘animal activities’, including pet shops. In its joint submission with PIF and REPTA to the original consultation...
Corals which cannot be imported into the UK
14 December 2015 This list shows the existing EU import suspensions on coral species from various countries. [embeddoc url="https://ornamentalfish.org/wp-content/uploads/EU-decisions-on-corals-2016.xlsx" download="all" viewer="microsoft"] There have been instances...
Myxocyprinus asiaticus fish can’t be sold in UK
8 December 2016 We have been notified by the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) that they’ve recently seized two batches of Myxocyprinus asiaticus, traded as Chinese high fin loach, from retailers. These freshwater fish aren’t licensed under ILFA so can’t be sold in the...
New fish species on CITES Appendix III
31 October 2016 Just to let you know that you will need certain CITES permits if you sell or import the Ocellate River Stingray (Potamotrygon motoro) from Brazil and Colombia, the Zebra pleco (Hypancistrus zebra) from Brazil or the Discus Ray (Paratrygon aiereba) from...
Say goodbye to water hyacinth as EU bans the plant from UK garden ponds
28 July 2016 Popular aquatic plant water hyacinth will soon disappear from UK ponds after the European Commission finally published its list of species of EU wide concern, as part of the Invasive Alien Species Regulation. The list effectively bans long-term sale of...
Chopped barley straw is not a biocide, confirms HSE
Chopped barley straw made into pouches for ponds is no longer covered by the Biocides Regulation in the UK, according to the Health and Safety Executive. The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association used an exemption made for chopped lavender flowers bagged to repel moths...
List of invasive species of EU wide concern published
The EU has now published its list of species of EU wide concern and it will come into force on 3 August 2016. The list contains 37 species of animals and plants, some of which are sold and are important in our industry. We recommend everyone reads the UK Governments...
Councils fail to justify large fees for licensing pet shops, report reveals
22 June 2016 Just one council could justify its £300+ fee for issuing a pet shop licence, in an investigation by the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association. Twenty councils which charge £300 or more for a pet shop licence – identified through an earlier Freedom of...
Don’t buy ‘Dory’ on a whim, warns OATA
15 June 2016 Don’t buy fish on a whim after watching the new Finding Dory film, warns the UK trade body that represents the ornamental aquatic industry. The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) is worried that the increasing nature of online sales could...
New report reveals the benefits of ornamental fish caught in the wild
19 May 2016 A new report looking at the positive benefits of wild caught fish has been launched by the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association. The UK trade voice has long argued that fish caught in the wild from reefs, rivers and Rift Valley lakes can offer much-needed...
Councils still failing to use the latest advice on pet shop inspections
27 April 2016 Barely half of councils which licence pet shops are using the most up-to-date advice on how to do this, according to a new report from the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA). During a Freedom of Information request to nearly 400 councils, OATA...
Hands off campaign relaunches for devolved elections
10 March 2016 The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association is re-launching its #handsoffmyhobby campaign as Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish voters go to the polls in May. This time, the trade association is asking businesses and hobbyists to ask their local politicians...
Dry goods manufacturers urged to include no release message on packaging
The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association is calling on all manufacturers to include a simple no release message on all new packaging. Companies which produce ‘dry goods’, such as fish food, tanks, pumps and other equipment associated with keeping ornamental fish are...
OATA hands out Lifetime Achievement Award
22 October 2015 Dr David Pool has been recognised for his work in the aquatics industry by being awarded OATA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. David, who is the founder of www.fishscience.co.uk, has worked in the industry most of his working life, including 25 years at...
Global group to shine a light on social good of wild caught fish
The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association has welcomed a report from the ICUN’s Home Aquarium Fish Sub-Group following its inaugural meeting at Aquarama. This global group brought together representatives from the ornamental fish trade, including OATA’s Chief Executive...
OATA creates new guidance to selling fish online
8 July 2015 A new guide to help people sell fish responsibly online and transport them correctly to customers has been created by the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association. The Guide to the responsible distance selling of livestock was written in response to growing...
Latest guidelines to reducing disease risk in captive amphibians
1 July 2015 We've worked with a number of other organisations to produce this guidance document 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....
Goldfish are not a threat to British pond life
We have read with interest the scientific paper published in PLoS One journal claiming that goldfish pose a risk to frogs in garden ponds because of ranavirosis. However, we do not believe the evidence in that paper is strong enough to draw that conclusion so people...
Retailers urged to reject dyed fish for sale
21 May 2015 The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association is calling on its members not to import or sell dyed or tattooed fish. They are also being urged to be alert to requests for large quantities of fish to be used as table decorations at parties and events and not to...
Chytrid fungus reaches the UK
30 April 2015 With news that the chytrid fungus has reached the UK, OATA is again urging UK amphibian keepers to maintain good biosecurity with their pets to make sure this new fungus does not spread to our wild populations. That means making sure animals absolutely...
Local authorities asked to support ‘no fish as fairground prizes’ message
OATA is asking local authorities to support its position that fish such as goldfish should not be given away as prizes at places like fairgrounds. As the fair season approaches, the UK trade body is asking local environmental health departments to check the terms of...
Official ‘thumbs-up’ for pet shop licence scheme
OATA’s Primary Authority scheme for pet shop licences and health & safety has been given the official stamp of approval in Parliament just before it dissolved in readiness for the General Election. In a written answer to MP Tracey Crouch, DEFRA minister George...
Global group to examine social good of the home aquarium industry
26 March 2015 OATA’s Chief Executive has been invited to sit on an international group looking at how the home aquarium industry can help protect the environment and prevent poverty. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has created a new Home...
OATA challenges MEP over ‘criminal activity’ remarks
5 March 2015 OATA has written to MEP Catherine Bearder to challenge remarks she made about the ornamental fish industry at a European Union press conference yesterday. She was launching a cross-party MEPs for Wildlife Group which aims to put the fight against wildlife...
Trade to press for its voice to be heard as Scottish Government decides to review exotic pets
16 February 2015 OATA and REPTA will be pressing to meet the Scottish Government to challenge its plans to review the exotic pet trade which, if successful, could stop people keeping ornamental fish and reptiles across the border. The announcement came on Sunday from...
Hawaii proposals could scupper its aquarium industry forever
12 February 2015 The UK’s trade body representing the ornamental fish industry has had its say on controversial plans to stop the aquarium trade in Hawaii. Four Bills are being put before the House Ocean, Marine Resources and Hawaiian Affairs Committee of the Hawaii...
Hands Off My Hobby campaign relaunches for May election
21 January 2015 In the run-up to this year’s General Election the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association is relaunching the #handsoffmyhobby campaign to let all the political parties know that fish make good pets too. The industry body is calling on businesses and...
OATA helps aquatic shop fight onerous pet shop licence condition
7 January 2015 The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association has stepped in to help one of its members avoid an onerous condition on its renewed pet shop licence by using the new OATA primary authority scheme. Somefin Fishy Ltd, which is based in Greasby on the Wirral,...
OATA advice on newts after new strain of deadly fungus found
5 November 2014 The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) has joined forces with Reptile and Exotic Pet Trade Association (REPTA) to recommend that Asiatic newts and salamanders imported into the UK are held at 25°C for 10 days before they can be sold to the...
New guidance on invasive species from CBD
16 October 2014 The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association has welcomed new guidance to the pet industry on invasive species from the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) and says the sector has already been doing much of what’s recommended for more than a decade....
OATA lobbies MEPs in advance of Euro animal welfare conference
23 September 2014 The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association is writing to all UK MEPs in advance of a conference on animal welfare organised by Eurogroup for Animals. The Brussels-based group is staging a two day conference following up on a number of campaigns they...
UK pet industry gets a pat on the back at global meeting on biodiversity targets
26 June 2014 The UK aquatic industry – along with those in Europe, Canada and the United States – have been praised at the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) meeting being held in Montreal this week for helping to raise...
EU election is not the end of #handsoffmyhobby campaign
The European election does not signal the end of the #handsoffmyhobby campaign, says the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association. The industry's campaign was launched after seeing the lobbying activities of Eurogroup for Animals in the run-up to the European Parliament...