Int’l Ornamental Fish Conference 2017: 2nd edition staged again in Colombo

The second International Ornamental Fish Trade and Technical Conference will be organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, INFOFISH Malaysia, and Ornamental Fish International (OFI) from 8-9 February at the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo. 

Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development (MOFARD), Ministry of Primary Industries, National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka (NAQDA), and Live Tropical Fish Exporters Association also extended collaboration as national partners of the conference. 

The first edition was held in Sri Lanka in year 2014. Sri Lanka has been chosen as the venue to hold the second edition of this prestigious event in 2017, in recognition of its role as one of the pioneering countries of global marine ornamental fish trade and also as key supplier of the freshwater ornamental fish to the global market.

The conference is expected to bring together the world’s major ornamental supplying nations exporters, buyers, relevant trade organisations, government institutions, professionals, etc to discuss the current issues and challenges in the industry.

16 renowned international speakers will be speaking at the conference, covering all the important aspects of the ornamental fish industry including trade and technology challenges, developments and innovations in breeding, rearing and feed technology; both in marine and freshwater ornamental fish sector: as well as the prevention and control of diseases. Some of the pressing global issues will include current and pending rules and regulations, environmental issues and the certifications.

The organisers are pleased to announce Shane Willis, President of Ornamental Fish International (OFI) as the Chairman of the International Ornamental Fish Conference 2017. His vast experience in the industry will undoubtedly provide strong leadership to the conference.

A farm visit for international participants is also being organised for 10 February to the Rambadagalla Ornamental Fish Breeding and Training Centre. It will be a unique opportunity for participants to witness the ongoing research activities in this state-owned centre, including fish breeding, rearing and tissue culture of aquatic plants. 

There are about 80 ornamental fish exporting companies in Sri Lanka. Major buyers for Sri Lankan ornamental fish are the USA, Japan and the European Union (UK, Germany, France). This sector is prominent in the rural areas contributing to increase household income with high net foreign exchange earnings to the country. 

Sri Lankan ornamental fish assortment for the international market includes wild caught marine, brackish-water and freshwater species as well as captive bred freshwater fish. Out of the freshwater species exported from Sri Lanka, about 60-70% consists of famous fancy Guppies. These are highly recognised in the international market for its strength and high diversity when compared to other countries. Sri Lanka’s export of Ornamental Fish in 2016 was $ 13 million.