Continuing with our policy of awarding grants to research studies
which are directly or indirectly linked to the international ornamental
aquatic industry, OFI is currently supporting the following
conservation-based research programme:
The DNA Multiscan project
Until now biosecurity has primarily played an
important role in farming of food-producing animals. Biosecurity of
non-food producing animals has always been important as well, but this
was involved primarily in cases where risks are present for the
introduction of disease which could affect the food- producing animals.
In recent years, the risks for introductions of diseases which could
affect local populations have also become increasingly important in the
development of import legislation. The results of the DNA Multicsan project can play an important role in thed evelopment of guarantees for use health assurance schemes.
Past Projects
Over recent years, OFI has awarded grants to several other projects, including:
- Projeto Piaba is based in Manaus and Barcelos in the
Rio Negro region of Brazil. The programme embraces everything from
ecological studies, to education priorities for the children of the
riverine communities.
- Marine Conservation Society/Darwin Initiative three-year pilot
study aimed at establishing sustainable harvesting policies for Sri
Lankan reefs (this study was also supported by the Association of Live
Fish Exporters of Sri Lanka).
- A short-term study carried out by Serafín Gómez at the University
of Murcia in Spain into mycobacteriosis (TB) in 30 species of
ornamental freshwater fishes.
- Marine Aquarium Industry Study carried out by the Coral Reef
Specialist Group of the IUCN aiming to establish the effects of the
industry on coral reef fishes and their habitats.
- Ocean Voice International/Haribon Foundation's long-running Philippines Net-training Programme.
