At OFI, we believe that local voices should inform global conversations. That’s why we’ve launched a new series of Regional Roundtables—a platform designed to give our members space to connect, share insights, and collaborate on challenges and opportunities unique to their regions.
Our first session, focused on Sri Lanka, took place online on 24 April 2025. It brought together a broad cross-section of industry leaders, exporters, breeders, and regulators for a candid, constructive exchange. The energy was positive, the discussions rich, and the feedback was positive and the format worth continuing.
Why Regional Roundtables?
The aquarium industry is as diverse as the species we care for. Each region faces different hurdles—be it regulatory shifts, freight costs, disease management, or changes in market access. These smaller, informal sessions aim to:
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Promote practical dialogue among peers;
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Share local innovations and success stories;
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Identify key issues needing global advocacy; and
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Help OFI shape policy positions with real-world input.
Rather than a top-down approach, the roundtables allow for grassroots industry engagement, enabling us to speak with one voice while staying attuned to local industry issues and realities.
Highlights from the Sri Lanka Roundtable
The Sri Lankan ornamental fish sector reported $26 million in exports in 2023, with 60% being freshwater species. While demand remains strong, participants voiced concerns about freight costs, emerging biosecurity rules, and regulatory headwinds—especially in relation to wild-caught species and CITES requirements.
Key topics discussed included:
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Freight and Tariffs: While Sri Lanka has largely avoided direct impact from recent U.S. tariffs so far, exporters are feeling pressure from US based customers to lower prices to offset any tariffs imposed by the USA. Freight rates remain a major concern.
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Wild-Caught Trade: OFI reaffirmed the need for science-based advocacy and called for better documentation of livelihoods supported by wild collection.
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Biosecurity and Disease: Concerns about Megalocytes virus led to discussion on the likelihood of stricter EU testing protocols. Participants stressed the need for capacity building in health and biosecurity.
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Capacity Building: Strong interest was shown in training on marine breeding, fish nutrition, health management, and advanced culture systems like RAS and biofloc. OFI will work with local industry to help develop suitable workshops with this.
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Membership Growth: Ideas included offering discounts to new members within local exporters supply chains and encouraging involvement from government and research sectors.
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Freight Solutions: While OFI clarified that IATA doesn’t set freight rates, we committed to explore collective negotiations and discussed possibilities for industry-wide cooperation.
Looking Ahead
This first roundtable showed the power of open dialogue. It also reinforced the need for tailored advocacy, continuous learning, and strong regional networks.
We’ll be rolling out additional regional meetings in the months ahead. Topics and formats will be shaped by member feedback, and we invite all OFI members to participate.
Whether you're a breeder in Bogor, a shipper in São Paulo, or a researcher in USA —your voice matters.
Together, let’s build a more connected, resilient global aquarium industry.
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