The aquarium fish industry continues to face increasing scrutiny from governments, regulators, and the general public. While the COVID-19 pandemic may have triggered new levels of concern about wildlife trade and disease transmission, the reality is that biosecurity has always been — and must remain — a cornerstone of our industry's sustainability.
As an industry that spans borders and species, biosecurity is not just a compliance box to tick; it is an operational and reputational imperative. A single lapse can result in widespread disease outbreaks, trade restrictions, or damage to public confidence. Yet with proper systems in place, aquarium fish can be moved safely, legally, and responsibly across the globe — something the industry has been doing for decades.
The Context: Post-COVID Pressures and Regulatory Trends
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered major disruptions across the supply chain — reduced international flights, increased freight costs, and in some cases, temporary bans on movement of live animals. At the same time, activists renewed calls for a blanket ban on all wildlife trade, including aquarium fish, claiming it could pose future zoonotic risks.
Meanwhile, regulatory frameworks around the world are evolving rapidly:
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Increasing Health Certificate requirements in many countries such as Australia and Canada
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The EU’s increasing use of the precautionary principle in aquatic biosecurity and invasive species regulation
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Asian authorities tightening standards for quarantine and certification
All of these trends point in the same direction: our industry must proactively demonstrate high health and hygiene standards, or face being legislated out of market access.
What Does Strong Biosecurity Look Like?
At the facility level, biosecurity must be approached as a system, not a one-off checklist. Some of the key pillars include:
1. Sourcing Fish Responsibly
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Start with healthy fish from reliable, certified suppliers.
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Keep supplier numbers low — each new supplier introduces potential new pathogens.
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Be aware of seasonal disease cycles (e.g. post-rainfall outbreaks) and adjust sourcing accordingly.
2. Quarantine and Stock Separation
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Always quarantine new arrivals before mixing.
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Never mix fish from different sources — immunity to certain diseases is often regional or species-specific.
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Limit staff access to sensitive areas and implement zoning where feasible.
3. Trained Personnel
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Staff must be able to recognise disease, apply treatments correctly, and maintain observation logs.
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Equipment such as microscopes, dissection kits, and appropriate medications should be available.
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Larger operations may benefit from veterinary or aquaculture science expertise.
4. Husbandry and Environmental Control
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Good water quality, reduced crowding, and optimal nutrition boost immune function and reduce stress.
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Avoid prophylactic use of antibiotics — good husbandry can maintain low mortality even without them.
5. Hygiene and Disinfection
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Use disinfectant footbaths at facility entry points.
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Disinfect nets and equipment after each use — or assign them to specific tanks or zones.
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Ensure pest control is in place to prevent cross-contamination from birds, insects, or rodents.
6. Traceability and Records Matter
A robust health plan includes complete records of:
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Incoming stock and suppliers
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Mortality and morbidity trends
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Treatment logs and water quality results
This is increasingly required for export certifications and can be a decisive factor in meeting the health import standards of countries like Canada, Singapore, and the EU.
A Shared Responsibility
Improving biosecurity is not just the job of exporters or breeders. It must involve every step in the supply chain — from collectors and farmers, to wholesalers, importers, and retailers. Shared training, minimum standards, and transparent communication are vital if we are to maintain global access and confidence in the aquarium fish trade.
The stakes are high, but the rewards are clear: when properly managed, the ornamental fish industry is not only safe, but also one of the most sustainable and community-benefiting wildlife trades on the planet.
Let us work together to raise our standards, protect our trade, and ensure the long-term health of our fish — and our industry.
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