As per previous communiqués the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) is currently undertaking research on the ornamental fish industry – see details below. This includes an industry survey. Some of you may have been contacted already about participating in the survey. PIAA has been involved in the development of the research project in line with our charter to protect and promote the interests of members.

 

PIAA encourages members to participate if you are selected. The information is being collected professionally with confidentiality of businesses dealt with in a manner to the satisfaction of PIAA. The objectives of the survey are spelt out below. Good industry participation in the survey will maximize the accuracy of the data and the subsequent value we can get from being recognised as an important, professional and growing Australian industry sector.                       

 

Major Study of Ornamental Fish Industry in Australia

 

Worldwide, the keeping of ornamental fish in aquaria is a popular hobby. Aquaria are a regular sight in many homes, in workplaces, and other public spaces. Various sources report that the international trade of ornamental fish is growing rapidly and is approaching USD$1 billion p.a.

Estimating value   

The ornamental fish industry in Australia is estimated to be worth $350 million annually, including accessories. This figure includes commercial fish breeding facilities, wholesale traders, retail outlets and the hobby industry. In Australia, the pet fish population is estimated to be over 25 million fish, with about 14% of the population participating in the aquarist hobby at some level. Yet it is difficult to be certain about these figures.

 

According to the Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIAA) approximately 60% of aquarium fish are supplied domestically by local breeders; the other 40% are imported. Imports of ornamental fish in 2005–06 totalled approximately 16 million individual fish (Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service 2007), estimated to be worth over $5 million (ABARE 2007). There is also an active but difficult to quantify trade in fish within hobby associations and between enthusiasts.

 

We need to be able to quantify accurately the true value and size of this growth industry.

New research

The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) is currently undertaking research on the ornamental fish industry to fill this knowledge gap. Surveys conducted from June to September are the main methods for gathering information.

 

The five key objectives of the research are to:

 

·        determine the overall structure, size, value and activities of the ornamental fish industry in Australia.

·        determine the level of recreational ornamental fish ownership and the types of owners - based upon level of seriousness (simple fish tank up to breeding and showing)

·        compile a list of the commercially important species traded in Australia categorised by value, source, and production method

·        develop a method to estimate the GVP of the industry on an annual basis.

 

The FRDC is the only national agency responsible for undertaking research and development (R&D) for the Australian fishing industry. This incorporates all sectors including commercial (wildcatch and aquaculture), recreational through to customary fishing.

A growth industry

The FRDC considers that the breeding and keeping of ornamental fish is an activity with close linkages to aquaculture. Indeed, many of the fish husbandry techniques used in intensive aquaculture are equally applicable to ornamental fish. The FRDC believes there is excellent potential to grow the ornamental fish industry in Australia. The key to industry growth, however, is investment in R&D. The FRDC, through the extensive R&D networks that it has built up over the past 15 years, believes it can provide the mechanism for the ornamental fish industry to invest in its own R&D.

 

In developing the survey the FRDC have been working with the key ornamental fish groups, such as the Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIAA), to ensure relevant and useful information is collected.

The survey of individuals and businesses involved in the ornamental fish industry will be carried out by two companies – EconSearch (contact Lizzie Clark on (08) 8431 5533) and Dosaqua (Dos O’Sullivan on 0418 130-595). The survey will consist of approximately 100 face to face interviews conducted across Australia with a random selection of ornamental fish industry related businesses and individuals.  

 

If you have any further questions either on the survey or the FRDC please contact Justin Fromm on (02) 6285 0400 or email justin.fromm@frdc.com.au. For more information about the FRDC visit www.frdc.com.au.

 

Alternatively if you would like more information from a PIAA perspective contact PIAA Director Anthony Ramsey who has been actively involved in representing our interests regarding this and related matters.