To mark Invasive Species Week 2025, the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association has revamped and relaunched of its Business Biosecurity Self-Assessment Tool for the aquatic sector.

The tool is now available in an enhanced and user-friendly online format and the updated resource is designed to support businesses in evaluating and strengthening their biosecurity protocols with ease and efficiency.

The tool guides users through a structured online survey, where businesses are invited to review and select statements relevant to their operations across a range of key topics. These include supply chain management, quarantine procedures, hygiene practices, wastewater handling, and livestock health checks, among others. The assessment is intended to encourage critical reflection on current practices and to identify potential areas for improvement.

The survey requires only a few minutes to complete. Upon submission, participants receive an immediate summary of their biosecurity status, followed by a more detailed report sent directly via email. This comprehensive report is designed to be used in conjunction with OATA’s Biosecurity and the ornamental aquatics industry guide, which offers further recommendations and best practice guidance to enhance biosecurity measures within businesses.

Deputy Chief Executive Dr Matthew Bond said: “Invasive Species Week, which raises awareness about non-native flora and fauna, is the perfect time to relaunch our Business Biosecurity Self-Assessment Tool. It’s really easy for businesses to work through and, used alongside our Biosecurity and the ornamental aquatics industry document will really help businesses make improvements to what they do.”

The Business Biosecurity Self-Assessment Tool is freely available and accessible now on the OATA website. https://ornamentalfish.org/what-we-do/set-standards/biosecurity/