While we had originally planned to align the AGM with the Aquamania conference in Singapore—and then later with Nusatic in Jakarta—logistical constraints led us to make the decision to hold the meeting online. We sincerely thank members for their flexibility and understanding.

Despite a few minor technical hiccups, the meeting ran smoothly and was a productive and positive gathering. Around 23 members joined us from across the globe. While this number was lower than we had hoped, the quality of discussion and engagement was high. Increasing future participation is a priority, and OFI will be reaching out to members in the coming months for feedback on how we can better structure and promote these important annual events.

A Challenging but Active Year

President Shane Willis provided a comprehensive overview of the past 12 months. The industry continues to operate under challenging global conditions—persistent inflation, energy costs, disrupted logistics, and regulatory hurdles were all highlighted. However, growth in key Asian markets and new exporters entering the field in countries like Sri Lanka and Indonesia provide reasons for optimism.

OFI has continued to be highly active on the regulatory and advocacy front. Notably, our involvement in the CITES Marine Workshop in Brisbane helped prevent new listings of marine species thanks to science-led advocacy. We’ve also been responding to anti-trade narratives, such as the “Dark Hobby” documentary, with fact-based messages that highlight our industry’s positive environmental and social contributions.

Concerns remain around increasing regulatory activism in the EU and US, including proposed ESA listings and punitive tariffs in the United States. OFI’s engagement with key stakeholders—like AquaBrasil, EPO, and OATA—continues to be essential.

Strengthening Our Organisation

One of the most important topics discussed at the AGM was OFI’s financial position. Despite tight control of expenditure, OFI recorded a small loss for the 2024 financial year, largely due to poor silver membership growth, and lower-than-expected subscription and advertising revenue.

To address this, the AGM approved an increase in the Gold Membership fee—from €735 to €775—for 2025 which is to take effect from the 1^st July 2025. The meeting also discussed a proposed Platinum Membership tier, designed to recognise and provide visibility to organisations that can offer a higher level of financial support. A minimum subscription fee €2,000 per year is suggested but members could elect to contribute higher than this if they are able to. In return additional benefits such as social media, web banners and journal advertising would be offered. Members were generally supportive, and we will continue refining the offering based on feedback.

We also discussed a new Bronze Membership (chapter member) option aimed at expanding access to smaller businesses, particularly in developing regions, through affiliations with Gold Member association. This low-cost tier is aimed at supporting smaller-scale traders, breeders, and individual operators in developing countries who may not have the financial capacity for standard OFI membership, but who are active participants in the aquarium industry and wish to engage with the global community. Bronze members will receive digital access to OFI’s ejournals; listing on our members’ directory, and receive a certificate of affiliation.

We also discussed potential new revenue streams such as training webinars, co-branded events, and sale of educational resources—all with the goal of supporting OFI’s mission and reducing reliance on membership fees alone.

Celebrating Contributions – OFI Award

A highlight of the AGM was the presentation of the 2025 OFI Award to Mikael Håkansson of Imazo AB (Sweden). Mikael was recognised for his long-standing commitment to the global aquarium trade, particularly in the Scandinavian region. His leadership, integrity, and contributions to trade development and quality standards were warmly acknowledged by all in attendance. Mikael's global outreach included establishing strong relationships with suppliers worldwide and conducting field expeditions to study fish in their natural habitats, enhancing both supplier and customer knowledge. His early involvement in Vietnam's ornamental fish sector, notably the discovery and promotion of Sewellia lineolata, significantly boosted the country's presence in the global market. Beyond his professional achievements, Mikael's approachable nature and commitment to knowledge-sharing have earned him widespread respect and admiration, leaving a lasting legacy in both the trade and hobbyist communities. Please join us in congratulating Mikael Håkansson on this momentous achievement.

Strong Leadership: Board Elections

The 2025 AGM also included elections for the OFI Executive Board and Board of Advisors. All nominees standing for re-election were confirmed by the membership, ensuring continuity and stability in OFI’s leadership.

Re-elected to the Executive Board:

Chrishantha Alexander – Seylon Aquatics (Sri Lanka)
Sandy Moore – Segrest Farms Inc. (USA)
Dr Tim Miller-Morgan – Oregon State University (USA)

Re-elected to the Board of Advisors:

Frank de Goey – Ruinemans Aquarium (The Netherlands)
Michiko Kamihata – Kamihata Fish Ind. Ltd (Japan)
Francisco Pin Lombardi – Stingray Aquarium (Peru)
Mikael Håkansson – Imazoo AB (Sweden)
Rajanta Sinardja Rahardja – CV Bellenz (Indonesia)

We congratulate all returning board members and thank them for their continued service and dedication to the organisation and our industry.

Looking Forward

OFI’s focus now turns to the rest of 2025, including preparations for the CIPS 2nd Aquatic Industry Convention, which we will co-host with China Great Wall International Exhibition Co., Ltd. in Guangzhou this November. Themed “Potential Through Hard Times: Reform, Innovation, and Aquatic Development under Globalization and Regionalization”. This event promises to deliver vital insights into market trends and sustainability.

Thank You

Thank you once again to all who attended and supported the AGM. Your time, input, and ongoing commitment are the main drivers behind what OFI does. As always, we encourage all members to actively promote OFI within your networks, share our updates, and help us grow our voice in the global aquarium trade.

Together, we will shape a sustainable, science-driven future for our sector.