OATA is urging retailers and wholesalers not to sell fish if they believe the animals may be used for cultural practices – like in a temporary display or prayer release involving the release of animals into the wild – because of welfare and biosecurity concerns. 

The trade body is aware that at certain times of the year wholesalers and retailers get requests from customers wanting to buy large amounts of fish – like goldfish and lobsters – to be used for cultural practices.

“We understand that fish may be used in certain cultural practices but we would urge people to think about what will happen to the fish afterwards,” said OATA’s Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee.

 “While we of course think fish make great pets we are concerned these fish are not bought primarily for this purpose. We are therefore worried for the welfare of those fish once festivities are over, especially if the fish are then released into the wild which can have grave consequences for native wildlife and is against the law.

“Therefore we are urging our members, including retailers and wholesalers who are asked for large quantities of animals, not to sell fish or other species if they believe they may be used in this way. It is not good for the fish or a good introduction to the great hobby of keeping fish.

 “We would urge people to think of alternative ways to help support animals, like making a donation to conservation charities such as The Pet Charity, Shoal Conservation or Project Piaba.

The full position statement can be found here on OATA’s website.

https://ornamentalfish.org/wp-content/uploads/Fish-used-in-cultural-practices-march-2020.pdf