The big challenge facing the aquatics industry in 2015 is how we educate customers about the need not to release non-native plants and species into the UK countryside, says Keith Davenport, chief executive of OATA...

"Pet shop licensing – and the need to establish consistent and coherent animal welfare standards for pet shops – also remains an issue which we’re trying to tackle with our new Primary Authority scheme with the City of London Corporation.

"Closer to home, online trading, particularly through things like Facebook, is becoming an increasing challenge for pet shops.

"We hope it’ll be a good year for the industry. As usual there’s lots going on with some big issues on the horizon.

"2015 is election year in the UK so that’ll bring a lot of political activity for pressure groups wanting MPs to hear about their issue. There’s no doubt animal campaign groups are voicing their message to ban the keeping of exotic and wild caught animals – such as ornamental fish – as pets.

"We need to make sure our industry’s voice is heard on this issue too and that the good news about the hobby gets in front of politicians. So we’ll be re-launching our Hands Off My Hobby campaign early in 2015 - watch this space for more information about that.

"It’s understandable pet shop owners concentrate on their own business. But there are big issues that we need to fight together for the industry to survive. We need all pet shops – big or small – to play their part in getting the public involved in our Hands Off My Hobby campaign and let politicians know that pet-owners have votes and therefore influence."