1. Shane Willis

Presentation Title: State of the Global Aquarium Industry: Navigating Uncertainty

Speaker Bio: Managing Director of National Aquaculture Training Institute (NATI), President of Ornamental Fish International (OFI) (served since 2016), Australia. He has nearly 30 years of experience in aquaculture, specialising in the ornamental fish industry across farming, trade, and consultancy. A graduate of the University of Tasmania with a Master’s in Aquaculture, he has held senior management roles, taught at the Australian Maritime College, and worked on projects in Australia, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. His expertise includes biosecurity and intensive production technologies, and he has presented internationally on these topics. He is also a Visiting Professor at Shanghai Ocean University and Session Chair of Session 2 (co-chaired with TBA), Session 4 (co-chaired with TBA).

Abstract: The global aquarium fish industry remains resilient, with exports valued at around USD 330 million in 2023, driven by strong demand in the USA and China. Key exporters include Japan, Indonesia, and Singapore, with Myanmar and India showing growth while traditional exporters like Czechia and the Netherlands decline. Increasing regulatory pressures around wild collection, invasive species, biosecurity, and animal welfare could significantly raise costs and complexity for businesses. To navigate these challenges, strong industry collaboration and support for trade associations are essential. Effective advocacy with regulators will be critical to ensuring the sector remains sustainable, competitive, and globally connected.

2. Mike Tuccinardi

Presentation Title: Unprecedented Times: Making sense of rapid changes in the US market for aquarium livestock post-COVID and mid-tariffs

Speaker Bio: Import Coordinator/Freshwater Division Lead at Carolina Aquatics, USA. He is a freshwater fish specialist with a background in fish health management and import/export logistics. He has spent the last 20 years working with aquatics at every level from retail, wholesale, and aquaculture to export and wild collection. As the import coordinator for US-based importer and distributor Carolina Aquatics, he works with suppliers in over twenty countries on a regular basis and closely watches trends in the hobby and industry worldwide.

Abstract: After a major multi-year shakeup of trade and supply chains caused by COVID-19, the introduction of tariffs to almost all US trading partners has injected even more uncertainty into the global aquarium fish trade. Despite this, the US market for aquatics remains fairly robust and many importers and distributors expect modest growth to continue. US-based importer Mike Tuccinardi of Carolina Aquatics will examine how both importers and exporters are navigating the changed business climate and adapting to new consumer preferences and behaviors.

3. Frank De Goey

Presentation Title: Status of European Market for Aquarium Fish

Speaker Bio: Managing Director & Co-owner of Ruinemans Group, The Netherlands. He has worked in the aquatic industry since 1997, and Ruinemans Group is one of Europe’s largest exporters of ornamental fish, invertebrates, and reptiles, known for its high animal welfare standards and reliable logistics. He also serves as a Board Advisor to Ornamental Fish International (OFI), supporting global industry advocacy and sustainability initiatives.

Abstract: In this presentation, Frank de Goey will explore the shifting dynamics of the European ornamental aquatic market in the context of ongoing global economic pressures. He will examine how inflation, energy costs, and supply chain instability are affecting trade flows and consumer demand, with a particular focus on the EU market. The session will highlight recent regulatory developments in Belgium and Italy, and discuss the broader trend towards increased regulation across Europe. Frank will also address specific trade hurdles, including the disruption of Brazilian aquarium fish exports, and how these challenges are reshaping sourcing strategies. Finally, Frank will reflect on structural changes within the retail sector, including the rise of large pet chain stores at the expense of traditional aquatic specialty retailers, and what this means for the future of the trade.

4. Keita Harada

Presentation Title: Japan the matured market yet keeps world #1 exporter and #4 importer position of ornamental fish how we keep fish pet attractive and valuable?

Speaker Bio: Director of Kamihata Fish Industry Group / Hikari. Member of Japan Ornamental Fish Association (JOFA) and Japan Pet Food Association (JPFA). After joining the Kamihata Group in 1998, he worked in R & D and is currently responsible for the export business of Hikari brand ornamental fish feed and other international businesses within the group for over 20 years. In addition, he cooperates with JOFA and JPFA to expand the export of Japanese ornamental fish and pet food. He majored in biology, having extensive experience in responding to product inspections and regulations. He also conducts marketing for ornamental fish markets around the world, always traveling somewhere, rarely staying in Japan.

Abstract: The culture of keeping ornamental fish in Japan dates back over 400 years, and after the economic boom of the 1980s, the market reached its peak around 1995. Since then, the ornamental fish market has gradually shrunk due to factors such as the slowdown in Japan's economic growth, an aging population, and the diversification of hobbies. However, in recent years, ornamental fish rooted in Japan's unique history and values have gained significant popularity, halting the market's decline and leading to a substantial expansion of ornamental fish exports from Japan. This session focuses on Japan's renowned traditional yet revolutionary new ornamental fish – Nishikigoi and Medaka to explain the history, current state, and future prospects of the Japanese market. Additionally, we will introduce JOFA's various promotion activities to promote ornamental fish keeping in Japan and world. The ornamental fish industry worldwide faces the challenge of stagnating growth in the number of hobbyists. Attend this seminar to learn how Japan, a mature market, has addressed this issue.

5. Dr Mini Sekharan

Presentation Title: Swimming AheadMarket Trends in Indian Ornamental Fish Industry

Speaker Bio: Director of School of Industrial Fisheries, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), India. OFI Member, OFI Marketing Consultant from 2021-2023. International Invited speaker (AQUARAMA, AQUAREALM, INFOFISH, NUSATIC). Marketing Consultant of KAVIL (Kerala Aqua Ventures International Ltd -A Govt of Kerala Undertaking) 2021-2022. She has taught Fish Business Management and Marketing Management since 2006, and holds a PhD in “Prospects of marketing the indigenous ornamental fishes of Kerala from CUSAT. She is the Organiser of "SOFI-Way Forward" 2012, 2020.

Abstract: Indian aquatic pet industry is in a rapid growth trajectory post covid. The dynamic ornamental fish market has diversified consumer segments in 28 states and 8 union territories of India. Trend in importing ornamental fishes is on an increase, Indian consumers have a strong demand for exotic aquarium fishes and the trend in importing ornamental fishes is on an increase. Aquarium fishes are mainly imported from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Srilanka, China and Singapore. While freshwater fishes dominate the market, there's a surging demand for marine aquarium fishes with advancements in technology making this segment more accessible. Aquarium accessories have been imported for years, with China being the dominant supplier. The rising popularity of aquascaping and planted aquariums is another notable trend in India. Digital retail taking place rapidly through online platforms and social media inherently breaking down geographical barriers, enabling businesses to reach customers far beyond their physical location.

6. Jonathan Poh

Presentation Title: SE Asia

Speaker Bio: OFI Secretariat, Singapore. Session Chair of Session 3 (co-chaired with TBA).

Abstract: Over the past year the Southeast Asian aquarium sector has experienced meaningful growth and rapid change — driven by rising export activity (notably in Vietnam and Thailand), increasing investment in captive-breeding and automation, and heightened regulatory scrutiny at regional and global levels. Industry stakeholders now face a mix of commercial opportunity (new supply chains, tech-enabled farming, and export push) and compliance risk (CITES/COP proposals, EU “positive lists”, tighter importing-country rules), making coordinated advocacy, improved traceability, and adoption of best-practice husbandry and biosecurity essential for future resilience.

7. Felipe Weber MSc.

Presentation Title: New panorama of aquariums in Brazil.

Speaker Bio: Technical advisor to the Brazilian Association of Aquarium Stores – ABLAquariofilia, Brazil. He holds a Master's degree in Aquaculture (2023) and a bachelor's degree in Aquaculture Engineering from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (2009). He has experience developing public policies for aquaculture, having worked at the former Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (2010 to 2015).

Abstract: Brazil is internationally recognized for its biodiversity, and ornamental fishing is a significant international phenomenon. For years, the Brazilian ornamental fish market suffered from a lack of updated regulations governing the use of fisheries resources, which virtually excluded Brazil from the South American ornamental fish market. Since 2019, the Brazilian government has been reforming public policies. Currently, it has aligned the management model for food fishing with that of ornamental fishing through the implementation of a negative model (lists of prohibited species). Brazil now has over 5,000 species permitted for the trade of live aquatic organisms. The policies focus on ornamental fishers, who, by being able to capture fish, contribute to the preservation of the integrity of aquatic and forest ecosystems, becoming key agents for environmental conservation. Data on the public policies implemented and the results obtained through the new fisheries management model will be presented.

8. Yap Chee Keong

Presentation Title: Arowana’s Future

Speaker Bio: Founder and visionary behind BCA Singapore, a renowned aquarium business based in Singapore. With a fiery passion for Arowana, he has spent over two decades building a leading platform for Arowana enthusiasts, specializing in Arowana fish care and maintenance. His unwavering dedication to providing high-quality Arowana and expert advice has contributed to the rapid growth of BCA Singapore, which has become a trusted name among both hobbyists and professional aquarists. Under his leadership, BCA Singapore has won numerous awards in various competitions, both locally and internationally. He is also a respected Arowana judge, with over 10 years of experience in judging Arowana competitions worldwide. Beyond his business accomplishments, he remains a passionate advocate for Arowana. As BCA Singapore continues to grow, his vision remains steadfast: to inspire and cultivate a deep appreciation for the beauty and importance of Arowana. (Already a judge for Arowana competition)

Abstract: 1. Conservation & Ecology - Stronger habitat protection & genetics conservation efforts to improve the quality of future Arowana. 2. Aquaculture & Breeding - Selective breeding and sustainable aquaculture systems improve fish quality, reduce disease and maintain genetic diversity. 3. Genetic Engineering & Designer Fish - Advancements in biotechnology may lead to genetically modified arowana species with custom colours, patterns, or enhanced resilience. Conclusion: The Arowana’s future will be shaped by how well conservation and technology are balanced. If managed wisely, it could thrive both as a biological species and cultural icon.

9. Dr Julian Sprung

Presentation Title: Coral conservation and spawning moves from the sea to land based farms. Aquarium hobby and industry innovations lead the way to protecting endangered corals

Speaker Bio: Graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology, and President of the aquarium industry manufacturing company Two Little Fishies, Inc. that he co-founded in 1991. He has been keeping marine aquariums for more than 45 years, and maintains numerous marine aquariums and a planted freshwater display. He became well known in the aquarium hobby through his monthly column Reef Notes in FAMA magazine, and many years of traveling the lecture circuit at aquarium club meetings and trade exhibitions around the world. His books include The Reef Aquarium (volumes One, Two and Three, co-authored with J. Charles Delbeek), Corals: A Quick Reference Guide, Invertebrates: A Quick Reference Guide, and Algae: A Problem Solver Guide. He has also edited and published several other books including Angelfishes of the World by Kyoshi Endoh, Diadema Culture Manual by Martin A. Moe, Jr., and The Coral Reef Aquarium (volumes I and II) by Tony Vargas.

Abstract: Not so long ago keeping and growing corals in home aquariums was considered impossible or at least very difficult by scientists who studied corals in the sea. The aquarium hobby developed a range of techniques and technologies to maintain corals in closed system aquariums, and that success led to the development of coral farming using vegetative propagation techniques. Coral restoration projects all over the world have been utilizing these techniques for decades now to grow and transplant asexually produced corals to restore and repair damaged reefs in nature. For some time scientists and public aquarium aquarists also harvested wild-spawned coral larvae to learn about how to settle and grow them in captive aquarium systems. This required knowledge about the timing of coral spawning in nature and long nights in the sea waiting for the spawning, only once a year. In the latest decade the development of sexual reproduction of corals in captivity now eliminates the need to wait for corals to spawn in the wild. Corals in aquariums can now be directed to spawn at the exact time when aquarists want them to, multiple times per year, by controlling the temperature, light, and photoperiod cues that trigger spawning. This opens up the opportunity to produce and select hardy offspring, create new genotypes, and make large numbers of corals for coral conservation efforts. While scientists now are advancing numerous projects around the world utilizing these techniques, it is important to remember that this success rests upon the shoulders of aquarium hobbyists who developed the husbandry techniques, and the aquarium industry that creates and manufactures the technologies that are now widely utilized to this end.