OFI is proud to annouce our new Charter that details our aspirations for our members and industry. OFI members have accepted the OFI charter at the last Annual General Meeting of OFI at Aquarama 2015, with final ratification to occur at the 2016 AGM. By accepting the OFI Charter, OFI members are contractually obligated to conduct their business according to the ethical, fair and legal trade as detailed in the charter.

The OFI Charter:

OFI members promote and support captive breeding, farming and collection of ornamental aquatic animals (hereunder, fish and invertebrates) and aquatic plants with respect for natural populations, the environment and the contribution made to socio-economic benefits for the local population;

OFI members only trade in fishes, corals, other invertebrates, plants, etc. that are legal in their country; they respect national and international laws and regulations;

OFI members prevent the release of specimens into the wild, except for specific nature conservation projects;

OFI uses the latest science for defining its standards and supports scientific work relating to our industry;

OFI members apply proper scientific names to the best of current knowledge;

OFI supports the careful collection of freshwater and marine fish and invertebrates;

OFI supports the education and training of breeders, farmers and collectors to further improve appropriate handling, animal health and welfare protocols, and promoting diver safety (e.g. OFI condemns the use of cyanide or other poisons, coral breaking or trenching, etc,. for the collection of marine organisms);

OFI promotes trade and handling of ornamental aquatic animals with respect for their wellbeing;

OFI members pack and transport aquatic animals in accordance with national and international legislation (see OFI Educational Publication 7);

OFI promotes the addressing of biosecurity risks in our facilities and the training of staff in biosecurity practices (see OFI Educational Publication 4); after long distance transport, or when needed, importers will see to it that fish receive adequate quarantine;

OFI members undertake to make every effort to maintain the health of aquatic ornamental animals. They provide proper water quality, implement adequate treatment and feeding protocols and organize regular health inspections. OFI members restrict the use of antibiotics as much as possible, and in accordance with relevant national legislation;

OFI members operate in a spirit of cooperation with each other and according to honorable standards of trading, both between each other and with non-members of the organization;

OFI members agree to settle legitimate complaints promptly and satisfactorily.

Download the Charter:

OFI encourages to display the OFI Charter at their workplaces and to send it to customers and suppliers to encourage them to also operate their business according to the charter.

Download A4 Version

Download A1 Poster Version