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The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association has announced the launch of a new campaign, designed to oppose proposed European measures that could deeply affect the hobby of fishkeeping. The Brussels-based lobbying group “Eurogroup for Animals” is urging MEPs to support its manifesto, which calls for an outright ban on the import of wild-caught animals and a restriction on the number of exotic species that can be imported and traded in the EU.
If successful, this measure would mean that fishkeepers would no longer be able to buy tropical marine or freshwater fish, corals, soft corals or other invertebrates as all of these are either wild-caught and/or exotic. As any species that is not native to Europe is considered “exotic”, this would mean that even those that are captive-bred in the EU would be affected.
 
As the ‘voice’ of the ornamental fish industry, OATA are concerned that this could pose a serious threat to the hobby, and is calling on keen fishkeepers to contact MEPs and urge them not to sign the pledge.
 
To find out more about the “Hands Off My Hobby” campaign and what you can do to support it, you can look at the recent article on Practical Fishkeeping's website or visit the OATA website directly.