19 June 2021 – The Ornamental Fish International (OFI) held her Annual General Meeting (AGM) via Zoom for the second time on the 11th of June 2021. The meeting was attended by over 30 members from all around the world based on a convenient time selected for most members. OFI President, Shane Willis shared: “COVID-19 continues to be a challenge for people and organisations around the world. We are lucky that online events such as our AGM offer opportunities for people to come together and continue their work. However, we do look forward to the opportunity for face-to-face meetings soon, with our next AGM to be held at Interzoo in Nurnberg in May 2022″.
A poll was cast for the re-election of two executive board members as well as for eight members from the Board of Advisers. All appointments were re-elected based on majority vote, a reaffirmation of their dedication and contribution to the industry. The AGM also confirmed the approval of 3 new OFI members for admission into the OFI family – congratulations to Yong’s Fish International, Ultra Coral Australia and Creative Way Global Co. Ltd.
Vice President, Svein A. Fosså provided an update to members on the work done in the CITES arena and the issues that were highlighted in the last CITES Animal Committee Meeting. He shared about the call for Banggai Cardinalfish to be removed from future CITES agendas due to the model examples of sustainable management of ornamental fisheries and the support received from the committee members and parties involved. He ended with a plea for assistance from the industry with information on trade activity and financial resources to continue the effort in this fight for the industry.
Our EU representative, Ms Nathalie Gamain presented on the new EU animal health law requirements. Members were concerned on its implications to the ornamental fish trade and requested for OFI to provide advice on the matter. Shane shared that this new legislative requirement could affect the operational cost structure for the industry as multiple health certificates might be required for one shipment. OFI will work on this matter and will have updates for members in October 2021.
It was also the first AGM for new SG, Mr Jonathan Poh, who was warmly welcomed by all attending. The meeting concluded approximately after 1.5 hours and received many positive feedbacks from members.
