Biosecurity and the ornamental fish trade: a stakeholder perspective in England

Louisa Emmeline Wood, James Guilder, Marnie L. Brennan, Nicola J. Birland, Virginia Taleti, Nicolas Stinton, Nick G. H. Taylor, Mark A. Thrush

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

The freshwater and marine ornamental fish industry is a primary route of hazard introduction and emergence, including aquatic animal diseases and non-native species. Prevention measures are key to reducing the risk of hazard incursion and establishment, but there is currently little understanding of the biosecurity practices and hazard responses implemented at post-border stages of the ornamental fish supply chain. This study addresses this knowledge gap, using questionnaires to collate information on actual biosecurity behaviours and hazard responses practised by ornamental fish retailers and hobbyist communities in England. Actual behaviours varied considerably within retailers and hobbyists, suggesting that reliance on preventative practices by individuals in the post-border stages of the ornamental fish supply chain is likely to be ineffective in minimizing the risk of hazard incursion and establishment. Resources should be allocated towards improving and enforcing robust pre- and at-border control measures, such as risk-based surveillance of ornamental fish imports at border controls. In addition, these findings should be used to implement targeted awareness-raising campaigns and help create directed training on biosecurity practices for individuals involved in the post-border stages of the ornamental supply chain.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)352-365
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Fish Biology
Volume100
Issue number2
Early online date28 Dec 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2022

Keywords

  • biosecurity practices
  • exotic pathogens
  • invasive non-native species
  • hobbyist
  • ornamental fish industry
  • retailer

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