Update - Ban on Koi in Australia

[mrbradleybradley]

You may recall that a few months ago, the Australian government release a paper in which it proposed changes to the management of ornamental fish in Australia, The same paper also pointed to the possibility of koi becoming banned.

To update, below is a letter from Richard Tilzey regarding the submissions
The submissions made to the National Ornamental Fish Policy Working Group in response to the Consultation Draft ‘A Strategic Approach to the Management of Ornamental Fish in Australia’ were considered by the Group at a meeting on 2 May 2006. This letter is forwarded to all persons and organisations that made submissions.

In general, there was broad agreement by respondents to the need for a structured Australia-wide management system for the ornamental fish industry. Such a system was seen as essential to prevent and control disease incursions and the establishment of noxious species in the wild. There was also broad agreement that management was best achieved by a comprehensive communication/education network leading to effective self-regulation for hobbyists, whilst acknowledging that managing importers, wholesalers and aquaculturists may require a more formal regulatory framework.

The draft Management Strategy will now be revised and submitted for approval through the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council. Following approval (and possibly the need for further amendment) a copy of the completed Management Strategy will be forwarded to you. It is anticipated that a National Implementation Committee will be formed to progress the recommendations.

Many of the submissions expressed concern about koi carp (i.e. Cyprinus carpio) being on the Proposed Noxious Fish Species list. The Group acknowledged the fact that, although koi carp are technically the same species as noxious “European” carp, domesticated koi comprise the basis for a widespread industry embracing many hobbyists and several koi-specific Societies and Groups. Hence, the Group recommended that, whereas “Common” or “European” carp should remain on the noxious species list, consideration should be given to placing “Domesticated Koi” carp on the grey species list. When the review of species on the grey species list occurs, an effective and agreed method of distinguishing or separating koi from common carp will have to be developed. This process will involve consultation with Koi Groups/Producers.

The Group also acknowledged that the 4 Lepisosteus species on the noxious list are currently being bred in Australia and require further risk assessment. These species were also recommended to be placed on the grey list. It should be noted that these recommendations are subject to approval by Ministerial Council before being adopted. I again thank you for your submission.

Richard Tilzey
Executive Officer
National Ornamental Fish Policy Working Group

[MikeM]

Oh, this will be fun ... drawing the line between a Chagoi that feeds from your hand and a Magoi that grandparents a Sanke. Should be quite a spectator sport.

[mrbradleybradley]

Originally Posted by MikeM

Oh, this will be fun ... drawing the line between a Chagoi that feeds from your hand and a Magoi that grandparents a Sanke. Should be quite a spectator sport.

My thoughts exactly. Hey, maybe they will do some genome sequencing just for fun.

BB