How many countries have koi & koi hobbyists

[koiczar]

One more to mention - Brazil!

[mrbradleybradley]

It would be quicker to list all the countries that do not have koi hobbiests (legally)

I know they are totally banned and illegal in New Zealand.

When world peace breaks out what will happen to NZ?

[MikeM]

A couple of years ago, we had a fellow post on this board from Iceland. His koi were kept indoors and geothermal warm water was used. I don't think he mentioned a club.

Don't forget Brazil. Very active hobby there.

[mstrseed]

Mexico

[Campcheryl]

The Cayman Islands. No show ........yet

[Bern]

Let me sum up Europe.

Countiries with known hobbyists. From N to S.
Sweden
Norway
Denmark
Germany
Holland
Belgium
France
Switzerland
Italy
Spain.
Cyprus.
Malta.
Eire
and the UK.

I know that koi are shipped to the Czech Republic, Slovakia & Hungary too.
And I saw koi on sale (albeit from aquariums) in Finland.

There are koi clubs in many of the coutries but some seem to be extensions of a dealership and therefore run by the dealer and not the hobbyists.

The countries with highly active hobbyist koi clubs and koi shows are.
Germany,
Holland
Belgium
UK & Eire.

Countries with their own or commercial Koi Mags.
Germany
Holland
Belgium and the UK.

French speaking Europe & Spain are catered for by a couple of dedicated hobbyists via local language websites. Both of their owners/moderators are members of Koi Bito.

rgds
Bern

[aquitori]

I would have to say Philippines.

[Russell Peters]

One might say that it is a world wide epidemic.

[Fishbreeder]

Quote: Originally Posted by Russell Peters One might say that it is a world wide epidemic.

Yes indeedy and therein lies the problem.

Such things as SVC, KHV, Aeromonas, etc. are spread 'round the world with the koi trade. At the same time much of the Third World is dependent upon common carp as a source of high quality protein.

When you look at the koi hobby, a bunch of exceptionally wealthy individuals and groups keeping fish for pets and other reasons, but not dependent upon them for food, then look at the billions of folks that depend on carp solely for food...

The trade in koi for a few very wealthy folks puts the food supply of many very poor folks at risk, the world has problems with it.

Mention New Zealand. When I was at the AJS in Kobe, '92, there was a fella there from New Zealand, actually three fellas. One was interested in koi the other two were NZ Federal Wildlife Agents.

IN another post there was a link to a NZ carp fishing page. Just looking at the data from that page, koi have made inroads inot the native and pristine habitats of New Zealand and the folks are trying to stop them.

So its not just food supplies at risk to the koi trade, it is pristine and unspoiled ecosystems also at risk of destruction from the koi trade.

What can we do as responsible koikeepers? First is to be that, responsible. Don't be turning unwanted koi specimens loose into the environment, destroy them or take them somewhere to be destroyed if no suitable home is available. Give the impression that you "care so much for your koi that you cannot do the right thing with unwanted ones" and you give the impression that you can and will do harm, irreparable harm, to the local ecology.

Give the impression that you "care so much for your KHV surviving koi that you cannot do the right thing" and you give the impression that you are willing to starve a large portion of the world just to save your infected pets. Destroy KHV survivors and let everybody know you've done so, as a responsible and ecologically sensitive koikeeper.

Koikeeping is a wonderful hobby, but it is important to keep it in perspective.

Brett

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by Fishbreeder Yes indeedy and therein lies the problem. Such things as SVC, KHV, Aeromonas, etc. are spread 'round the world with the koi trade. At the same time much of the Third World is dependent upon common carp as a source of high quality protein. When you look at the koi hobby, a bunch of exceptionally wealthy individuals and groups keeping fish for pets and other reasons, but not dependent upon them for food, then look at the billions of folks that depend on carp solely for food... The trade in koi for a few very wealthy folks puts the food supply of many very poor folks at risk, the world has problems with it. Mention New Zealand. When I was at the AJS in Kobe, '92, there was a fella there from New Zealand, actually three fellas. One was interested in koi the other two were NZ Federal Wildlife Agents. IN another post there was a link to a NZ carp fishing page. Just looking at the data from that page, koi have made inroads inot the native and pristine habitats of New Zealand and the folks are trying to stop them. So its not just food supplies at risk to the koi trade, it is pristine and unspoiled ecosystems also at risk of destruction from the koi trade. What can we do as responsible koikeepers? First is to be that, responsible. Don't be turning unwanted koi specimens loose into the environment, destroy them or take them somewhere to be destroyed if no suitable home is available. Give the impression that you "care so much for your koi that you cannot do the right thing with unwanted ones" and you give the impression that you can and will do harm, irreparable harm, to the local ecology. Give the impression that you "care so much for your KHV surviving koi that you cannot do the right thing" and you give the impression that you are willing to starve a large portion of the world just to save your infected pets. Destroy KHV survivors and let everybody know you've done so, as a responsible and ecologically sensitive koikeeper. Koikeeping is a wonderful hobby, but it is important to keep it in perspective. Brett

Yeah, that's what I meant to say.

Very good points!