• Tropical Fish International Senior Manager Guyanga Weerasekera on the importance of sustainable practices

Sri Lanka, renowned for its diverse marine and freshwater ecosystems, has emerged as a significant player in the global ornamental fish market. Despite facing challenges such as overfishing and stringent international regulations, the country’s industry is witnessing a remarkable transformation towards sustainability.

Tropical Fish International, an exporter in Sri Lanka, is at the forefront of this evolution. The company has partnered with the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) to establish a state-of-the-art marine breeding facility, significantly reducing its reliance on wild-caught fish. By pioneering innovative breeding techniques and promoting sustainable fishing practices, Tropical Fish International is setting a new standard for the industry.

In conversation with The Daily Morning Brunch, Tropical Fish International Senior Manager Guyanga Weerasekera shared insights into the company’s sustainability initiatives and the future of Sri Lanka’s ornamental fish industry.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

Given the challenges of overfishing and environmental concerns, how has Tropical Fish International adapted its practices to ensure sustainable sourcing and export of ornamental fish?

Tropical Fish International has adopted a multi-faceted approach to address overfishing and environmental concerns. In 2023, we came into a partnership with NAQDA and moved into a six-acre marine breeding facility in Kusala Bangadeniya that is dedicated to developing sustainable breeding techniques, reducing the need for wild-caught fish by creating a stable supply of ornamental fish. The mission of this strategic project is to significantly cut down the frequency of diving and wild capture.

Additionally, we actively promote sustainable fishing practices across regions where we operate, including Kenya, Red Sea, and the Maldives, by working closely with local communities to implement eco-friendly harvesting methods.

What are the key international trade regulations and certifications that Sri Lanka’s ornamental fish industry must adhere to, and how have these impacted the industry’s growth?

Sri Lanka’s ornamental fish industry adheres to strict international trade regulations, including Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and regulations set by the World Trade Organisation and the European Union. Compliance with these regulations ensures that fish species are not exploited, with the CITES framework particularly focusing on protecting endangered species. Sri Lankan exporters must also meet standards related to animal welfare, biosecurity, and sustainability.

There are also local permits and regulations that fish farmers and exporters must obtain, such as the NAQDA licence and Wildlife Conservation Department and National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) permits. Government permits at times can follow a bureaucratic nature and delays in obtaining such permits is a challenge in the local context. With our existing working relationships, we are trying hard to work with these agencies to achieve the objective of sustaining the trade, rather than overly regulating.

How has the industry responded to changing consumer preferences, such as the growing demand for sustainably sourced and unique species?

With the advancements of social media and calls for climate change, the average hobbyist is now demanding sustainably and ethically sourced ornamental fish. Tropical Fish International has evolved by embracing sustainable practices and focusing on breeding unique and rare species that cater to niche markets.

Consumers today are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their purchases. In response, we have enhanced our breeding programmes to include species that were once only available through wild capture. Furthermore, the industry has shifted towards transparency, offering certifications and traceability to assure customers that their purchases align with sustainability goals.

At the marine breeding facility, we are propagating corals with the vision of making an economic benefit and also to repopulate corals in the ocean.

Can you elaborate on the innovative marine breeding techniques that Tropical Fish International is implementing to reduce reliance on wild fish capture?

At Tropical Fish International, we apply marine breeding methods whereby artificial environments are created, emulating those in which ornamental species would naturally live. This is not only invaluable for the propagation of species previously dependent upon wild capture, but it also enhances genetic diversity within our hatchery populations. Such selective breeding favours hardiness of the fish, optimisation of water quality, and feeding with sustainable feeds. These techniques lighten the pressure on natural populations while ensuring a continuous, quality supply of ornamental fish for international markets.

For a successful deployment of marine breeding, the entire ocean ecosystem must be recreated in the tanks; this includes creation of live foods, going down to culturing microalgae and mysis shrimps for the feed.

How is Tropical Fish International contributing to the upliftment of local fishing communities through sustainable practices and initiatives?

Tropical Fish International undertakes various activities supportive of the uplift of local fishing communities by sustainable fishing practices and training, besides offering alternative livelihoods through aquaculture. Our operations in Sri Lanka, Kenya, and the Maldives educate about responsible methods of marine resource collection, including workshops, besides setting up no-catch areas to allow species recovery. These value chain programmes enable local fishermen to operate in a sustainable value chain while giving them long-term economic security. We create jobs through our hatcheries and work with local small-scale farmers to produce an export-quality product.

With advancements in sustainable breeding and export practices, what are the key opportunities for Sri Lanka to expand its market presence and become a global leader in the ornamental fish industry?

With its biodiversity, superior methods of breeding, and international compliance to standards of sustainability, Sri Lanka is in a privileged position to increase its presence in the world market. With the rich marine resources in the country, coupled with innovative aquaculture practices, there is an opportunity to leverage the markets at the forefront of sustainable sourcing, like Europe and North America.

Besides, the demand for rare and exotic species provides Sri Lanka with the opportunity to capture premium segments of the market. It will be possible for Sri Lanka to continuously stay ahead in the sector of ornamental fish trade globally by doing more investment in technology, certification, and ethical sourcing.

How does Sri Lanka’s ornamental fish industry contribute to the global aquarium trade?

Sri Lanka is home to over 110 species of ornamental fish found in freshwater, brackish, and marine environments, making it one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for aquarium fish exports.

The country’s ornamental fish industry dates back nearly 100 years, beginning with hobbyists and collectors who explored its rivers, lagoons, and marine habitats in search of exotic species. The growing emphasis on conservation and the global demand for sustainable breeding and harvesting practices, coupled with local laws aimed at protecting habitats and preserving rare and threatened species, has steered Sri Lanka’s ornamental fish industry towards more sustainable methods.

The Export Development Board (EDB) website states: “The growth rate of Sri Lanka’s aquarium fish industry is a healthy 4.7% with our share of 2.7% of the $ 412 million world market. In time to come, the aquarium fish industry in Sri Lanka will look to expand their foothold by breeding high value marine ornamental fish, including exciting new varieties and rare species endemic to the tropical island.”