Recommendations and Point of Sale Materials 1991-2005 Version 1

ORNAMENTAL AQUATIC TRADE ASSOCIATION (OATA)

RECOMMENDATIONS AND POINT OF SALE MATERIALS

1991 - 2008 VERSION 2

O r n a m e n t a l Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) www.ornamentalfish.org V e r s i o n 2 – M a y 2 0 0 8

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 3 MODIFIED FISH 4 GM Fish 4 Dyed and Painted Fish 4 CORALS 6 Retailing Hard Corals 6 GLASS AQUARIA 7 Aquarium Code of Conduct 7 INVASIVE SPECIES 8 Invasive Fish 8 Invasive Plants 8 WELFARE AND DISEASE 10 Minimum Aquarium Sizes 10 Beware Big Fish 11 Siamese Fighting Fish 12 Tropical Fish in Unheated Aquaria 12 Holiday Tips from OATA Retailers 12 Fairs and Shows: Fish as Prizes 13 Abandonment 13 Acclimatising your Fish 14 KHV 16 SAFETY 19 Pond Safety 19 Zoonoses 22 EUTHANASIA 26 CLINCIAL WASTE 26 Disposal of Clinical Waste 27 MISCELLANEOUS 29 CODE OF CONDUCT 39 WATER QUALITY CRITERIA 65 Explanatory material

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INTRODUCTION

Our Code of Conduct which was formally approved by our AGM in 1992 has since received wide acceptance. Evidence for this is clear from the fact that Local Government used parts of it, especially the “Water Quality criteria” as a basis for their “Standard Licence Conditions” document first published in 1992. The Water Quality survived rigorous appraisal and reappeared in the revised document published in 1998.

Since the adoption of the Code of Conduct OATA has issued a number of recommendations and other documents relevant to fish welfare and other aspects of the industry. In this document we have consolidated as many as possible of the most significant of these and given and indication of the date of when the recommendation was first made and when it was revised. We have not attempted to include all of the briefing notes though we have made exceptions for those on Zoonoses and Euthanasia.

Within the Code of conduct are sections that are subject to regular legal review. For instance the air transport conditions labelling requirements are reviewed annually. For the latest legal requirements reference should be made to the latest relevant OATA briefing document or advise sought from the office. It is also likely that there will be significant changes to the legislation concerning animal welfare in the UK over the next couple of years.

We have included various point of sale materials that have been printed.

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MODIFIED FISH

GM FISH

Issued 2001 If you ever thought our industry could escape public scrutiny then the interest shown in GM ornamental fish over the last year, gives a lie to that perception. Broadsheets such as The Telegraph, New Scientist, the popular scientific magazine, a radio station in Washington DC and a researcher for the Discovery TV channel, are among those who have contacted the office to discuss the issues raised by the introduction of this technology into the industry.

OATA has made it clear, including publication of a letter in New Scientist, that it does not believe this technology has a place in the industry.

Issued 2003 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS TO IMPORT GM ORNAMENTAL FISH TO THE UK

We understand that approaches have been made recently to importers in the UK offering genetically modified ornamental fish.

To legally import these fish the following conditions must be met:

European Directive 2001/18 governs the release and marketing of GMOs in the European Union. It provides for proposed releases of GMOs to be considered very carefully on a case by case basis, underpinned by a detailed risk assessment In Great Britain, the Directive is implemented by Part VI of the Environmental Protection Act and (in England) Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) 2002. (Similar regulations have been implemented in Scotland and Wales). This legislation has the stated purpose "of ensuring that all appropriate measures are taken to avoid damage to the environment which may arise from the escape or release from human control of genetically modified organisms."

The import and release of live GM fish would therefore require consent under Directive 2001/18. For commercial import (as opposed to for research), this would require collective EU agreement based on an assessment of the risk to human health and the environment. The information needed to consider the release of GM fish would include, as with all releases, the specifics of the genetic modification, the effect of the genetic modification on the fish and details of the breeding system (including the possibility of interbreeding with the wild population). The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) would also consider if there were any novel questions that should be asked. Each application would be considered on a case by case basis.

Thus import of these fish is not a straightforward issue and anyone wishing to do so should carefully acquaint themselves with the pieces of legislation mentioned above.

This legislation does not include varieties produced by selective breeding.

OATA has previously stated that it feels that “GM ornamental fish are an unwelcome addition to the market place”.

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DYED AND PAINTED FISH

Issued 1993 The techniques to paint or dye fish have been shown to increase the susceptibility of individual fish to the viral disease lymphocystis. Thus OATA recommends that members do not trade in fish treated in this manner.

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CORALS

RETAILING HARD CORALS

Issued 1991 and updated regularly since The importation of hard corals without the necessary permits is illegal. If caught offering illegally imported animals for sale the consequences for the retailer might include: forfeit of the animals concerned; court action; review and possible withdrawal of your pet shop licence by the local authority. It must be noted that ignorance is no defence in court. It is for each retailer to ensure the animals purchased by them have been imported legally.

NB - Since this note was produced it has become clear that ownership of illegally imported corals is a “continuing offence”. That is illegally imported corals do not miraculously become legal once sold by the company that smuggled them into the EU. For fully up to date information about which species may be subject to trade controls in addition to CITES please visit www.unep-wcmc.org and follow the link to species.

Information Issued several times from 2001 – 2005 Members are reminded that live rock may be imported without CITES documents. However each member contemplating importing live rock should ensure that they know exactly what the UK authorities will accept. Members are recommended to read the report by Newcastle University entitled “Distinguishing fossilized and non fossilized corals in international trade” – www.ukcites.gov.uk/pdf_files/full_text_pics_pdf.

GLASS AQUARIA

AQUARIUM CODE OF CONDUCT

Issued 1993 A Code of Conduct for “Aquarium Manufacture and Sale” has been developed. The intention to do this was announced in last November’s Newsletter.

To satisfy the Code, aquaria from a manufacturers range will be subject to a series of tests by an independent laboratory. These will include: a finger sharpness test - most injuries involving aquaria are cuts. This test will ensure the method of manufacture is such that the public are unlikely to cut themselves on new aquaria; aquaria will be subject to double working pressure for 24 hours; impact tests.

Additionally the Code includes items on the inspection, cleaning and gluing of glass.

Further every aquaria will contain full installation instructions. A logo is being considered at the moment so that manufacturers aquaria fulfilling the conditions of the Code may carry a mark signifying their quality. Further details are available from the office for manufacturers wishing to apply the Code.

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INVASIVE SPECIES

INVASIVE FISH

General CONTROLS ON THE KEEPING OR RELEASE OF NON-NATIVE FISH IN ENGLAND AND WALES

ILFA (Import of Live Fish Act) application forms and further information may be obtained from:

For sites in England: DEFRA Fish IIB, Room 308, Nobel House 17 Smith Square London SWIP3JR Tel: 0171 2385931 Fax: 0171 2385938

For sites in Wales: Welsh Office Agriculture Department: Cathays Park Cardiff CFI 3NQ Tel: 01222 825451 Fax: 01222 823 562

Information on import requirements can be obtained from CEFAS, Weymouth (01305 206673/74). The confidential CEFAS Hotline number in relation to possible illegal imports is 01305206681.

General enquiries may also be addressed to your local Environment Agency office. If you are unsure who to contact, or which is your local office, please call the general enquiry line: 0645 333 111. You can also visit www.efishbusiness.co.uk for controls on non-native species.

INVASIVE PLANTS

Issued 2003 For a number of years concern has been expressed by government agencies, conservation and consumer groups that some pond plants we sell, as an industry, are causing problems in the countryside. These have been given higher profile by a series of items in both local and national newspapers. It is impossible to argue that these problems do not exist. The extent of the problem may have been overstated, but that there is a problem cannot be doubted.

To help counter criticism OATA is producing a poster entitled “Keep your pond plants in the garden!!” It has been distributed to all members. If pond plants never leave the garden, they cannot cause a problem in the wild. On the reverse of the poster, which can be produced at a size that can be handed out with each plant sold, is advice on how to compost any plants removed from a pond.

OATA has recommended that its members no longer sell:

• Crassula helmsii the New Zealand water stonecrop (previously known as Tillea recurva)

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• Hydrocotyle ranunculoides (floating pennywort), an alternative being the native H. vulgaris (Correct identification of these species may become an issue if a member of the public asked for advice from Trading Standards. A simple guide to identification of the two species accompanied the poster. Additionally we strongly recommend that members either find an alternative to, or stop selling Myriophyllum aquaticum (parrots feather); OATA is looking for suitable candidates. Significant sales of this species occur each year. However, equally clearly it has become a pest in the southwest of England and is spreading northwards. Retail members have been advised to seek reassurances that any other species of the genus Myriophyllum that they might be offered are not frost tolerant, before offering them for sale as pond plants.

Also see poster on pages 28/29.

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WELFARE

MINIMUM AQUARIUM SIZES

Issued 2000 Given the adverse publicity of national UK newspapers ("Cruel gift will kill fish" - The Mirror; reproduced below) and animal welfare groups to small aquaria, OATA has issued a press release (please see below, attached and online) indicating our position on the issue.

“Cruel gift will kill fish" The Mirror (Friday 17 November 2000, page 10).

A tiny plastic cube containing two tropical fish was condemned as cruel yesterday. The RSPCA fears the £24.99 Aqua Babies will be bought as Christmas gifts for children. But tests in Maidstone, Kent, showed the 7in by 5in "bowl" was too small. Insp Richard Crosby warned: "There will be a lot of heartbroken kids when the fish die. There isn't enough room and the water won't stay clean." OATA PRESS RELEASE: AQUARIUM SIZE

A number of extremely small aquariums have appeared on the market in recent months. It is very difficult to maintain the good water quality and a stable temperature required to ensure the welfare of any live animals kept in them. The larger the volume of water in an aquarium, the easier it is to maintain and manage. An absolute minimum volume of water in which fish, of an appropriate small size, should be kept for long periods is 4 litres. However, those new to fish keeping should not usually consider using an aquarium that has a volume of less than 10 litres.

Advice on the choice of aquarium and the care of fish is readily available from reputable OATA retailers; instructions should be included with aquariums and other purchases like water quality test kits. OATA produces point of sale information including a poster entitled "Setting up your aquarium", the contents of which are available from our website. Additionally there is a range of very easy to read informative books available, which should be purchased and consulted regularly.

Keith Davenport OATA Chief Executive said, "It is absolutely essential that the water conditions are maintained to avoid putting at risk the welfare of the fish being kept. Water quality tests kits are an essential purchase, not an optional extra when fish or aquaria are purchased. Extremely small aquaria are certainly not products the beginner should consider purchasing."

VOLUME CALCULATIONS

1 inch = 2.5cm Aquarium Length (cm) × Height (cm) × Depth (cm) ÷ 1000 = litres Bowl 4/3 pi radius3 ÷ 1000 = litres

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SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH

Issued 1994 There have been complaints regarding the display of Male Siamese Fighters in retail outlets. Concern was raised concern about the size and shape of the receptacles in which the fish are displayed. Other complaints alleged that although each fish was kept in its own container, several containers were placed in close proximity to one another and so the fighters’ territorial instincts kept all the fish in a constant state of aggressive stress. OATA strongly recommends the following procedures are adopted for the display of male Siamese Fighters. 1 House each fish in a receptacle that allows it to move and turn round freely. 2 Ensure that the water quality criteria listed in the OATA Code of Practice are maintained in all receptacles in which the Fighters are kept. 3 Care should be taken to position receptacles where they are not subject to fluctuations of temperature or light levels. 4 Ensure that males fighters are unable to see one another and so are not stressed by continual aggressive territorial displays.

TROPICAL FISH IN UNHEATED AQUARIA

Issued 2004

We recommend members do not encourage the public to keep tropical species in unheated aquaria. In particular we would ask members to refrain from suggesting any Plecostomus sps are kept in this way. To do so may lead to welfare problems and to government agencies taking this as an admission from industry that the species can survive and thrive in cooler conditions that in the case and considering them for inclusion in ILFA.

HOLIDAY TIPS FROM OATA RETAILERS

Issued 1994 Tank preparation: start four weeks before your holiday to maintain a healthy, well-balanced aquarium. Introduce no new fish, or plants, during this period. If in doubt, ask.

Water changes: routine maintenance runs throughout the year, but three weeks before your holiday change up to one third of all the water and add an approved preparation. Remove all debris from the tank and gravel. If you have under- gravel filtering, put a siphon down the uplift pipe and remove all debris from beneath the plates. With box filters rinse some of the media in old aquarium water. Added water should be at the same temperature as the old water. Revert to normal cleaning after this procedure.

Feeding: fish will naturally go for long periods without food, but you should work to a scientifically proven regime. At the start of the four-week period increase feeding levels to help build up body fat reserves. During the final week before departure gradually reduce feeding levels to a half or a third to prepare the fish for the conditions while you are away. Upon your return gradually increase feeding levels back to normal so that the fish can make the necessary adjustments to the digestive system. Remember that feeding blocks are a very useful aid to feeding while you are away. Consult your OATA retailer about this. A neighbour or friend can also help out, but remember to stress the dangers of overfeeding. If you have any fry in the tank you must arrange regular feeding.

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Lighting: automatic timers help to maintain plant health with balanced lighting, but if you don’t have one leave some curtain light access. Automatic timers could also prove a useful security device with a light flashing on and off. Neighbours and friends: it’s good to have someone keep an eye on the tank, but make sure they know what to look for - temperature, air stones and filters in working order.

Pond keepers: water changes may need to be made in a Koi pool, but may not in a well-planted, natural pond. It’s unwise to add remedies or water treatments in the four-week period - especially for the treatment of algae. Fish can live quite happily off insects and algae for up to three weeks. Get your tank and pond in tip-top condition and enjoy your holiday and remember to ask your OATA retailer for guidance.

FAIRS AND SHOWS: FISH AS PRIZES

Issued 1997 In the office we receive complaints from retailers following fairs and other shows offering live fish as prizes. Local retailers have in some cases been inundated by members of the public wishing to know what should be done with the fish that they have won.

It is sometimes forgotten that fish are living animals and so the decision to own them should be made deliberately, not on the spur of the moment. Additionally any business, whether fairground stall or retailer offering fish to the public should at least meet the conditions (such as water quality and holding criteria) applied to pet shops locally.

ABANDONMENT

Issued 1991-1994 Last week two of three shipments on a flight from Indonesia delayed for 24 hours by technical failure were rejected by their importers when the fish arrived on Thursday. Eventually MAFF and HM Customs arranged for some of them to be collected on SATURDAY evening. Clearly this was not in the best interests of the fish. This total lack of concern for the fish’s welfare is reprehensible and unacceptable. It serves to provide ammunition for those who would wish to stop our trade. They are currently using similar incidents to inflict great damage to the wild bird trade.

Under the OATA Ltd “Code of Practice for Importers”, this practice will lead in the future to censure and possible expulsion of those concerned. It is also worth noting that abandoning fish is an offence, which is set out in the Abandonment of Animals Act 1960.

“If any person being the owner or having charge or control of any animals shall without reasonable cause or excuse abandon it, whether permanently or not, in circumstances likely to cause the animal any unnecessary suffering, or cause or procure, or, being the owner, permit it to be so abandoned, he shall be guilty of cruelty within the meaning of the [Protection of Animals Act 1911...]

A successful prosecution for the abandonment of fish occurred at Margate Crown Court on June 18th 1991. A person was found guilty on 6 specimen charges and fined £75 on each. Also he was prohibited from keeping fish for life. Anyone found guilty of this offence would also lose their livelihood.

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Issued 1996

ACCLIMATISING YOUR FISH

Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) Ltd, Wessex House, 40 Station Road, Westbury, Wiltshire, BA13 3JN. T: 0870 0434013, Fax: 01373 301236 [email protected], www.ornamentalfish.org

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KOI HERPES VIRUS - KHV

Excerpt from report dated 2001 This summary is taken from OATA’s Koi Herpes Virus Document 2001, full copies are available from the office or from http://www.ornamentalfish.org and is intended to give an overview of the suggested actions that might be taken.

Very careful questioning of sources of fish supply using the type of questions outlined in this report should be a first step in managing the risks presented by KVH. This might apply equally to importers (both wholesalers and consolidators) seeking assurances from exporters and to retailers seeking assurances from wholesalers or consolidators.

As the state of knowledge stands at the moment, a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) result must not be taken as giving any guarantees or assurances beyond than fact that the virus could not be found in a batch of fish at a particular time. This may mean little more that the fish were not ill at the time. No absolute claims to be “disease free” or have “virus free” status can or should be made on the basis of these tests done.

The PCR test available at CEFAS may be used to help screen sources of supply. Care should be taken to understand when this test may be used and how any results may be interpreted.

Each batch of fish should be isolated completely. No transfer of fish, water or equipment should be permitted. If you require exporters to give assurances as part of the contract of supply, they may require that you provide evidence of effective isolation policy of new stocks and its effective practical application.

Basic records of water quality, mortalities and observations of fish stocks should be maintained and held for reference.

Fish should be subject to a period of “preventative acclimatisation/isolation” of at least 14 days, ideally longer at between 23 and 28°C. Any batch of fish in which signs of illness or disease and particularly showing mortalities similar to what this report has called the “calling card” of KHV should be subject to PCR tests. If these prove positive then that source of supply may be considered unsuitable until adequate remedial action has been undertaken.

Batches from major sources of supply might usefully be screened prior to the start of the next coldwater season. To be confident of the results of such screening, the isolation policy must be absolute. Given the apparent infectious nature of the virus in closed systems, no chances of cross contamination should be tolerated if the PCR results are to be useful.

All water should be discharged via the foul sewerage system.

Iodophors and many other disinfectants are extremely poisonous to fish. Footwear and all equipment, especially nets, should be thoroughly rinsed with tap water after disinfecting. Disinfectant and washings must be disposed of in a way that does not harm the environment. They should never be tipped into water containing fish or other aquatic life.

You must ensure that vehicles used for the carriage of live fish are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected both before moving fish and as soon as possible after unloading. You must also make sure that no water escapes from the vehicle and that any water changes take place only at approved water stations.

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ADVICE TO DEALERS, TRADERS AND FARMERS OF STEPS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF SVC

Taken from: ‘Spring Viraemia of Carp’, produced by Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Welsh Office Agriculture Department (now DEFRA) several years ago. Copies can be obtained from DEFRA Fish Diseases Laboratory – 01305 206600.

Dealers, traders and farmers should report any knowledge of suspicions of SVC to the Fish Diseases Laboratory, Weymouth or also see DEFRA leaflet “Combating Fish Disease” at www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/regulat/forms/fish/DOF21.pdf.

Carp, just like any other fish, have increased susceptibility to disease when they are stressed. Stress can be caused by a number of factors such as rapid changes in water temperature, movement from one site to another, poor handling or overstocking. The risk of disease and mortalities can be significantly reduced by keeping stress to a minimum wherever possible.

Dealers should avoid collecting and mixing fish from different sites, especially when the fish are intended for immediate sale. If feasible, dealers should also consider a period of quarantine (preferably for two weeks) for recently acquired stocks. This may prevent the introduction of SVC to their own stock and to those of customers. When netting stocks, dealers should ensure that nets and equipment are disinfected before use at another site.

It will obviously benefit dealers, traders and farmers to ask appropriate questions of importing or wholesale suppliers as to the health of fish before accepting consignments.

Importers of ornamental varieties should take all reasonable steps to determine whether overseas suppliers can give assurances that their fish stocks are free from infection with SVC virus, or other serious diseases. Importers should consider seeking satisfactory responses from suppliers on points such as:

 Are regular examinations fro disease carried out on fish stocks held on the supplier’s site/premises?  Are all new consignments of fish brought into the supplier’s site/premises examined for disease?  Who undertakes these examinations (e.g. own employee, private veterinarians, state veterinary service)?  Are only sick fish examined, or are random samples of apparently healthy fish also examined routinely?  Are samples taken for laboratory tests for bacteria, viruses, and parasites? If yes, which laboratory carries out the test?  Can the supplier provide a list of tests carried out on his site/premises and the results?  What steps does the supplier take to ensure that the health status of his own supplier’s fish stocks is acceptable?

DISINFECTION

Iodine-based preparations (iodophors) are recommended for disinfecting equipment. Advice on local sources of supply may be obtained from local veterinary surgeons, local EA, the CEFAS Weymouth Laboratory or the Fisheries Research Services, Marine Laboratory. Iodophors should be diluted to provide a final concentration of 250 parts per million active iodine or 500 parts per million in seawater. Suppliers can advise in cases of doubt. Disinfection is

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achieved by first cleaning off all mud etc. followed by immersion for 15 to 30 minutes; or by application to surfaces using a pad soaked with disinfectant.

For regular disinfection of heavily soiled footwear, a bath of 1% caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) solution is more appropriate. The strength of the caustic soda should be checked daily and the disinfectant replaced if the pH is 11 or below, as shown by indicator test papers. Protective clothing should be used when handling caustic soda to protect the skin and eyes. This disinfectant can corrode metals.

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SAFETY

POND SAFETY

Issued 1994 We understand that the DTI Safety Unit has commissioned a study to investigate domestic drowning accidents including those in garden water features such as fishponds and swimming pools. The report from this study is likely to be published in June. Members are reminded of our warning signs and notes previously circulated.

The “Make your pond safe!” correx signs (20cm x 30cm) in red and black are available for £4 + VAT each. POND SAFETY POINTS

Hands should be washed after immersion in ponds, and before eating, drinking or smoking. GENERAL

Young Children must ALWAYS be supervised when they are close to any open water - be it garden pond, swimming pool, river, stream or lake. Children under three years of age are at particular risk because they are still unsteady on their feet. Customers and prospective buyers should be encouraged to seek advice from an OATA approved dealer before making any decision regarding the installation of a pond so that expert advice can be given from the start. Shallow shelving or marshy edges can be incorporated into the design so that there is no easy access to deep water. Shrubs and plants can be used to make access to the pond difficult for youngsters. Grills can be manufactured to provide either temporary or permanent cover. ELECTRICITY

Equipment should be installed by a competent electrician. The more complex the installation, the greater competence required. Where necessary waterproof unions, of the appropriate type should be used. OATA retailers may provide advice as requested. Cables and equipment should be checked regularly. Repairs or replacements should be carried out as soon as a fault is detected. Circuit breakers can provide life saving protection. All electrical items should be switched off if any maintenance or repair is undertaken.

NB. All electrical installations are subject to special control under part P of the building regulations – a briefing note is available from OATA. Chemicals Pond treatments all carry labels giving detailed instruction on its safe use and handling. When using pond treatments, the label should be carefully read and understood before processing. This will ensure that you and your fish are safe.

All chemicals should be kept out of the reach of young children and animals at all times. For practical purposes this has been widened to include a variety of diseases that might be associated with fish keeping.

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Issued 1994

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ZOONOSES

Issued 1994, revised 2005 Zoonosis (zoonoses, plural): a disease of animals that may be transmitted to Man under natural conditions.

Although many aquatic organisms can potentially infect Man, very few fish diseases have been proven to be zoonotic. Humans become infected by handling diseased fish or contaminated equipment, or by ingesting water from facilities that contain diseased fish. Therefore the use of sterilizing equipment, wearing disposable gloves and thorough hand washing should be routine precautions to minimize the risk. It should be assumed that zoonotic organisms are always present and therefore the following safety measures should be used to limit the spread of these diseases:

 Use disposable gloves for food preparation, post-mortem examinations  If open wounds are present then cover with a waterproof bandage and wear rubber or plastic gloves of a suitable length  Suitable hand-washing facilities and warning signs should be provided for staff. Areas of exposed skin that have been in contact with water from tanks or ponds should be washed, and rinsed thoroughly, as soon as practicable and certainly before eating drinking or smoking. If used remember antiseptic cleansers may provoke allergic reactions in some people and residues on hands may prove harmful to fish  Avoid sharing equipment between systems and where necessary sterilize with suitable disinfectants at the correct concentration for the recommended length of time  Identify and mark infected systems, and where possible, avoid further stocking until the system is disinfected  Wash and disinfect contaminated work surfaces regularly  As far as is possible feed live fish (anyway a practice that is likely to be made illegal shortly) or raw fish offal to large carnivorous fish  Regard all dead fish as clinical waste and dispose of them carefully in accordance to current legislation  Do not prime water siphons by mouth  Do not eat, drink or smoke outside designated areas  Do not wash nets and equipment in sinks intended for human use  Immunosuppressed persons (infected with HIV or receiving chemotherapy) should not handle potentially infected materials

MYCOBACTERIUM

Cause: Mycobacterium marinum, M fortuitum and other Mycobacterium species; common bacteria in all aquatic environments Comment: the most common chronic disease that affects aquarium fish, commonly called ‘mycobacteriosis’ or ‘fish tuberculosis (TB)’. It may take two or more years for the number of organisms to grow to detectable levels. Transmission: bacteria are shed from infected skin ulcers and the intestine into the water. Fish are infected by contact with organisms in water, cannibalism and eating uncooked infected fish.

Signs in fish: most show few or no external signs of disease but advanced cases may exhibit poor growth, weight loss, colour change, lethargy, chronic non- healing ulcers, skeletal deformity, abdominal swelling, incoordination, sudden death.

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Signs in humans: single or multiple (sporothricoid) non-healing ulcers on hands or arms, commonly called ‘fish tank or swimming pool granuloma’, ‘aquarists nodule’, ‘aquarists finger’, ‘aquarists arm’. Small lesions may heal spontaneously but others require courses of multiple antibiotics over several months.

Control: there are no effective non-lethal tests to identify infected fish and no vaccine

VIBRIO

Cause: various Vibrio species; common bacteria in marine and brackish environments Transmission: infection by contact with bacteria in water Signs in fish: ulcers, lethargy, inflamed areas on skin, deaths Signs in humans: ingestion may cause vomiting and diarrhoea; wound infection produces local inflammation and severe tissue reaction

AEROMONAS

Cause: Aeromonas hydrophila and other Aeromonas species; common bacteria in freshwater environments Transmission: infection by contact with bacteria in water Signs in fish: ulcers, lethargy, inflamed areas on skin, deaths Signs in humans: ingestion may cause vomiting and diarrhoea; puncture wound infection produces local inflammation and severe tissue reaction.

OTHERS

Several other organisms of aquatic origin have been linked to human disease but in most cases these have been due to contamination of the environment rather than direct infection from fish. These include Salmonella, Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease, usually associated with surfaces or water infected by the waste products of rats), Streptococcus, Erysipelothrix (‘fish rose’, ‘erysipeloid’), Cryptosporidium. Details of these and other rare cases can be found in the reference below.

REFERENCES

Nemetz, TG & Shotts, EB Jr (1993) Zoonotic diseases. In: Fish Medicine (ed. MK Stoskopf) WB Saunders Co., Philadelphia

FISH TUBERCULOSIS

Fish tuberculosis or mycobacteriosis is most commonly caused by Mycobacterium marinum or Mycobactenum fortuitum. The disease is spread by various methods; skin granulomas may release bacteria directly into the water, bacteria may be shed via the faeces from tuberculous granulomas in the liver or gut lining, or bacteria may be shed in the urine from the kidney. Another more direct route involves dead fish in the tank or pond being cannibalised. This is very common and usually the heavily infected abdominal organs are eaten first. Disease can also be spread by the aquarist who feeds live infected fish to his large

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specimen fish such as oscars (Astronotus ocellatus) or piranha (Serrasalmus spp).

The disease is zoonotic and in man is often called “aquarist’s arm”; it is occasionally seen in people working in aquarium shops, the commonest site of infection are the hands and arms due to minor scratches becoming infected. As an infection of man it is difficult to treat, often taking months to resolve. In fish TB is in my experience impossible to eliminate once it has occurred in a tank or pond, affected collections offish should not have any new additions and when the collection becomes depleted it is better perhaps to sacrifice the remaining fish and disinfect the system before starting again.

Because of the possibility of human infection, hygiene is very important when dealing with fish tanks. Wash hands and arms well after doing any tank servicing and pay particular attention to dressing any cuts and scratches. Do not use siphons that involve you getting a mouthful of water! Do not wash out tank filters in the kitchen sink or pour wastewater down it, if you have to then make sure it is well washed afterwards. Simple, sensible hygiene practices should be more than enough to reduce greatly the already very low risk of infection.

OTHER BACTERIAL DISEASES

SALMONELLA

Fish are not known as natural hosts of Salmonella, although they do have a number of related organisms causing disease. This is a major benefit offish over most other pets. In the last couple of years there has been one outbreak of related cases where it appears that Salmonella Java was transmitted by fish to a small number ofaquarists. This organism was not causing any problem in the fish that appear simply to have mechanically transferred it from a more conventional source to the aquarists who were affected. It is possible that other infections such as campylobacter might also spread in this fashion. Weils Disease (Leptospirosis) This disease is not a fish transmitted zoonosis, it is associated with water and fish because it is transmitted by rats which are often associated with water. Rats are certainly associated with waste food left around ponds so this is to be avoided. Weils Disease is caused by Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae and Canicola fever by Leptospira canicola (henceforth referred to as Li and L.c). Both infections affect both man and dog, in both species Li is by far the worst causing a serious hepatitis (liver disease) and jaundice, Lc can cause jaundice but is usually milder, exposure to Lc can cause chronic nephritis (kidney disease). One should also stress that leptospiral meningitis is possibly the commonest manifestation of leptospirosis associated with either infectious organism, signs probably being ascribed to flu due to headaches and weakness. Treatment is possible but it is urgent, the disease can be fatal. Li is more common than Lc, because Lc is only slightly pathogenic to rats, and is usually eliminated by them, whereas infection of rats with Li causes chronic kidney disease in rats which are then long term carriers. An important aspect of controlling Leptospirosis is to ensure that dogs are regularly (annually) vaccinated, both forms of Leptospirosis are present in the routine dog vaccination and it is very simply carried out. Dogs live in much closer proximity to people than do rats and are often living in the house with children, if unprotected they can become infected just as easily as humans and can infect the whole family. Although acidic dog urine doesn’t harbour Leptospires for long, dilution in water as may occur in and around the pond permits them to survive longer and makes it important to prevent them becoming infected.

Aeromonads and Psedomonads common in fish may infect wounds; they have also been associated with enteritis. Various other Enterbnacteria have also been linked between fish/water and man. The major problem in this regard is by

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ingestion i.e. contaminated food or drink, licking fingers or biting fingernails. Various gram-positive organisms. Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and Clostridia are associated both with fish and the aquatic habitat. The latter two with relation to man are associated with food poisoning. Streptoccus has caused disease in both fish and man, although with no demonstrated link between the two. Erysipefothrix rhus’iopathiae is found worldwide and has been associate with fish skin and mucus (and causes disease in a range of animals including man). Localised skin infections similar to tubercular granulomas may be seen - called Fish Rose or erysipeloid. Septicaemia is rare but chronic effects on the heart are also thought to be involved. Nocardia asteroides infection also produces a rather similar chronic skin granuloma. This can be difficult to distinguish from Mycobacterioisis (TB).

OTHER ORGANISMS

Cryptosporidiosis Cryptosporidium is a strange protozoan organism causing enteric problems in man, again although it has been found in fish it is actually frequently transmitted by water. The organism has been found to be present in tap water. Again this is the link with fish, there is no evidence of transmission from fish to man.

PREVENTION

Basic commonsense hygiene will prevent transmission of infections being transmitted to aquarists and pondkeepers. Hand sterilising preparations are useful in the shop situation, good thorough cleaning and disinfection of tanks, nets etc are important.

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EUTHANASIA

Revised 2005 It is sometimes necessary to kill fish humanely either to avoid further suffering in a terminal disease or sacrifice a diseased fish for post-mortem examination. It is now accepted, by some scientists, that fish feel pain or something similar to it, therefore euthanasia must be performed using a technique that kills quickly and with as little pain as possible.

Fish farmers and anglers routinely use a well-aimed blow to the head with a club that kills fish instantly by producing fatal damage to the brain tissue. This technique requires skill and experience, and a variable degree of force depending on the species of fish.

Chemical methods involve the use of an anaesthetic overdose administered by immersing the fish in an appropriate concentration in water. As a guide, a dose of 5-10 times that used for anaesthesia will produce rapid and effective euthanasia. However, to ensure that death has taken place (as opposed to being comatose), it is necessary to perform a ‘killing’ procedure such as severing the spine with a sharp knife just behind the head. Alternatively, fish should remain immersed in the strong anaesthetic solution for a minimum of an hour to produce brain death from respiratory arrest (anoxia).

Dead fish should be disposed of with due consideration for health and safety, and in accordance with current disposal of waste legislation.

ANAESTHETIC AGENTS AND DOSE RATES FOR EUTHANASIA

MS222® This is currently the only licensed fish anaesthetic agent and should be considered as the first drug of choice Euthanasia dose: 1 gram/litre

Benzocaine This chemical is relatively insoluble in water and should be made up as a stock solution with 100 grams of benzocaine in 1 litre of acetone or ethanol Euthanasia dose: 10 mls of stock solution/litre

2-Phenoxyethanol This chemical does not dissolve well in water and must be whisked vigorously to improve its solubility Euthanasia dose: 2.5 ml/litre

Clove oil Sold as Koi Calm ® (NT Labs) and also available in pharmacies without prescription, this drug must be whisked vigorously to improve its solubility Euthanasia dose: 10 drops/litre

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CLINICAL WASTE

DISPOSAL OF CLINICAL WASTE

Issued 2002 In a BBC “Watchdog” program about the company “Petsmart” concerning their care of mammals, the issue of the disposal of dead animals was raised. The program alleged that dead animals that should have been treated as clinical waste were thrown in the rubbish skip rather than in “yellow bags”.

WHAT IS CLINICAL WASTE?

“Clinical waste” includes any waste which consists wholly or partly of human or animal tissue, blood, other body fluids, excretions, dressings, syringes or needles which unless rendered safe may prove hazardous to any person coming into contact with it.

Dead fish would appear to fit into this definition. Certainly the bodies of dead animals from veterinary surgeries are defined as clinical waste.

A fuller definition is given in the Controlled Waste Regulations 1992.

RISK ASSESSMENT

As with any operation in the work place, a risk assessment may be required for operations handling dead animals under the Health and Safety or COSHH legislation. This should include any risks to health from handling dead animals, including any precautions thought necessary (in the case of fish good personal hygiene and the provision of gloves may reduce any risks from zoonoses).

HOW SHOULD CLINICAL WASTE BE DISPOSED OF?

In yellow plastic sacks provided by a specialist collection company. They can then be picked up at appropriate intervals.

DO I HAVE TO TREAT DEAD FISH AS CLINICAL WASTE?

Dead fish may come within the definitions in the relevant act. However if you wish to treat dead fish as ordinary waste, you would have to prove to the relevant authority that it constituted no greater risk than ordinary waste. Advice on appropriate treatments may be available from the EA, SEPA or HSWE.

Already one member has reported discussing this issue as part of his pet shop licence renewal. The conclusion reached was that so little waste was generated, that it could be treated as ordinary waste material.

As you may be aware, each district authority can interpret the law differently. Thus before incurring any costs it would be wise to seek their advice on what they deem appropriate.

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FURTHER READING AND INFORMATION

Safe disposal of clinical waste – Health Services Advisory Committee published by HSE books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS Tel: 01787 881165 Fax: 01787 313995.

The Health and Safety Executive also provide the HSE Infoline T: 0541 545500 Or you may write to HSE Information Centre, Broad Lane, Sheffield S3 7HQ.

www.open.gov.uk/hse/hsehome.htm

Further advice may be available from your local Environment Agency office in England and Wales and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

NB – if large quantities of mortalities are to be disposed of the Animal By Products Regulation many need to be referred to.

NB – If large amounts of fish waste are to be disposed of the Animal ByProducts legislation may apply. Further advice is available from the office of DEFRA.

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MISCELLANEOUS

UNLICENCED RETAILERS

Issued 1995 We have received a number of complaints that members are competing with businesses selling live fish, often from domestic premises, that do not apply for or receive Pet Shop Licences as required by the Pet Animal Act (1951). If in future members write to us with the addresses of such outlets then we will pursue the matter with the relevant District Councils. To help us do this, details of the evidence that they are trading commercially e.g. a series of adverts in local papers or flyers will enable us to demonstrate to the authorities that they are a commercial operation requiring a licence.

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ADDITIONAL POINT OF SALE POSTERS

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Issued 1996

Issued January 2003

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Issued January 2003

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Issued January 2003

ORNAMENTAL AQUATIC TRADE ASSOCIATION LTD “The voice of the ornamental fish industry” Wessex House, 40 Station Road, Westbury, Wiltshire, BA13 3JN, UK Telephone: 01373 301353 Fax: 01373 301236

[email protected] www.ornamentalfish.org

Invasive pond plants

For a number of years concern has been expressed by government agencies, conservation and consumer groups that some pond plants we sell, as an industry, are causing problems in the countryside. These have been given higher profile by a series of items in both local and national newspapers. It is impossible to argue that these problems do not exist. The extent of the problem may have been overstated, but that there is a problem cannot be doubted.

OATA has recommended that its members no longer sell:

• Crassula helmsii the New Zealand water stonecrop (previously known as Tillea recurva)

Additionally we strongly recommend that members either find an alternative to, or stop selling Myriophyllum aquaticum (parrots feather); OATA is looking for suitable candidates. Significant sales of this species occur each year. However, equally clearly it has become a pest in the southwest of England and is spreading northwards. Retail members have been advised to seek reassurances that any other species of the genus Myriophyllum that they might be offered are not frost tolerant, before offering them for sale as pond plants.

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DISTINGUISHING HYDROCOTYLES

It is very difficult to tell Hydrocotyle ranunculoides (which comes from the USA) from H. vulgaris (native to the UK). Leaf shape and characteristics are of use in identification (see below). It may be useful to ask your supplier to confirm what you are being sold.

As interest grows in invasive aquatic plants, there may be circumstances in which trading standards officers ask you to prove that what you sold is as described.

Hydrocotyle vulgaris  Matt and less dark green  May have long occasionally hairy stems  Grows in boggy areas which can be flooded  In late season spent flower spike remains upright

Hydrocotyle ranunculoides  Deep cut in leaf toward leaf stem  Waxier darker green  More distinct central eye (where stalk meets leaf)  In late season spent flower spike bends down  stems usually smooth with no hairs

Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) Ltd. Wessex House, 40 Station Road, Westbury, Wiltshire BA13 3JN T: 01373 301353 F: 01373 301236 [email protected] www.ornamentalfish.org

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Issued 1996

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ORNAMENTAL AQUATIC TRADE ASSOCIATION (OATA)

CODE OF CONDUCT

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 37

1. THE LAW AND THE WELFARE OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 39 1.1. Welfare – The “needs” of an animal that must be met by law 39 1.2. Cruelty or unnecessary suffering 40

2. KEY PRIMARY INDICATORS OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS WELFARE 41

3. GENERAL POINTS 42

4. ROUTINE CARE OF LIVE AQUATIC ORGANISMS 43 4.1. Aquatic animals 43 4.2. Care of Plants 44

5. RECORD KEEPING 45

6. BIOSECURITY 46

7. TRANSPORT OF LIVE AQUATIC ORGANISMS 47 7.1. International movement of aquatic organisms; Packing and Exporting 47 7.2. Business to business within UK 48

8. RECEIVING, UNPACKING & ACCLIMATIZING OF LIVE AQUATIC ORGANISMS 49 8.1 General 49 8.2. Unpacking imported aquatic organisms 49 8.3. Unpacking live aquatic organisms at retailers purchasing from wholesalers 50

9. SALE OF LIVE AQUATIC ORGANISMS 51 9.1. General 51 9.2. Retail 51 9.3. Internet 54

10. HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK 55 10.1. General 55 10.2. Staff 55

11. OUT OF HOURS 56

12. USE OF MEDICINES 57

13. STAFF TRAINING 58

14. COMPLAINTS 59

APPENDIX A – Water Quality Criteria 60

APPENDIX B – Guide Stocking Densities 62

APPENDIX C – Summary of Animal Welfare Legislation 28

APPENDIX D – Quick overview and Cross Reference of the code to the animal needs 32

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INTRODUCTION

In this document the term aquatic organisms is used in reference to all species of ornamental fish, crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic plants.

Though specific pieces of legislation are referred to at various places in this code they are for illustrative purposes only and were current at the time this code was completed March 2008. Members should always follow current legislation.

The Water Quality Criteria are integral to the Code. In specialized areas supporting Codes and

Documents should be consulted for additional information.

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CODE OF CONDUCT

Importing, Unpacking Water Quality General Care of Criteria Livestock General Provisions

Supporting Codes

Building Transport Biosecurity Aquarium

KHV docs

Supporting Documents (briefings)

Description Sale of Zoonoses Venomous of Animal Goods Animals Welfare law

All these documents are in the members’ login area of the OATA website.

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1. THE LAW AND THE WELFARE OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS

The legislation covering cruelty to animals changed in 2006. Though England, Wales and Scotland adopted different laws they contain very similar provisions. Among the key provisions are a list of the needs of vertebrate animals that must be satisfied to ensure their welfare is maintained and a definition of suffering (cruelty). It is an offence to fail to promote the welfare or provide for the “needs” of an animal or to be cruel to animals.

Welfare – The “needs” of an animal that must be met by law

Duty of the person responsible for an animal to ensure its welfare (Animal Welfare Act 2006 – c.45, has the same meaning as Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 – c.24)

(1) A person commits an offence if he does not take such steps as are reasonable in all the circumstances to ensure that the needs of an animal for which he is responsible are met to the extent required by good practice.

(2) For the purposes of this Act, an animal’s needs shall be taken to include— (a) its need for a suitable environment, (b) its need for a suitable diet, (c) its need to be able to exhibit normal behavior patterns, (d) any need it has to be housed with, or apart from, other animals, and (e) its need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

(3) The circumstances to which it is relevant to have regard when applying subsection (1) include, in particular— (a) any lawful purpose for which the animal is kept, and (b) any lawful activity undertaken in relation to the animal.

(4) Nothing in this section applies to the destruction of an animal in an appropriate and humane manner.

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1.2 CRUELTY OR UNNECESSARY SUFFERING

For the purposes of the relevant Acts the following applies:

Causing unnecessary suffering can lead to an allegation of and/or prosecution for cruelty.

“Suffering” includes both physical and mental suffering.

Unnecessary suffering (Animal Welfare Act 2006 – c.4, has the same meaning as Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 – c.19)

Unnecessary suffering (1) A person commits an offence if— (a) an act of his, or a failure of his to act, causes an animal to suffer, (b) he knew, or ought reasonably to have known, that the act, or failure to act, would have that effect or be likely to do so, (c) the animal is a protected animal, and (d) the suffering is unnecessary. (2) A person commits an offence if— (a) he is responsible for an animal, (b) an act, or failure to act, of another person causes the animal to suffer, (c) he permitted that to happen or failed to take such steps (whether by way of supervising the other person or otherwise) as were reasonable in all the circumstances to prevent that happening, and (d) the suffering is unnecessary. (3) The considerations to which it is relevant to have regard when determining for the purposes of this section whether suffering is unnecessary include— (a) whether the suffering could reasonably have been avoided or reduced; (b) whether the conduct which caused the suffering was in compliance with any relevant enactment or any relevant provisions of a license or code of practice issued under an enactment; (c) whether the conduct which caused the suffering was for a legitimate purpose, such as— (i) the purpose of benefiting the animal, or (ii) the purpose of protecting a person, property or another animal; (d) whether the suffering was proportionate to the purpose of the conduct concerned; (e) whether the conduct concerned was in all the circumstances that of a reasonably competent and humane person. (4) Nothing in this section applies to the destruction of an animal in an appropriate and humane manner.

Pets including ornamental fish are protected animals.

There are many other detailed provisions of these Acts. A summary is included in Appendix C.

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2. KEY PRIMARY INDICATORS OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS WELFARE

Aquatic organisms that are well looked after will ordinarily be:

i. feeding normally ii. behaving normally iii. of normal appearance including: normal coloration depending on age, sex, maturity, species good fin condition: minimal splits or erosion, and no obvious sign of clinical disease

These indicators should take into account the origin and particular characteristics and needs of individual specimens.

The water quality should meet OATA maximum levels for Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate, minimum levels of Dissolved Oxygen and, in sea water aquaria only, minimum levels of pH.

Exceptions might occur e.g. when aquatic organisms are diseased, after transport or other stress. However in these cases appropriate remedial actions e.g. treatment, acclimatisation or isolation should be undertaken.

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3. GENERAL POINTS

3.1. Members should display the OATA Ltd logo and Customers’ Charter in an appropriate site on their premises.

The Charter should be displayed prominently in the retail sales area but NOT behind the counter.

3.2. Arrangements should be made to allow members of the public to view the Code of Conduct by appointment at an agreed time.

3.3. Members must be in possession of a Pet Shop Licence or any other permission to trade as required by the current legislation.

3.4. Members should ensure that they are aware of the current legislation on the matters relating to their business, including but not limited to non native species, aquatic organisms welfare, import and ownership concerning endangered species and plants and animal medicines. The OATA office will, if possible, be happy to assist members.

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4. ROUTINE CARE OF LIVE AQUATIC ORGANISMS

Advice on the care and maintenance of aquatic organisms must be available at the time of sale (this is a requirement of the welfare legislation). Customers should be advised that aquatic organisms must never be released or disposed of in the wild.1

4.1 Aquatic animals

4.1.1. Aquatic organisms shall at all times be kept in accommodation that is adequate in construction, size, facilities, and position in the premises and appropriate for the species and specimens concerned.

No aquatic organisms should be exposed to excessive light or heat, or lack of adequate warmth.

No fish or other organism should be subject to rapid fluctuation in light, temperature and chemical composition of their water, other than for the controlled treatment of disease or as part of a controlled breeding programme.

All aquaria should be sited so that visual inspections are easily carried out. (This does not necessitate them being wholly visible from the shop floor).

4.1.2. Water quality should be assessed regularly and managed so that the criteria outlined in Appendices A and B are satisfied.

4.1.3. Aquaria shall be checked daily and cleaned as often as is necessary to maintain good hygiene standards, consistent with the rate of stock turnover and consequent stocking densities.

Notes:

i. Particular attention should be paid to removal of uneaten food and mortalities, as both of these can release ammonia as they decay.

ii. The filtration system, whether internal or external, should be maintained in efficient order. The performance of the filter should be checked by chemical analysis of water quality using commercially available test kits as appropriate.

4.1.4. Fish and other aquatic organisms should be displayed in a manner which precludes interference by unauthorised people as far as is reasonably practicable.

4.1.5. The care given to aquatic organisms kept in outdoor ponds or aquaria must reflect the climatic conditions.

For instance:

i. an air hole should be created in ice.

ii. shading might be required in intense summer sun. This may be by planting appropriately.

1 See OATA poster at http://www.ornamentalfish.org/aquanautconservation/invasiveplants.php http://www.ornamentalfish.org/aquanautconservation/petfishbelong.php

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4.1.6. Food should be offered to aquatic organisms on a regular basis taking into account the water temperature and the biology of the species concerned. Food should be stored in appropriate containers which can, if necessary and appropriate, be cleaned easily.

4.1.7. Good hygiene in this area will minimise the risk of insect or rodent infestation both of which should be avoided.

Care of Plants

This Code should apply equally to plants in respect of satisfying import controls (particularly phytosanitary and conservation legislation).

Plants should be carried and handled so as to minimise damage.

Diseases should be treated as appropriate.

Appropriate advice on the choice of plants by customers should be given taking account of the intended use to be made of the plant.

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5. RECORD KEEPING

5.1. A record of all aquatic organisms purchased and sold (except retail sales) including source and destination, should be maintained. This may be achieved by retention of orders and invoices. It is not required that individual specimens be traceable.

5.2. Water quality should be assessed regularly, the results recorded and systems managed so that criteria outlined in Appendix A are satisfied.

5.3. Water quality testing should be carried out at least once a week in centralised systems. In individually filtered aquaria or holding vats at least 10% of them should be tested in the same way at least once a week. Unsatisfactory results must be recorded in a register together with the corrective action taken. Further tests must be carried out when visual inspection of the tanks indicates the need. While no general rule for the normal behaviour of all fish can be given, if they are gasping at the surface, or normally active species are lethargic, then water quality testing or other investigation may be necessary.

Tests should be undertaken at different times of the day to ensure that the readings are representative of normal conditions in the aquarium or pond.

5.4. Records of disease outbreaks, treatments and mortalities should be maintained. These should be related to particular batches of aquatic organisms if practicable.

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6. BIOSECURITY

This Section applies in all establishments holding aquatic organisms.

6.1. All members are expected to be able to practically demonstrate that they operate a biosecurity plan for their business. This may or may not be supported by written plans. Failure to do so may be regarded as bringing the trade into disrepute.

6.2. All reasonable precautions must be taken to prevent the import, outbreak and spread of diseases. This may include disinfecting nets, or the use of a specified net for each tank in individually filtered aquaria. In centralised systems it may include efficient UV filtration or tank isolation. (Additional advice can be requested from the OATA office, found in the supporting codes2 or on the OATA website3.)

6.3. Materials used in handling aquatic organisms should either be disposed of hygienically or, if they are to be reused, disinfected appropriately.

6.4. Aquatic organisms showing overt clinical signs of distress, injury or disease should be treated appropriately:

i. This may require the affected individuals or population to be isolated.

ii. No sales from these individuals or populations should be made.

iii. Veterinary consultation or other relevant expertise may be required.

iv. A sign should clearly indicate to the customers that those aquatic organisms are not for sale. This could be used if necessary as evidence that the shop is aware of an issuein a particular aquarium and appropriate actions are being taken.

v. Appropriate action could include a range of remedies including euthanasia.

2 OATA biosecurity advice on KHV: http://www.efishbusiness.co.uk/news/OATA%20KHV.pdf 3 OATA website: http://www.ornamentalfish.org in the members’ login area of the OATA website. Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) www.ornamentalfish.org V e r s i o n 2 – M a y 2 0 0 8

7. TRANSPORT OF LIVE AQUATIC ORGANISMS

International movement of aquatic organisms; Packing and Exporting

Importers (i.e. consolidators, wholesalers and retailers importing directly from an exporter) should be able to demonstrate that they have taken positive steps to ensure that packers and exporters follow the guidelines given below:

7.1.1. Aquatic organisms must have priority over all other freight and should be transported by the most expeditious means.

7.1.2. Aquatic organisms should be packed in a manner which complies with the current legislation. See the current IATA Live Animal Regulations guidelines4 and where appropriate the UK land transport regulation5.

7.1.3. Aquatic organisms must be packed so that they will survive at least 48 hours from the time of their acceptance by an airline.

7.1.4. No aquatic organisms should be dispatched unless in direct response to an order that has been received. No ‘makeweights’ are acceptable if covered by any UK import restrictions. Substitutions, if permitted by the regulations current at the time, must be notified at least 24 hours in advance of arrival.

7.1.5. 48 hours notice should be given by the consignor to the consignee of the estimated time of arrival of shipment.

7.1.6. Aquatic organisms from the wild should have been collected using legal, ethical techniques which do not damage the ecosystem.

7.1.7. No aquatic organisms showing overt signs of clinical disease should be dispatched.

7.1.8. The importer i.e. the person or business upon whose authority licence registration to import is made (depending on current legislation), must under all circumstances, accept primary responsibility for any consignment ordered after it has been despatched in good faith and left the country of origin. Late arrival of shipments for any reason does not absolve an importer from this responsibility.

7.1.9. The importer or his/her representative should make all reasonable efforts to expedite the clearance of the consignment and transport it to its destination.

7.1.10. The journey to the destination shall be completed by a means and in circumstances that do not prejudice the well-being of the aquatic organisms.

4http://www.iata.org/ps/publications/lar.htm 5EU Welfare in transport Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 and in England by the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006 (SI 2006/3260)

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7.1.11. Shipments that have been abandoned should only be ‘rescued’ when appropriate tanking facilities are available as soon as is reasonably practicable. Aquatic organisms should not be ‘rescued’ and stored in their transit boxes until sold. Only in exceptional circumstances e.g. flights bound for the continent that become fog bound in the UK, should aquatic organisms be unpacked, water changed and repacked before their final destination is reached.

Should a shipment be abandoned, then the importers or their freight agent should make him or herself responsible for alerting OATA by telephone, fax or email of this eventuality. Failing that, contact should be made with another recognised OATA importer.

7.1.12. Transport packages should not be opened until they have arrived at their estination. An exception may be made when the survival of the aquatic organisms is hreatened or if any relevant official services inspect a consignment. In these circumstances the conditions relating to aquatic organisms outlined in Section 8 of this code of conduct should as far as reasonably practicable be applied.

7.1.13. Where necessary e.g. for fish health, plant health, endangered species, the importers should obtain the appropriate documents prior to shipping.

Business to business within UK

Aquatic organisms should, if appropriate, be transported to the customer by the quickest means reasonably practical. Any aquatic organisms received or consigned should be transported according to the current regulations6 and recommendations7. For air transportation the latest IATA guidelines must be followed.

7.2.1. The animals should be packed to survive at least 150% of the anticipated journey time. The packing must therefore take account of climatic conditions and the behavioural characteristics of the aquatic organisms as well as the travelling time.

6 EU Welfare in transport Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 and in England by the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006 (SI 2006/3260) 7 Advice can also be found in the OATA transport brief: Recommendations and Point of Sale Materials 1991-2005 Version 1. Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) www.ornamentalfish.org V e r s i o n 2 – M a y 2 0 0 8

8. RECEIVING, UNPACKING & ACCLIMATIZING OF LIVE AQUATIC ORGANISMS

8.1 General

8.1.1. Suitably trained and/or experienced staff should be available during unpacking at any stage of the supply chain.

8.1.2. Aquatic organisms should be promptly and carefully unpacked upon arrival, preferably in dim light and avoiding strong sun or artificial light sources.

8.1.3. The aquatic organisms should be acclimatised to the physical and chemical water conditions in the holding facility using all reasonably practicable means to reduce the stress experienced by them during the procedure.

8.1.4. During acclimatization particular attention should be paid to those factors which may have altered substantially during transport. e.g. pH, temperature, and ammonia,

8.1.5. When tanking aquatic organisms, due regard should be paid to the physical and behavioural needs of each species.

8.2. Unpacking imported aquatic organisms

This section of the Code applies on the first occasion aquatic organisms are unpacked following import.

Thus it may apply to:

i. Traditional wholesalers

ii. Retail outlets importing directly

iii. Businesses buying aquatic organisms through consolidators in unopened boxes following import

8.2.1. The provisions laid out in this section are similar to those applied whenever aquatic organisms are unpacked or handled. However they must be applied bearing in mind the species concerned, their origin and the length of time they have been in transit.

8.2.2. Businesses receiving aquatic organisms in the manners described above should be able to provide the additional care and husbandry required by them immediately following import. Particular attention and expertise is necessary when wild caught specimens are concerned.

8.2.3. Newly imported aquatic organisms should be separated from previously held stock, clearly marked and rested until normal behaviour, appearance and feeding patterns have been re-established before sale.

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8.3. Unpacking live aquatic organisms at retailers purchasing from wholesalers

This section (in addition to 8.1.) applies only when aquatic organisms are purchased from a wholesaler’s import facility. (Or directly from an aquatic organism farm based in the UK where the aquatic organisms are acclimatised prior to dispatch.)

8.3.1. The retailer should accept responsibility for any aquatic organisms ordered once despatched, in good faith, for delivery at a reasonable time or at another pre-arranged time. An out of hours contact should be available so that any delay in delivery can be dealt with promptly.

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9. SALE OF LIVE AQUATIC ORGANISMS

9.1. General

This applies to both business to business sales and to sales to retail customers.

9.1.1. All aquatic organisms sold should be in good health as far as it can be reasonably determined without veterinary inspection.

9.1.2. No aquatic organisms with an obvious significant abnormality, which would seriously reduce its quality of life, should be offered for sale. If in doubt, expert advice, which may or may not be from a vet, should be sought.

9.1.3. Aquatic organisms should be caught in such a way as to reduce the stress induced and ensure no physical damage occurs to the animal.

9.1.4. No animal should be stocked unless at least one member of staff is familiar with its care and welfare.

9.1.5. CITES Species The import permit number or a photocopy should be obtained, either when the order is delivered or with the invoice for such an order.

9.1.6. EC Wildlife Trade Regulations Wholesalers should satisfy themselves that the necessary import permit (Annex A and B species) or import declaration (Annex D species) has been given or made as appropriate. When supplying Annex A or B species it must be ascertained that the recipient is able to care for them.

9.2. Retail

9.2.1. Every reasonable effort should be made to ensure that the customer purchases aquatic organisms suitable for the aquarium or pond for which it is intended. When offering advice due regard should be given to the time the aquaria/pond has been established and the stocking, both in terms of species and density.

To enable staff to fulfil this requirement a range of reference materials should be available. Less experienced staff should be encouraged to consult a senior member of staff whenever they are uncertain.

(Under no circumstances should a brand new aquaria or pond be established and stocked full immediately. If asked to do this the retailer should advise the customer as to the inadvisability of this course of action and explain why he must refuse to do so and if necessary refer to the “Customers’ Charter”).

9.2.2. Particular attention should be paid to informing the customers of the risks associated with any potentially harmful or venomous species. This information should include First Aid procedures.

9.2.3. Transport of aquatic organisms sold to customers from a retail outlet:

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Fish or other aquatic organisms should be sold in containers suitable for the journey to be undertaken and thus ensure they arrive in good health. Special regard should be paid to the climatic conditions and length of journey.

The containers should:

i. Contain a sufficient oxygen supply for the organisms for the duration of their journey;

ii. Contain an appropriate quantity of water;

iii. Have sufficient insulation to prevent large fluctuations in temperature;

iv. Be covered to exclude light.

v. Ensure aquatic organisms which may be aggressive to one another are, as appropriate, packed separately. It may also be necessary to prevent these aquatic organisms from having any visual contact.

9.2.4. The new owners of aquatic organisms should be very carefully instructed in the technique required to acclimatise them to their aquaria/pond.

9.2.5. ‘After sales’ advice should be offered to customers who purchase aquatic organisms.

9.2.6. Accurate instructions on the care and welfare of the animal purchased should be given to the customer at the time of any sale as appropriate.

9.2.7. No live animal, with the exception of invertebrate live food, should be sold to any person under the age of 16 years.

9.2.8. No live vertebrate animal should knowingly be sold for use as live food.

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9.3 INTERNET

If sales are accepted for aquatic organisms via the internet then the following must apply:

i. All the current legislation at source and destination.

ii. The website must clearly identify the country from which the aquatic organisms are to be delivered to the client.

iii. All relevant provisions for transporting the aquatic organisms to a member of the public must be followed.

iv. Business supplying aquatic organisms must ensure that they have proof that the customer will be at home when the delivery is scheduled and they are aware that failure to meet his obligation may compromise the welfare of the aquatic organisms concerned.

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10. HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK

10.1. General

10.1.1. It is of the very highest priority that as safe an environment as is reasonably practical is maintained for both staff and customers. Note should be taken of all relevant legislation8.

10.1.2. Particular care should be taken to ensure that:

i. Emergency evacuation procedures are known to all staff.

ii. Fire-fighting equipment is regularly maintained and its location and mode of operation is known to all staff.

iii. Entrances and exits are kept clear and are clearly and correctly marked.

10.2. Staff

10.2.1. Particular note will be taken to the need for care and training in the following areas:

i. First Aid and the use of an Accident Record Book, and the requirement to notify the Health and Safety Executive if any staff member is off work for more than three days due to a work related accident.

ii. Hazardous and venomous species. Information can also be found in the OATA briefing: Recommendations and Point of Sale Materials 1991-2005 Version 1 or on the OATA website9.

iii. Zoonoses-diseases which spread from animal to man e.g. Fish TB and Salmonella. Information can also be found in the OATA briefing: Recommendations and Point of Sale Materials 1991-2005 Version 1 or on the OATA website8.

iv. Safe use and disposal of chemicals.

v. Safe installation and working procedures for the use of electrical equipment in damp environments. Any installation of electrical equipment should be carried out by a competent electrician.

vi. Fire fighting.

vii. Emergency procedures e.g. electric shock, spillage of chemicals, sting by venomous aquatic organisms etc.

viii. If there are more than 5 employees OATA Ltd would recommend that these points are recorded in the written Health and Safety policy maintained by the business or as required by current health and safety rules.

8Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA 1974) and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 See website: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si1999/19993242.htm 9 OATA website: http://www.ornamentalfish.org

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11. OUT OF HOURS

11.1. The licensee or a designated key holder must at all times be within reasonable distance of the premises and available to visit the premises in case of emergency.

11.2. A list of key holders with their addresses and telephone numbers must be lodged with the local police and fire brigade or any agency determined locally.

11.3. An emergency telephone number must be displayed at the front of the premises. This may be 999.

11.4. When retail outlets are sited within other premises, the licensee or key holders must have access at all times to the premises containing the aquatic organisms.

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12. USE OF MEDICINES

12.1. Fish are exempt from the provisions of the Veterinary Surgeons Act. Thus anyone may diagnose and treat fish diseases.

12.2. However, fish are not exempt from the Veterinary Medicines Regulations. This means that drugs such as anaesthetics, antibiotics or other controlled medicines should only be used under veterinary direction. Only treatments available under the Small Animal Exemption Scheme are to normally be sold by retailers10 without further authorization.

12.3. Antibiotics should only be used under the supervision of a Veterinary Surgeon practising in the EC and following the normal practice of the profession in the UK.

12.4. Veterinary Surgeons may only prescribe drugs for aquatic organisms under their care. This must be actual rather than theoretical and will mean periodic on site visits. Failure on the part of the veterinary surgeon to meet this legal requirement may lead to him/her being struck off.

12.5. Material safety data sheets should be available for any treatments used by staff.

10 Small Animal Exemption Scheme guidance: http://www.vmd.gov.uk/Industry/SAES/small_animal_ex_sch.pdf; http://www.vmd.gov.uk/Publications/Consultations/VMR07/VMG_Drafts/VMGNote14.pdf

O r n a m e n t a l Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) www.ornamentalfish.org V e r s i o n 2 – M a y 2 0 0 8

13. STAFF TRAINING

13.1. Training may be:

i. In house: instruction by experienced, preferably qualified, staff.

ii. Home study: providers are:

● Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) -

Water Quality and Filtration Advanced Diploma Fish Biology and Fish Health Advanced Diploma Water Quality Certificate Filtration Certificate Fish Biology Certificate Fish Health Certificate

Further details including current fees, are available online at www.ornamentalfish.org

● Pet Care Trust -

City & Guilds / NPTC Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Pet Store Management

i. Short courses

ii. Full-time course

iii. conferences

For instance Sparsholt College, Hampshire, and Barony College, Dumfries, offer short courses, full-time courses and conferences.

13.2. Staff will be encouraged to increase their knowledge and experience and so enhance the quality of information they may provide to customers.

13.3. A written training policy should be formulated to demonstrate that systematic training is taking place.

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14. COMPLAINTS

14.1. The member will make every effort to resolve any dispute between himself and the customer.

14.2. All staff must be suitably trained to deal with complaints, but should difficulties arise the matter should be referred to a senior member of staff.

14.3. At all times the person dealing with the complaint should adopt a courteous manner, act with tact and handle the problem sympathetically. The problem should be dealt with promptly, courteously and sympathetically.

14.4. If the complaint cannot be resolved the following procedures are available:

Local Advice

i. Both the member and the customer have the right to contact the Trading Standards

ii. Department or the Citizens Advice Bureau

iii. Conciliation Service

In the event that a dispute cannot be settled then the matter may be referred to the OATA office. OATA can be asked to offer a conciliation service. There is no charge for this service.

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APPENDIX A – Water Quality Criteria

STOCKING DENSITIES - ORNAMENTAL AQUATIC ORGANISMS

It is virtually impossible to determine the quantity of aquatic organisms to be kept in a system purely on a weight or number of aquatic organisms per unit, volume, or water surface area.

The variation in holding system used, the quality of husbandry and the types of aquatic organisms stocked vary so greatly that it would render any such system too complicated to be practical or too simple to be useful.

The maintenance of water quality standards can be used to determine working stocking densities.

WATER QUALITY CRITERIA11

Cold Water Species

Free Ammonia max 0.02mg/l Nitrite max 0.2mg/l Dissolved Oxygen min 6mg/l Nitrate max 50mg/l above ambient tap water

Tropical Freshwater Species

Free Ammonia max 0.02mg/l Nitrite max 0.2mg/l Dissolved Oxygen min 6mg/l Nitrate max 50mg/l above ambient tap water

Tropical Marine Species

Free Ammonia max 0.01mg/l Nitrite max 0.125mg/l pH min 8.1 Dissolved Oxygen recommended 5.5mg/l (never lower than 4.0mg/l) Nitrate max 100mg/l

11 For additional information, see also the OATA Water Quality Criteria handbook. Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) www.ornamentalfish.org V e r s i o n 2 – M a y 2 0 0 8

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APPENDIX B – GUIDE STOCKING DENSITIES

GUIDE STOCKING DENSITIES12

The water quality standards should not be met at the expense of a correct feeding regime.

Cold Water Species

8kg/1000 litres

Tropical Freshwater Species

Fish up to 5cm (or 2”) - 1.5kg/1000 litres Fish over 5cm (or 2”) - 2.5kg/1000 litres

Tropical Marine Species

Fish up to 5cm (or 2”) - 1kg/1000 litres Fish over 5cm (or 2”) - 2kg/1000 litres

Guide stockings are ADVISORY only. They may be exceeded if the water quality standards are satisfied. When the water quality standards are exceeded at a lower stocking, this must then be considered as the maximum stocking density permissible.

The TOTAL volume of the system must be measured and taken into account in determining actual stocking densities.

12 For additional information, see also the OATA Water Quality Criteria handbook.

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APPENDIX C – Summary of Animal Welfare Legislation Summary Table Animal Welfare Legislation England Scotland Wales

England & Wales Scotland

General The Acts provide some basic concepts e.g. cruelty and welfare standards. characteristics Detailed rules e.g. on pet shop licensing and internet trade in aquatic organisms, will be introduced over the next few years using secondary legislation. Both are “common informer” Acts, which means any member of the public may bring prosecutions. This also means groups like the RSPCA are able to mount private prosecutions. Though different detailed rules might apply in different administrations there are provisions for disqualification orders and other provisions to be applied in all administrations.

Implementation April 6th 2007 March 28th 2007 Autumn 2006 date

Links to the Acts Animal Welfare Act 2006 Animal Health and Welfare Act 2006 http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/en2006/2006en45.htm http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/acts2006/2006 including explanatory foreword 0011.htm Helpful sources of official guidance http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/bill/ http://new.wales.gov.uk/legisla http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Agriculture/animal- notes etc. index.htm tion/legislationinforce/210923 welfare/AnimalWelfare/AHWSAGuidance/guidancepdf /AnimalWelfWales/?lang=en http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/pdf http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/972/0040944.p /guidance_note.pdf df

Who will approve There will be three sets of secondary legislation (each may be different from the others) decided by the: secondary legislation? House of Parliament for England Welsh Assembly Scottish Parliament

Timetable for Pet shop licensing conditions are likely to be determined during late 2007 and early 2008. Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) www.ornamentalfish.org V e r s i o n 2 – M a y 2 0 0 8

secondary These conditions may be different in England, Wales and Scotland! legislation

The principle enforcement officers will be Inspectors appointed by the local The same as England and Wales except SSPCA Inspectors authority. These can potentially be any suitable qualified person not just an Inspectors will be appointed as inspectors for the authority employee. RSPCA Inspectors are not Inspectors for this act unless purposes of the Scots Act. specifically appointed by an authority.

Care or These notices may be issues for welfare offences only. They may be of variable length relevant to the problem identified, during that Improvement period no prosecution will be instigated as long as the situation of the aquatic organisms concerned does not deteriorate. notices Prosecution may follow if the conditions in the care notice are not fulfilled. Care or improvement notices do not have to be issued prior to a prosecution. Failure to comply with a care notice may be prosecuted in its own right.

Powers of entry Detailed rules apply to the powers of entry onto domestic and business premises, the seizure, care, costs of care and disposal (including and Confiscations euthanasia) of aquatic organisms by the police and inspectors.

Disqualifications Disqualification from keeping aquatic organisms (of a certain sort, for a specified period or up to all species for life) may result from a successful prosecution for either a cruelty or welfare offence. The court, at its discretion may choose not to apply a disqualification order but will be required to explain its decision when the judgement is announced.

Period during Cruelty and welfare offences -Up to three years after the last offence – if part of Cruelty offences -Up to three years after the last offence which a series of offences then all offences in that series can be prosecuted – if part of a series of offences then all offences in that prosecutions can irrespective of time. Once discovered an offence must be prosecuted within 6 series can be prosecuted irrespective of time. Once be brought months. discovered an offence must be prosecuted within 6 months. Welfare offences- Up to six months after the offence was committed.

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England & Wales Scotland

Which aquatic “Protected animals” includes all vertebrates except humans that fall into any of the three categories below: organisms are Commonly domesticated covered by the Acts? Under the physical control of man Not yet living in a wild state (wild animals are excluded) This could be subject to change by order if evidence emerges that invertebrates, especially octopus, can feel pain Does not apply to traditional angling techniques or to the fishing at sea.

Who is responsible Responsibility always rests with the owner of an animal. Responsibility can apply to those to whom “day to day “care of aquatic for the care and organisms is passed for a specific purpose e.g. managers and staff in retail outlets, vets, boarding kennels etc. The owner must take welfare of aquatic care that those to whom care is delegated are capable of ensuring the welfare of any aquatic organisms concerned. organisms?

Corporate If an offence is committed “with the consent or connivance attributable to any neglect on the part of any director, manager, secretary responsibility or other similar officer or any person purporting to act in such capacity” then he/she as well as the body corporate commits the offence and shall be liable to prosecution. Similar provisions apply to partnerships and membership based organisations

Cruelty Cruelty can be caused by

An act or failure to act

A responsible person who knew or ought to have reasonably known that an act or failure to act would cause unnecessary suffering. In this Act “Suffering” means physical or mental suffering

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Both traders and members of the public have a DUTY OF CARE towards aquatic organisms. Welfare A person commits an offence if he does not take such steps as are reasonable in all the circumstances to ensure the needs of an animal for which he is responsible to the extent required by good practice established by codes of practice. The needs of an animal are summarised as:

Suitable environment Suitable diet To exhibit normal behaviour To be kept with or apart from other aquatic organisms To be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease

In the event of a dispute over the care and welfare of any aquatic organisms not meeting the codes of practice will not automatically infer an offence has been committed. If a code has demonstrably been followed then there will be a tendency to assume innocence.

Mutilation is the interference with “the sensitive tissue or bone structure of an animal”. This covers just about anything Mutilation but a list of exemptions is being produced in each administration. Veterinary operations and a whole list of procedures will be exempt from the general ban on mutilations. Removing fish scales for ageing them during fishery management will be an exempted or permitted procedure, removing a scale from a koi to improve its appearance will be regarded as a mutilation, which could lead to prosecution. Much publicity has been given to the issue of tail docking – in Scotland this will be outlawed, indeed it will be an offence to take a dog out of the country, dock its tail and return it to Scotland. In England the tails of some working breeds may on veterinary advice be docked.

Sales No pet aquatic organisms may be sold to anyone who you have reasonable cause to believe is under the age of 16. Pet shop licence conditions will be decided by secondary legislation. Inspections in future should be risk based i.e. poor shops will be more often inspected than good ones. Care sheets will need to be made available. However the exact nature of these (species or group specific) and by what means they will be made available will be decided by secondary legislation.

Aquatic organisms as No aquatic organisms may be awarded as prizes to anyone under 16 unless No aquatic organisms may be offered as prizes accompanied by someone over 16. prizes except within a family context

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Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) Ltd. APPENDIX D – Quick overview and Cross Reference of the code to the animal needs

Needs Cross Key points General referenc es a) Suitable § 4.1.1. Suitable light, temperature and environment (i. & ii.) chemical composition of water without major fluctuations.

§ 4.1.2, Stocking densities guidelines. §5.2., Water quality criteria. Aquatic organisms should be App. A Water quality should be assessed packed so they can survive 48 & B regularly. hours from time of acceptance by an airline. § 4.1.3. Aquaria checked daily and cleaned as often as necessary.

§ 4.1.5. Care given to aquatic organisms must reflect the climatic conditions. § 7.1.1. & Packing of aquatic organisms for § 7.1.2. transport complying with current IATA Live Animal § 8.1.3. Regulations. & § 8.1.4. Aquatic organisms should be acclimatised to chemical and water conditions (pH, temperature, ammonia). b) Suitable §4.1.6. Food should be offered to diet aquatic organisms on a regular basis taking into account the water temperature and the biology of the species concerned. § 8.2.3. Normal feeding patterns should be re-established before sale for newly imported aquatic organisms. c) To be able § 8.1.5. Physical and behavioural needs to exhibit of each species should be taken normal into account when tanking new behaviour aquatic organisms. patterns

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§ 8.2.3. Normal behaviour and appearance patterns should be re-established before sale for newly imported aquatic organisms. d) To be § 9.2.1. Ensure that customer purchases Depending on stocking density housed with, aquatic organisms suitable for and other species. or apart from, the aquarium or pond for which other aquatic it is intended. § 8.2.3. Wholesalers & Retailers organisms Newly imported aquatic organisms should be separated from previously held stock, clearly marked and rested until normal behaviour, appearance and feeding patterns have been re- established before sale. § 9.2.3. Aquatic organisms which may be aggressive to one another are, as appropriate, packed § 9.2.1. Retailers separately. It may be necessary Ensure that the customer to prevent these aquatic purchases aquatic organisms organisms from having any suitable for the aquarium or pond visual contact. for which it is intended. e) To be §4.1.1.iii Visual inspection should be protected easily carried out and regular. from pain, suffering, § 4.1.3. Regular cleaning and injury and maintenance disease § 4.1.4. Material used in handling aquatic Protection from interference by organisms should either be unauthorised people disposed of hygienically or, if they § 5. are to be reused, disinfected Disease, treatments, and appropriately. mortalities record keeping. § 6.1. A biosecurity plan must be in § 6.2. place.

All reasonable precautions must be taken to prevent the import § 6.4. outbreak and spread of diseases

Appropriate treatments to be given to aquatic organisms showing overt clinical signs of § 7.1.7. distress, injury or disease.

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No aquatic organisms showing § 7.1.10. overt signs of clinical disease § 7.1. should be dispatched. Transporters, importers and wholesalers: Transport shall be completed by Aquatic organisms must have means and in circumstances that priority over all other freight and do not prejudice the well-being should be transported by the most of the aquatic organisms. expeditious means.

§8.1.1. & Unpacking done promptly and § 7.2. Wholesalers: §8.1.2. carefully with trained staff. Overland transport

§8.3. Responsibilities of retailer §9.2.3., buying from wholesaler. 9.2.4., 9.2.5., Sale regulation, advice and after § 9.1. Retailers: 9.2.6., sale. Aquatic organisms sold in good 9.2.7., health without obvious significant &9.2.8. abnormalities, and should be caught in such a way as to reduce § 9.3. the stress induced and ensure no Internet sales physical damage occurs to the animal.

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ORNAMENTAL AQUATIC TRADE ASSOCIATION (OATA)

WATER QUALITY CRITERIA

Ornamental Aquatice Trade Association (OATA) www.ornamentalfish.org V e r s i o n 2 – M a y 2 0 0 8

Version 2.0 March 2008

CONTENTS

1. AMMONIA ...... 37 1.1. Sources ...... 37 1.2. Chemistry ...... 37 1.3. Measurement of Ammonia ...... 38 1.4. Safe levels of free ammonia ...... 39 1.5. Reducing the level of Ammonia ...... 39 - 2. NITRITE (NO2 ) ...... 40 2.1. Sources ...... 40 2.2. Measurement of Nitrite ...... 40 2.3. Safe levels of Nitrite ...... 40 2.4. Reducing the level of Nitrite ...... 40 - 3. NITRATE (NO3 ) ...... 41 3.1. Sources ...... 41 3.2. Measurement of Nitrate ...... 41 3.3. Safe Levels of Nitrate ...... 41 3.4. Reducing the level of Nitrate ...... 41 4. pH ...... 42 4.1. The pH Scale ...... 42 5. CHANGING pH ...... 43 5.1. Rising pH ...... 43 6. DISSOLVED OXYGEN ...... 44 6.1. Saturation ...... 45 6.2. Solubility of oxygen ...... 45 6.3. Increasing levels of dissolved oxygen ...... 45 6.4. Weather ...... 46 6.5. Measurement of dissolved oxygen ...... 46 6.6. Oxygen consumption ...... 47 7. CARBON DIOXIDE CO2 ...... 47 7.1. Carbon dioxide ...... 48 7.2. Decreasing levels of Carbon dioxide ...... 48 8. BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION...... 49 9. APPENDIX A ...... 51 9.1. Stocking Densities – Ornamental Fish ...... 51 9.2. Water quality Criteria ...... 51 9.3. Fish Under treatment ...... 51 10. APPENDIX B ...... 52 10.1. Guide Stocking Densities ...... 52 10.2. Technical Note ...... 52

Note: 1ppm = 1mg/l

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1. AMMONIA

Sources

In aquaria and ponds the principal sources of ammonia are:

Excretion by fish and other livestock as a normal part of their metabolism The breakdown of protein in uneaten food or dead livestock that remains undetected. It is therefore of great importance that careful cleaning is undertaken at suitable intervals.

Chemistry

As ammonia is released into the water by either of these processes it may take one of two forms:

Free Ammonia (unionised ammonia, chemical symbol NH3). This form of ammonia is highly toxic to fish + Ammonium (ionised ammonia, chemical symbol NH4 ). This form of ammonia is virtually non toxic to fish

NH + NH 4 3 Total Ammonia Dissolves or to become Ammonium Free Ammonia

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The balance between Free Ammonia and Ammonium is determined by the pH and temperature of the water and may be summarised:

High temperature High free ammonia (NH3)

High pH (low ammonium) (NH4+) Dangerous to fish

Low temperature Low free ammonia (NH3)

Low pH (high ammonium) (NH4+) Relatively safe for fish

Measurement of Ammonia

Test kits and electronic meters usually measure all ammonia present; that is TOTAL AMMONIA. Some test kits measure Ammonium-Nitrogen and apply a conversion factor to determine the ammonia. This will usually be explained in the instructions provided with the test kit.

TOTAL AMMONIA = AMMONIUM + FREE AMMONIA

To determine the amount of Free Ammonia present, pH and temperature MUST be known.

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Safe levels of free ammonia

OATA recommends that FREE AMMONIA should not exceed 0.02mg/l in freshwater and 0.01mg/l in seawater.

Above this level free ammonia causes the fish stress and at higher levels it may cause damage to gills and many internal organs, eventually resulting in fish deaths.

Table 1: Levels of TOTAL AMMONIA (mg/l) that maintain FREE AMMONIA at or below 0.02mg/l at a range of pH and temperatures

PH 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 Temp °C

0 250 77 24 7.7 2.4 0.78 0.1

5 154 50 16 5 1.6 0.52 0.07

10 105 34 11 3.4 1.1 0.36 0.05

15 74 23 7.5 2.3 0.75 0.25 0.04

20 50 16 5 1.6 0.52 0.18 0.04

25 35 11 3.5 1.1 0.37 0.13 0.03

30 25 8 2.5 0.8 0.27 0.1 0.03

These figures apply to freshwater. To meet the criteria for marine fish these figures should be halved.

Reducing the level of Ammonia

Levels can be reduced by:

Dilution by water changes Reduction of stocking densities, improvement of feeding and general husbandry procedures Improvement of biological filtration Use of ion exchange materials

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- 2. NITRITE (NO2 )

2.1. Sources

In aquaria and ponds nitrites are produced by bacteria (including Nitrosomonas spp.) when ammonia is broken down.

2.2. Measurement of Nitrite

Test kits are available. Some of these measure Nitrite-Nitrogen, a conversion factor being applied to the result to obtain a true Nitrite reading. Full instructions should be available with the test kit used.

2.3. Safe levels of Nitrite

OATA recommends that Nitrite should not exceed 0.2mg/l in freshwater and 0.125mg/l in seawater.

Nitrite poisons fish by binding the haemoglobin in the blood preventing it from carrying oxygen, in effect suffocating the fish. The gills of fish dying as a result of nitrite poisoning are a characteristic brown colour.

In freshwater the toxicity of nitrite may be reduced by the addition of small amounts of certain chloride salts.

2.4. Reducing the level of Nitrite

Levels can be reduced by:

Reduction of stocking densities, improvement of feeding and general husbandry procedures Improvement of biological filtration Dilution by water change

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- 3. NITRATE (NO 3 )

3.1. Sources

Nitrates are: produced as bacteria (including Nitrobacter spp.) breaks down nitrites; introduced in tap water. In some areas of the country tap water nitrate levels exceed 130mg/l.

3.2. Measurement of Nitrate

Test kits are available. Some measure Nitrate-Nitrogen, a conversion factor then being applied to obtain a true Nitrate reading; full instructions should be available with the kits used.

3.3. Safe Levels of Nitrate

Nitrate is generally of low toxicity though some species, especially marines, are sensitive to its presence. When nitrate levels are high, as a result of biological filtration, other chemicals produced in this process may be present at levels that adversely affect fish health.

OATA recommends that nitrate levels in freshwater systems do not exceed those in the tap water supply by more than 50mg/l and that levels in marine systems never exceed 100mg/l.

3.4. Reducing the level of Nitrate

Levels can be reduced by:

Dilution by water change, (ensure water used for change has a lower nitrate level) Use of ion exchange materials Increase plant density Use of denitrifying biological filtration

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4. pH

4.1. The pH Scale

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

TAPWATER

...is logarithmic

The pH scale is logarithmic. This means that there is a x10 change in acidity or alkalinity for each change of 1 unit in pH. Thus pH5 is 10x more acid than pH6 And pH5 is 100x more acid than pH7.

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5. CHANGING pH

Active biological filters tend to lower the pH of the systems they are part of.

Hard water and seawater contain dissolved materials that prevent rapid change in pH.

A buffering system in seawater is overcome at about pH 8.1. Once the buffering system runs out a very rapid fall in the pH may occur jeopardising livestock.

5.1. Rising pH

At low pHs the toxicity of ammonia is low. Low pHs may be brought about by carbon dioxide, produced by animals all the time and by plants at night, dissolving in water and forming carbonic acid.

If water of a higher pH is added then there may be a sudden increase in pH. Associated with this rise will be a rapid increase in the toxicity of any ammonia present. This situation may arise during the transport of livestock and subsequent acclimatisation to either hard water or seawater.

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6.DISSOLVED OXYGEN

1 litre of oxygen weighs 1,428mg 1 litre of air contains 285mg oxygen 1 litre of freshwater contains 14.6mg oxygen at 0°C

Water is therefore an oxygen-poor environment. It contains only 5% of the oxygen that the same volume of air does.

Oxygen depleted by:

Plants at night

Biological filtration Livestock

Oxygen replenished by:

   

Plants during the day By diffusion at air- water interfaces

In the absence of adequate aeration, stock held in vessels with a low surface area to volume ratio are likely to suffer low oxygen most easily. Such systems should be monitored particularly carefully.

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6.1. Saturation

If a beaker of sterile freshwater is left to stand at 25ºC then the normal maximum amount of oxygen that it can dissolve is 8.2mg/l. At this point the water sample is said to be 100% SATURATED. If it contained only 4.1mg/l then it would be 50% saturated. A level of dissolved oxygen of 6mg/l as recommended in the OATA ‘Water Quality Criteria’ is equivalent to 73% saturation at 25ºC.

6.2. Solubility of oxygen

The table below demonstrates that as the water temperature rises, the amount of oxygen it may dissolve before becoming saturated diminishes.

Seawater dissolves less oxygen than freshwater before it becomes saturated.

Table 2: Solubility of oxygen

Temp C Mg/l oxygen Terms of % Mg/l oxygen Terms of % freshwater saturation at saltwater saturation at OATA criteria OATA criteria

0 14.6 41 11.7 47

5 12.8 47 10.4 52

10 11.3 53 9.3 58

15 10.1 59 8.5 65

20 9.1 66 7.8 71

25 8.2 73 7.1 77

30 7.5 80 6.5 85

Altitude and atmospheric pressure play a small part in determining oxygen solubility. For practical purposes both may be ignored.

6.3. Increasing levels of dissolved oxygen

The water in an aquarium should be given ample opportunity, through aeration, movement, and agitation, to mix freely with fresh air to maximise saturation with oxygen and to allow removal of excess

CO2. A persistently low oxygen reading may suggest: Inadequate aeration or water movement/agitation to allow this equilibration of gases to happen And/Or Poor ventilation and fresh air renewal around the aquarium and/or its filtration elements.

If either of these conditions applies then stocking levels should be reduced until the situation is rectified and parameters measured return to within recommended levels.

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6.4. Weather

Sunlight may increase water temperature and hence decrease oxygen solubility.

Freezing ice seals the surface preventing the entry of oxygen and the escape of toxic gases.

During still periods (when there is little wind, such as before thunderstorms) the rate of diffusion of oxygen is diminished by the reduction of the pond surface area (ripples in a light wind may increase the surface area of a pond by two or three times).

6.5. Measurement of dissolved oxygen

Chemical test kits and electronic meters are available.

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6.6. Oxygen consumption

Oxygen consumption is affected by the following factors: Size of livestock – small fish use relatively more oxygen than large fish. Total weight of livestock Temperature – oxygen consumption of livestock doubles for each 10ºC rise in temperature. But oxygen availability is reduced as its solubility is also reduced by the temperature rise. N.B. Biofilter activity and ammonia production mirrors oxygen consumption.

OXYGEN CONSUMPTION AT A GIVEN TEMPERATURE

Level of Oxygen Consumption at a given temperature

Size of fish

10 gram fish x 100 1 gram fish x 1000

1000 grams fish Total weight = Total weight = Total weight = 1000 gams 1000 gams 1000 gams

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7. CARBON DIOXIDE CO2

Carbon dioxide is produced by

Carbon Dioxide produced by:

Plants at night

Biological filtration Livestock

Carbon is used up by

Carbon Dioxide used up by:

Plants during the day

Carbon dioxide may also be removed from aquarium or pond systems by agitation of the water or aerator.

7.1. Carbon dioxide

CO2 is a HIGHLY soluble gas, approximately 1000 times more so than oxygen, which, when it dissolves in water, forms carbonic acid. Excess carbon dioxide has a suffocating effect on fish. The carbonic acid also tends to lower the pH of any system, especially insufficiently buffered systems, and this pH drop can also have harmful impacts on organisms.

7.2. Decreasing levels of Carbon dioxide

The water in an aquarium should be given ample opportunity, through aeration, movement, and agitation, to mix freely with fresh air to maximise saturation with oxygen and to allow removal of excess

CO2. A persistently low oxygen or pH reading may suggest: Inadequate aeration or water movement/agitation to allow this equilibration of gases to happen And/Or Poor ventilation and fresh air renewal around the aquarium and/or its filtration elements.

If either of these conditions applies then stocking levels should be reduced until these parameters are measured within recommended levels.

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8. BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION

Biological filtration is the process by which waste products, principally ammonia, in ponds and aquaria are broken down by bacteria.

BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION

AMMONIA BACTERIA NH3

NITROSOMONAS SPP. (*) }

(BOTH REQUIRE PRESENCE OF OXYGEN TO NITRITE PROCEED ie THEY NO2 ARE AEROBIC)

NITROBACTER (**)

} }

NITRATE NO3

VARIOUS BACTERIA

NITROGEN AMMONIA GAS (REQUIRES DENITRIFICATION NH3 THE ABSENCE N2 OF OXYGEN TO PROCEED } ie ANAEROBIC) }

(*) It is common to use the term Nitrosomonas for all the Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria (AOB) including, among others, the genera Nitrosospira, Nitrosococcus, and Nitrosolobus.

(**) It is common to use the term Nitrobacter for all the Nitrite-Oxidizing Bacteria (NOB) including, among others, the genera Nitrospira, Nitrospina, and Nitrococcus.

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The bacteria that are responsible for nitrification require:

A surface on which to grow (the larger the surface area, the greater the population which may grow) A good supply of dissolved oxygen (an active filter may use more oxygen than the livestock in the water it processes) A supply of nutrients – ammonia and nitrites

A filter may be said to be mature when any ammonia entering a tank is instantaneously converted to nitrite and then in turn to nitrate.

Biological filters are only mature for specific conditions: if the stocking density or feeding increases then the filter needs a further period of maturation.

The bacteria responsible for denitrification require:

A surface on which to grow; A supply of nutrients Principally nitrates; Secondarily, if methanol or a similar chemical is present, nitrogen gas will be formed; If other organic materials are present, ammonia may be formed.

Oxygen kills the bacteria responsible for the denitrification.

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9. APPENDIX A

9.1. Stocking Densities – Ornamental Fish

It is virtually impossible to determine the quantity of fish to be kept in a system purely on weight, or number of fish per unit volume, or area of water surface.

The variation in holding system used, the quality of husbandry and types of fish stocked vary so greatly that it would render any such system too complicated to be practical, or too simple to be useful.

The maintenance of water quality standards can be used to determine working stocking densities.

Water Quality Testing: Water quality testing should be carried out at least once a week in centralised systems. In individually filtered aquaria or holding vats at least 10% of them should be tested in the same way at least once a week. Unsatisfactory results must be recorded in a register together with the corrective action taken. Further tests must be carried out when visual inspection of the tanks indicates the need. While no general rule for the normal behaviour of all fish can be given, if they are gasping at the surface, or normally active species are lethargic, then water quality testing or other investigation may be necessary.

Tests should be undertaken at different times of the day to ensure that the readings are representative of normal conditions in the aquarium or pond.

9.2. Water quality Criteria COLD WATER SPECIES

*Free Ammonia - max 0.02mg/l *Nitrite - max 0.2mg/l Dissolved Oxygen - min 6mg/l Nitrate - max 50mg/l above ambient tap water

TROPICAL FRESHWATER SPECIES

*Free Ammonia - max 0.02mg/l *Nitrite - max 0.2mg/l Dissolved Oxygen - min 6mg/l Nitrate - max 50mg/l above ambient tap water

TROPICAL MARINE SPECIES

*Free Ammonia - max 0.01mg/l *Nitrite - max 0.125mg/l *pH - min 8.1 Dissolved Oxygen - recommended 5.5mg/l (never lower than 4.0mg/litre) Nitrate - max 100 mg/l

Factors marked * should be measured in the first instance, if they prove satisfactory, and the fish appear healthy, then further investigation may not be necessary.

9.3. Fish Under treatment

It may not be possible to maintain levels given when effective disease treatments are in use.

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APPENDIX B

Guide Stocking Densities

The water quality standards should not be met at the expense of a correct feeding regime.

COLD WATER SPECIES

8kg/1000 l

TROPICAL FRESHWATER SPECIES

Fish up to 5cm (2”) – 1.5kg/1000 l Fish over 5cm (2”) – 2.5kg/1000 l

TROPICAL MARINE SPECIES

Fish up to 5cm (2”) – 1kg/1000 l Fish over 5cm (2”) – 2kg/1000 l

Guide stockings are ADVISORY only. They may be exceeded if the water quality standards are satisfied. When the water quality standards are exceeded at a lower stocking, this must be considered as the maximum stocking density permissible.

The TOTAL volume of the system must be measured and taken into account in determining actual stocking densities.

Technical Note

The above figures should be read in the following manner:

Free Ammonia as NH3 - Nitrite as NO2 - Nitrate as NO3

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Other documents that may be used in association with this Water Quality Criteria document include the follow.

Core Code Importing, Unpacking Water Quality General Care of Criteria Livestock

Supporting Codes

Building Transport Biosecurity Aquarium

KHV docs

Supporting Documents (briefings)

Description of Sale of Goods Zoonoses Venomous Welfare law Animals

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