Title : Shifting horizons in global ornamental fish trade: Trends, transitions, and emerging market dynamics
Abstract:
The Asian continent countries mainly of south, east, and south-east Asia lead by Singapore have been the leading exporter of aquatic ornamental organisms and USA as major importer for decades. However, a notable shift occurred in global export-import trade after 2011. The value of global exports which was continuously following an ascending trend though with a declining growth rate became stable, in fact slightly negative; Japan emerged as leading exporter post 2018 and continue to maintain the same; the share of Singapore to global exports declined sharply; Spain became a leading exporter of marine aquatic ornamentals; the share of European continent countries increased; the percentage share of USA to global imports declined; and the share of marine aquatic organism to global exports grown to 30%. All these changes in global export and import suggests of a major shift in demand patterns, supply chain, market trends, and hobbyists’ preference. A detailed analysis of data retrieved from data base of Food and Agriculture Organization on global export and import of aquatic ornamental organisms of last 50 years was performed to understand the dynamics of the global ornamental fish and aquarium trade. The paper describes outcome of this detailed analytical study including growth trends of the trade, transitions in the export-import patterns, hobby of aquarium keeping, economic importance of the sector both for exporting and importing countries, and impact on marine aquatic biodiversity. A case study of India is discussed highlighting, how generation of basic data on domestic aquarium trade contributed to growth of sector in country through policy support.
