Japan sets import restrictions on ornamental fishes

Possibly as a result of this criticism, or possibly because of the Koi herbus virus (KHV) crisis that has affected the worldwide industry, Japan has now decided to strengthen its import regulations. The general aim behind the import restrictions is to protect Japan’s environment and ecosystems, both against invasive exotic species and the spread of diseases. At the moment, for example, import of, and trade in, three American fish species is strictly prohibited: largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). The first of these is not generally considered an ornamental species, but a sport or game fish. The other two are encountered within the ornamental aquatic industry, despite the fact that the channel catfish is primarily a food fish. Neither is, however, seen with any frequency. John DawesTwo plants are also prohibited: the pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides) and the Senegal tea plant (Gymnocoronis spilanthoides). The former is generally regarded as an aquarium plant with lovely roundish leaves that float on the water surface, while the latter, while having some submerged leaves, also produces aerial foliage and is thus regarded both as an aquarium and a marsh plant. A number of other fish species as well as the red-eared terrapin (Trachemys scripta elegans) are said to be “under investigation”. Even so, these species cannot be imported, although I have not as yet been able to determine for certain if the prohibition order also applies to the actual sale of these species. I assume that trade is allowed, because if not, then guppy sales in Japan would disappear completely, since this is one of the species that is being investigated… and that would make no sense at all. New restrictions imposed by Japan mean that imports of red-eared terrapins (Trachemys scripta elegans) are now prohibited. Certainly, certificates will become necessary for the sale of at least some of the species that are “under investigation”, but the situation is far from clear at the moment. As we know, this is not unusual. After all, it’s not the first time that new rules have been implemented (or announced) without all the necessary administration details having been resolved in advance. Such a situation also affects the importation of goldfish into Japan. At the moment it appears that the new measures – designed to protect Japan’s prestigious koi industry against SVC (Spring Viraemia of Carp) – have not…