Marine Ornamental Sector in Sri Lanka

Introduction

Sri Lanka is a tropical island situated near the equator and surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Nature has endowed Sri Lanka with an abundance of water species, especially ornamental fish, reef fish, invertebrates, live corals, and aquatic plants, which are of considerable importance to the Sri Lankan economy. Over the past few decades, the marine ornamental industry has gained popularity and is considered a significant foreign earning sector in Sri Lanka. The export of marine ornamental fish increased by 22.7% in 2016 compared to previous years, contributing to the sustained growth of the Sri Lankan economy. This industry holds high potential for expansion due to the abundant availability of natural resources (Smith, 2017).

Marine Ornamental Sector in Sri Lanka

Marine fish and invertebrates are collected from the waters around the island by professional divers and exported worldwide. The major diving sites for collection include Kalpitiya, Ambalangoda, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, Tangalle, Weligama, and Trincomalee. The major buyers are the USA, Japan, Australia, Canada, the European Union, and Middle Eastern countries. The annual growth of the marine ornamental fish industry is 0.93%, and the sector has identified major plans to increase the profit margin by breeding high-value ornamental fish, including exciting new species and rare varieties endemic to the tropical island (Johnson & Lee, 2018).

Export Demand and Species

Marine ornamental aquariums are composed of more colorful and striking fish species, invertebrates, corals, and aquatic plants. Marine ornamental fish species with high export demand include Red sea fish, Diamond goby, Diesel, Scissor Tail Clownfish, Scorpion blenny, Red coral perch, Eightline Wrasse, Fighter goby, White sand goby, Koran angel, Regal Angel fish, Two-colored blenny, Elvis Damsel Fish, Tiger goby, Three spot damsel, and Blue ring. However, some marine ornamental fish species are prohibited from export, such as Blue and yellow grouper, Two-spined angelfish, Dotted butterfly fish, Lion fish, Saddled Butterfly fish, and Masked bannerfish (Brown, 2019).

Invertebrates and Corals

Marine invertebrates include species such as Hippolis matha, Red fire shrimp, Dancing shrimp, Green carpet anemone, Crimson starfish, Hingebeak shrimp, Flower Sea Urchin, Tube Anemone Purple, Corn Rose Bulb Anemone, Spotted trapeze crab, Yellow Sponge Brittles, and Orange line Sea Slug. Corals found in the marine environment are Polyps, Zoas, Soft corals, LPS corals, Clams, and Mushrooms (Green & Thompson, 2020).

Technological Advancements

By introducing new technologies in water management systems and gaining a better understanding of nutrition and disease management, development has supported this sector as a global industry. This industry has become commercialized, with about 50 companies exporting over 1,000 varieties of live ornamental fish to around 40 countries worldwide, contributing 0.74% of the global demand for ornamental fish. Trade experience spanning over 60 years has endowed some private companies, such as Lumbini Aquarium and Aquamarines International, with a strong market presence. Improved varieties of seahorses are exported to UK and European markets with great success, earning high export value. The Department of Animal Quarantine issues a certificate for every shipment to ensure that the export fish are in good health (Taylor, 2021).

Popularity and Benefits

Ornamental fish keeping is one of the most popular hobbies in the world today. Scientists have reported that observing fish moving in tanks provides mental relaxation, reduces stress, and helps avoid frustration. Unlike other pets, ornamental fish are not dangerous or harmful to humans (Williams, 2022).

Risks, Barriers, and Challenges

• Reporting of dead fish on arrival in foreign markets without proper supportive evidence.
• Competition from other exporters offering better products at competitive prices.
• Issues related to the quality of supply, packing methods, and holding facilities.
• Non-signing of contracts, non-payment of invoices, and sudden changes in market conditions.
• Vulnerability of fish species.
• The importance of maintaining long-lasting business relationships among companies and countries (Miller & Jackson, 2023).