More Outlets Needed for Ornamental Fish Sale – State Minister Cummings

State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Victor Cummings has pointed out that there is tremendous potential to expand ornamental fish distribution, by establishing more outlets across the island.
Mr. Cummings, who was speaking at the ornamental fish production training course graduation ceremony, held at the Medallion Hall Hotel on Friday (Aug. 10) noted that currently, all sales of ornamental fish are concentrated in Spanish Town, Kingston and St. Andrew, and Montego Bay. He added that there is a growing demand for aquarium fish as more persons are becoming interested in ornamental fish as pets or simply for aesthetic or therapeutic purposes.
The State Minister also informed that although there is significant potential for ornamental fish production on the local and overseas markets, the country currently taps into less than one per cent of the world-wide trade in this sector. He noted that 80 per cent of ornamental fish trade is in the tropical species.
The major markets for ornamental fish are the European Union, the United States of America, and Japan. Mr. Cummings noted that the U.S.A. is the third largest importer of tropical ornamental fish and Jamaica has several attributes “that enables us to tap into one the worlds largest export market.”
“These include proximity to the major distribution centre, Florida, good water quality; our fish are relatively free of major disease and good climate for raising the fish all year round and the availability of air transport to the United States,” the State Minister explained.
“These positive attributes have shown that there is the potential for growth in the production of ornamental fish in Jamaica and we need to grow this market even more,” he added.
In the meantime, Mr. Cummings encouraged the 71 graduates who were successful in the training programme “to practice the principles taught to you throughout the course.”
“Always remember that good business management starts with fundamentals such as good planning, clear goals and objectives and good record keeping,” he stated.