Purpose

The Australia New Guinea Fishes Association (ANGFA) promotes the appreciation, conservation, responsible collection, husbandry and captive breeding of the native fishes and aquatic fauna of Australia and New Guinea.

This Code of Conduct outlines the standards expected of ANGFA members. By following these principles, members help protect native aquatic biodiversity, support responsible fishkeeping and contribute to a welcoming, knowledgeable and respectful community.

Respect and Inclusion

ANGFA is committed to providing a welcoming, respectful and family-friendly environment for all members and visitors.

Members are expected to treat others with courtesy and respect, welcome new members, and value the different experiences and knowledge within the Association. Bullying, harassment, discrimination, intimidation or behaviour that makes others feel unwelcome is inconsistent with ANGFA values.

Members should communicate respectfully in person and online, recognising that their behaviour reflects on ANGFA and the broader native fishkeeping community.

Responsible Participation

Members participating in ANGFA activities should act responsibly, take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others, and follow the reasonable directions of event organisers and trip leaders.

Members should respect private property, cultural heritage, traditional owners, land managers and other users of the environments in which ANGFA activities occur.

Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

Members must comply with all relevant Commonwealth, State, Territory and Papua New Guinea laws, regulations, permits and licence conditions relating to the collection, possession, transport, breeding, sale and release of native fishes and other aquatic organisms.

Wild collection should be undertaken responsibly, with minimal disturbance to habitats, and only for purposes consistent with responsible fishkeeping, education, research or conservation. Members should collect only those specimens they can appropriately maintain.

Fish Welfare and Responsible Fishkeeping

Members are encouraged to maintain high standards of animal welfare by providing appropriate conditions, nutrition and care for the fishes and aquatic organisms they keep.

Members should research the requirements of species before acquiring them and recognise that not all native fishes are suitable for aquarium maintenance.

ANGFA supports responsible captive breeding as a means of improving knowledge, reducing pressure on wild populations and contributing to conservation. Members are encouraged to maintain locality information where practical and avoid unnecessary hybridisation between species or geographically distinct populations.

Conservation, Biosecurity and Scientific Integrity

ANGFA encourages members to contribute positively to the understanding and conservation of native fishes and aquatic fauna.

Members should take reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of aquatic pests, diseases and invasive species between waterways and aquaria. Fish, plants and other aquatic organisms that have been kept in captivity must not be released into natural waterways except where authorised under an approved conservation or recovery program.

Members are encouraged to contribute through accurate observation, record keeping, captive breeding, education and the sharing of knowledge.

Representing ANGFA

Members should conduct themselves in a manner that supports the objectives and reputation of ANGFA.

By sharing knowledge, supporting responsible fishkeeping and encouraging conservation, members help ensure that ANGFA continues to be a respected organisation dedicated to Australia's and New Guinea's unique aquatic biodiversity.

Our Commitment

ANGFA believes that responsible fishkeeping, education and conservation are closely connected. Through this Code of Conduct, members commit to respecting each other, caring for the fishes they maintain, protecting natural ecosystems and supporting the continued appreciation of native aquatic life.