Ornamental Fish Exports From Bali Increase By 7.7 Percent

Denpasar, Bali, May 30 (ANTARA) - The export of live ornamental fishes from Bali has generated foreign exchange of up to US$243,043 during the first two months of 2012 - an increase of 7.7 percent over the corresponding figure for the same period last year, which was recorded at US$225,671.19. "However, the volume shipment of merchandise to overseas markets has decreased by 7.13 percent - from 183,989 pieces during the first two months of 2011 to 169,867 pieces during the same period in 2012," said the head of the Human Resources Bureau, I Ketut Teneng, in Denpasar on Tuesday. According to Teneng, the export of live ornamental fishes represents one of the 11 sea and marine life merchandises that have managed to enter the overseas market. Foreign exchange acquisition is expected to rise in 2012, Teneng noted, as Bali begins to export miniature replicas of coral reefs, where the ornamental fishes breed. The fishermen along the beaches of Buleleng regency in the north coast of Bali Island have pioneered the art of growing coral reef replicas. These coral flowers can be marketed as an export merchandise to complete consumers` aquariums all around the world. Teneng explained that the export of live ornamental fishes from Bali so far has been fluctuating according to the market demands. Ornamental fishes caught in Balinese waters or in other areas in the country are exported through the Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali; they have successfully entered the international markets of Japan, USA, Australia and several European countries. The total value of marine exports from Bali reached US$15.50 million during the first two months of 2012 - a decrease of 6.73 percent from the corresponding figure of US$16.62 million for the same period last year, Teneng stated.