Welcome to the Koi Society of Western Australia... The hobby of Nishigoi keeping in Western Australia has followed that of world trends. From the foundation of a Society in 1989 by a few enthusiasts it is now a hobby enjoyed by thousands of people supported by a number of large commercial outlets. It is estimated that over 20,000 have a pond, with koi in West Australia. All this started from rather humble beginnings. In 1989 a party of 14 koi enthusiasts formed the Koi Society of Western Australia by 1990 the membership numbers had increased to a level sufficient to support an Annual Show of fish. This attracted widespread interest and brought the hobby of koi keeping to a larger W.A. audience. As a result the KSWA flourished and in 1991 the Society formally became an affiliated member of the world wide parent organisation based in Japan, Zen Nippon Airinkai. Zen Nippon Airinkai is formally recognised by the Japanese Government. It sets standards for the hobby which are institutionalised world wide and supplies judges and education to all countries for Annual Shows. Western Australia has a very healthy koi society with over 190 active members at present. Over the years it has provided information to thousands of West Australians and underpins this information with sound environmental advice. It has its own web site and answers over 10 emails per week on issues pertaining to all types of pond and fish problems. The Society also offers a service to collect unwanted pond fish seeing this as preferable environmentally to persons dumping fish in waterways and dams. If you are a koi owner reading this and wish to dispose of unwanted fish take responsible action, this will help protect the unique Australian environment. Member's koi ponds range from 5000 litres to the expensive ponds using the very latest in technology and often holding more that 100,000 litres. Good quality koi fish in good conditions are unrivalled for pattern colour and friendliness. Once seen they are never forgotten. As the population of Perth grows and water features in backyards continue to be popular, the future will see additional branches with more educated members, doing the correct thing by setting the example for responsible koi keeping. All of this will be supported by a flourishing commercial industry. Our koi have come under scrutiny in the past from Government departments due to them being relatives of the carp family Cyprinus carpio. Let us hope then we set the correct example going forward, that Federal and State Governments can see the benefits in organisation which are happy to work with them, supplying a service which the Fisheries Departments with their resource constrains cannot supply. The alternative to this could be legislation which uses draconian methods of penalty in preference to education. This will simply push koi keeping underground, resulting in a flourishing black market indifferent to any environmental standards. Act responsibly, enjoy your koi; if we can be of any assistance please email us. Ces Graham, President Koi Society of W.A. 2007