Monthly News - March
- Mar 19
- 5 min read
Hello Koi Lovers,
It’s been a little while since I posted a Monthly News, while I developed a few things behind the scenes. However, like Schwarzenegger, I’m back - albeit with less muscles and machine guns, more typing and editing!
As we move into March, the koi season is beginning to creep up on us. Many hobbyists are starting to turn their attention back to their garden and ponds after the quieter winter months, while dealers are preparing for the first real wave of spring activity. Shipments of koi have been arriving, and across the industry, there’s a sense that things are starting to move again.
With that in mind, here are a few updates from around the koi trade this month.
Evolution Aqua released the following press statement: Evolution Aqua has announced the promotion of Freddie White to Sales Director as the company continues to strengthen its leadership structure to support future growth. Freddie moves up from his previous role as UK Sales Manager, where he played a key role in driving sales performance and building strong relationships with customers across the aquatics sector.
In his new position, Freddie will lead Evolution Aqua’s sales function, focusing on developing customer partnerships and expanding the company’s presence across the UK and international markets.
Alongside this change, Mark Hoskins will move into the role of Commercial Director. In this position, he will focus on wider commercial strategy, partnerships, pricing governance, and long-term growth initiatives across the Evolution Aqua Group. Mark Hoskins, Commercial Director at Evolution Aqua Group, said:
"Freddie has been instrumental in the progress we’ve made in recent years. He understands both our customers and the aquatics market extremely well, and this promotion recognises the leadership he has already demonstrated within the business. With Freddie leading the sales function, we are well-positioned to build on our momentum and continue strengthening our partnerships across the industry."
The new leadership structure is designed to give clear ownership of the sales function while supporting Evolution Aqua’s continued development within the global aquatics market.
#Open Evening
South West Koi in Bristol will be hosting an open evening for koi enthusiasts on 26th March at 7pm. The event is free to attend and will include refreshments, 10% off all koi and dry goods on the night, and an opportunity to view some of the latest koi arrivals.
I’ll also be there giving a presentation covering koi photography, experiences from Japan, and a few thoughts on the hobby more broadly.
To round off the evening, visitors will have the chance to enter a raffle where the winner can choose one of four koi (featured on the flyer above).
26th March at 7pm.
South West Koi
Westerleigh Road
Bristol
BS37 8QZ
#Koi Judges UK
Following the closure of the British Koi Keepers Society (BKKS), the former Judging Standards Committee (JSC) has reformed as Koi Judges UK. The group will now operate independently while continuing its role in supporting koi shows across the UK.
Koi Judges UK will continue to provide trained judges for shows and maintain its long-standing judging and training programmes for hobbyists interested in developing judging skills. With UK koi clubs and shows now operating independently, the organisation is expected to play an important role in maintaining judging standards within the hobby.
More information can be found at
#Autumn Koi
I don’t usually vlog when I’m in Japan. Most of the time I’m there photographing, which makes filming yourself… impractical. But looking back through the footage from harvests, farms, and sales days, it feels like a waste not to share some of it.
This video is a quiet, fly-on-the-wall look at koi harvests in Niigata, from busy sales events to moments in the mountains of Yamakoshi. Hopefully it gives you a taste of what it’s like to be there. They'll be more to come on the channel. Enjoy.
#Spring Check-up
Viking Fish Health. With the start of the season approaching, this is often the time of year when koi health and water quality begin to need a little more attention. As ponds come back to life after winter, any underlying issues can quickly show themselves.
Simon Nourse is currently taking bookings for spring health checks, offering support with fish health, water quality assessment, pond maintenance and system upgrades. For many hobbyists, having an experienced set of eyes on the pond at this time of year can be invaluable in setting things up properly for the months ahead.
Based in Nottingham, Simon covers a wide area and is available for consultations across the UK.More information can be found at: https://www.vikingfishhealth.co.uk 07306 827304
#Koi for Sale
Here are some koi that caught my eye for one reason or another.
Enlarge the image to see which dealer stocks the koi - and be quick getting to their websites!
#Eazy Skimming
EZ Pond. UK manufacturer EZ Pond Ltd has recently introduced the EZ SKiM, a new surface skimmer designed for modern koi pond construction.
Manufactured in GRP fibreglass, the unit is designed to integrate neatly with block-built and GRP ponds, with dimensions that align with standard pond construction methods. The wide skimmer mouth and floating basket aim to provide consistent surface draw, helping to remove debris, dust and surface films that can affect water clarity.
The EZ SKiM is intended for both raised and in-ground pond builds and reflects the growing focus on clean, architectural pond design within the hobby.
#Building a Future
Shosha Koi. There’s plenty happening at Shosha Koi, with Lee, Mike and the team currently progressing with a significant expansion of their facilities. The first of two new fish houses is expected to be operational in the coming weeks, with the second scheduled to follow shortly afterwards.
From Tuesday the 17th, Mike has headed to Japan for a 12-day trip covering both northern and southern breeders, where he will also be involved in judging duties. Back in the UK, preparations are underway for an early-to-mid April shipment, including customer azukari koi and the main tosai arrivals for the season.
All koi from the autumn harvest have now completed quarantine and are reported to be looking in excellent condition, while further site improvements (including a new car park) are expected to be completed by Easter.
#Magazine Updates
World of Nishikigoi. Behind the scenes, it’s been a busy few weeks, with the World of Nishikigoi website receiving a complete refresh. The aim has been to make the site easier to navigate and more truly reflect the brand, while continuing to build it as a hub for magazine updates, industry news and content for the hobby.
I’ve also opened pre-orders for Volume Nine, which will be released in June, so if you’d like to secure a copy at the best available price, you can now do so through the website. More magazine updates will follow as production continues. https://www.worldofnishikigoi.com/product-page/volume-nine-pre-order
Until next month, enjoy the start of the koi season.
Best Wishes & Happy Koi Keeping,
Liam
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