Our Story

Conservation through cultivation. For over twenty years, OSAquatics has been dedicated to protecting aquatic biodiversity through ethical, science-led captive breeding. What began as a small personal project has grown into a specialised conservation facility with over 75 tanks focused on rare, endangered, and scientifically important freshwater species.

Our mission is simple: reduce pressure on wild populations, support global conservation efforts, and share knowledge openly with the aquatic community.

Our Mission

• Protect aquatic biodiversity through ethical captive breeding
• Support scientific research and species-survival programmes
• Provide sustainable alternatives to wild-caught livestock
• Improve global husbandry standards through open knowledge sharing
• Champion conservation-first practices within the aquatic community

Every species we work with contributes to a wider conservation effort — whether through research, education, or reducing collection pressure on wild ecosystems.

Our Facility

Our dedicated breeding facility in Devon houses over 75 purpose-built tanks designed for rare and endangered species, long-term research projects, species-survival programmes, and ethical, sustainable livestock production.

We operate with a science-first approach, combining decades of experience with modern environmental understanding to create stable, species-appropriate environments. Every system is monitored, documented, and refined to ensure the highest welfare standards.

Meet the Team

Tim — Founder & Lead Aquarist

With over 40 years of continuous experience, Tim is a respected figure in the aquatic community. His background spans public aquariums, retail, wholesale, importation, and advanced captive breeding. He is widely recognised for successfully breeding challenging and conservation-relevant species.

After completing his second degree, Tim joined the Sealife Centre Group, becoming Marine Observation Unit Manager within BioServices. This role cemented his lifelong commitment to aquatic species welfare, research, and evidence-based husbandry.

Tim currently serves in multiple conservation and scientific roles, including:

• Chair of Trustees — The Seahorse Trust
• Board Member — Amazon Research Centre for Ornamental Fishes (ARCOF), Peru
• Commission Member — IUCN SSC Freshwater Fish Specialist Group
• Conservation Officer — British Killifish Association (BKA)
• Member — Fisheries Society of the British Isles (FSBI)
• Member — European Ichthyological Society (EIS)
• Member — Queckett Microscopical Club

His leadership shapes OSAquatics’ conservation-first philosophy, scientific approach, and commitment to ethical captive breeding.

Barbara — Research & Environmental Science

Barbara’s doctoral research focused on biological and chemical processes in aquatic environments, particularly relating to the remediation of contaminated land. Her scientific expertise forms the backbone of our water chemistry, environmental stability, and system design.

Sam — Fish House Manager

Sam oversees the daily welfare, husbandry, and maintenance of all animals within the facility. With a strong background in the aquatic trade and a degree in Ecology underway, he brings both practical and scientific strength to the team.

Support Our Conservation Work

Every project we run — from captive-breeding programmes to long-term species monitoring — is funded entirely by our own work and the support of people who care about freshwater conservation.

Your contribution goes directly into conservation, research, and improving our 75-tank facility here in Devon.

Please Donate

Who We Work With

OSAquatics proudly collaborates with and supports organisations dedicated to freshwater conservation, research, and ethical aquatics.

Our partnerships include global conservation groups, research institutions, and specialist organisations working to protect aquatic biodiversity.

OSAquatics is a fully licensed, CEFAS-approved aquatic breeding facility in Devon. With over 20 years of experience, we focus on ethical breeding, conservation-minded practices, and high-quality captive-bred livestock for the UK market.