Aquaculture in Central and Eastern Europe

Dear Colleagues,

Aquaculture in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has high diversity both in terms of aquatic resources and socio-economy (religion, culture, history, and economic development). Aquaculture development has been highly affected by the transition from a centrally planned to a market economy since the early 1990s.

A main feature of aquaculture in the CEE region is the dominance of pond aquaculture focusing on common carp rearing. CEE is the largest carp region outside of Asia. Many results of carp propagation and rearing technologies are applied worldwide. To meet challenges of pond aquaculture—especially climate change—a trend of combining traditional pond aquaculture with intensive rearing of high-value species towards sustainable intensification is applied. There are good regional examples of the application of Combined Intensive Extensive (CIE) and IMTA systems (multifunctional pond fish farming and aquaponic systems). These systems meet the criteria of a circular economy, taking advantage of the benefits of extensive pond farming (including ecosystem services) and intensive production mainly in RAS, and contributing to the sustainable use of the limited and vulnerable freshwater resources. However, further research and innovation are needed to improve the financial viability of these systems. Opportunities offered by marine aquaculture have not been explored.

Other important species are trout that are produced in flow-through systems in which water is circulated after treatment. CEE is also an important sturgeon region producing caviar and fish flesh. African catfish is successfully produced in intensive systems supplied by geothermal waters. Species diversification can provide new opportunities.

Aquaculture has great potential in CEE; however, business is still not attractive for investors. There is a need for research and innovation along the value chain, where processing and marketing require more attention as the weakest elements of the chain.

Dr. László Váradi
Prof. Béla Urbányi
Guest Editors

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• central and eastern Europe
• pond aquaculture
• ecosystem services of fishponds
• common carp rearing
• Combined Intensive Extensive (CIE) systems
• IMTA systems
• freshwater RAS
• multifunctional pond fish farming
• research and innovation along the value chain
• processing and marketing
• species diversification