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 Inland fisheries and fresh water aquaculture
20 and 21 February 2004
profet-hu@feap.info
The fourth Workshop of the PROFET initiative will be held in Budapest in 20-21 February 2004. This is being coordinated by the Hungarian Fish Farmers Association, the German Freshwater Fishfarmers Association and the FEAP.
Details for Workshop Registration and Hotel Information are accessible on the right hand pane .
The term ‘inland fisheries’ is used to cover an important inland food supply sector. While coastal areas of Europe have access to the sea, inland Europe has traditionally turned to lakes and rivers, in many cases using extensive aquaculture techniques, for their fresh fish supplies. Carps remain a prized product for many, reflecting a long history of the culture of these species, primarily common carp (Cyprinus carpio). This fish remains a festive dish, particularly for Christmas or Easter dinners.
Characterised by hot summers and cold winters, the salmonid freshwater species that are well known in other parts of Europe do not adapt so well to these conditions. The multiple purpose use of lakes, including water management and recreational activities, includes stocking with carps, pikes and other fish species that are a vital part of the extensive aquaculture systems.
The political changes that occurred in the 1990s in Central and Eastern Europe had a profound effect on the structure and organisation of aquaculture and inland fisheries in this region of the world, where the accession of countries having a long history of farming fish will undoubtedly raise questions as to how these important sectors can adapt to change, particularly within the context of a common market.
The PROFET workshop that will be held in Budapest has these questions to the fore, examining specifically the RTD needs of the sector for securing a sustainable future within the European fish farming sector.
The first session will provide a description of the PROFET initiative and set the background for the workshop, including a description of the role of freshwater aquaculture and fisheries within the European Commission’s strategy for the sustainable development of European aquaculture. An analysis of the facilities applicable for RTD projects in the 6th Framework Programme will also be given. The opportunities provided by specialised networks and organisations will finalise this session.
The Activities and State of the Sectors
The sectoral changes and developments will be reviewed by senior professionals and scientists, providing a comparison between extensive and intensive farming systems. The future of inland aquaculture and fisheries within the enlarged market will be debated.
Fish Health and Environmental Challenges
An analysis of the environmental interactions of extensive pond culture, including the competition for water resources, will be presented, while the effects of introducing the EU Fish Health legislation in the Accession States will be discussed.
Socio-economic Issues
One of the greatest challenges for the freshwater fish sector is that posed by the market, reflecting consumer and supply chain demands. Quality and supply issues, combined with the recognition of consumer needs, will be considered. New and alternative markets opportunities, including angling and restocking activities, will be assessed for their role in the structure of the inland aquaculture sector.
Future of Freshwater Aquaculture
The opportunities for diversification, through the farming of new or alternative species, will be presented while close attention will also be given to the technology required and the associate RTD programmes envisaged. Finally, an assessment of feeds and nutrition will be given, focusing on the requirements of freshwater fish.
The Workshop will close with a final session that focuses on the key issues debated and develop conclusions for recommendations on the RTD requirements of the inland freshwater aquaculture and inland fisheries sectors.
For any further information, please contact profet-hu@feap.info
| The PROFET initiative is being achieved with financial support from the European Commission. |
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The organisers wish to thank
for his support for the realisation of this workshop
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