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complex socio-economic and environmental values. Pond farming is in perfect harmony with circular Blue Bioeconomy and One Health concepts and contributes to the European
Green Deal, the Blue Transformation of the FAO and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Recognition of pond carp farming can also be improved by its enrolment as a part of the FAO
Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAAHS) and the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage System (ICHS). The full text of the Szarvas declaration can be viewed at https://
eurofish.dk/2023-hu-int-carpconference/ Béla Halasi-Kovács, Director, MATE-HAKI, Halasi-Kovacs.Bela @uni-mate.hu
MAHOP Plusz (Hungarian Fish Operational Programme Plus) supports sustainable aquaculture
Future-proofing fish farming in Hungary The goal of MAHOP Plusz is to support micro, small, and medium-size enterprises in ways that increase the competitiveness and sustainability of their fish production and processing. The goal is to increase innovation and digitalization while also reducing environmental impact. An important aspect is to support climate- and environment-friendly farming methods, increase the number of production systems which are based on the principles of circular farming, and maintain and develop the biodiversity of water and wetland habitats.
T
he fish farming sector includes fish production from pond farms and recirculation aquaculture systems, fish processing, and management activities related to the utilisation of natural waters for recreational fishing. The main task of Hungarian fish farming is to supply consumers with healthy and safe aquaculture products, but also to contribute to job creation and the preservation of traditions.
Priorities and their main target areas for support Hungarian fish farms usually undertake all the stages of fish production, from fry rearing to table fish production, by themselves. As the main supplier of fish, the aquaculture sector supports food security in Hungary and provides stocking material to restock natural waters and recreational fishing ponds. As wild marine stocks dwindle,
Investments in renewable energy such as these solar panels are supported under the Hungarian Operational Programme as they contribute to mitigating fish farms' impact on the environment.
demand for healthy fish protein can increasingly be satisfied from aquaculture. To realise this, Hungary plans for an economically and environmentally sustainable expansion of production capacities by renovating and modernising existing aquaculture farms, and by creating and deploying innovative solutions. In Hungary, pond fish farmers are trying to increase their production capacity by restoring ageing
fishpond infrastructure instead of creating new ponds, which require high levels of investment and offer slow returns. In 2019, operating pond area was 27,056 hectares, 29 hectares of new fishponds were established, and 206 hectares of pond area were restored. Considering this, the primary goal is to expand the production of existing farms instead of increasing the pond area. Expanding the scope of activities of pond fish producers and reducing production costs
Growing new species, including African catfish, a fast growing fish with few bones popular among farmers and consumers, aligns with official policies for the aquaculture sector.
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