At first light, as anglers settle beside the water and wait quietly for the first bite, the wider environmental impact of fishing may seem far removed. Yet with recreational fishing growing rapidly and more people taking up the hobby, the pressure on lakes, rivers and their wildlife has also increased.
An EU-funded project has shown that fishing and environmental protection do not have to be at odds. ENERGOFISH Trading and Services Ltd. and Czikkhalas Fish Farms Ltd. and experts from the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences joined forces to develop new fish-farming methods, biodegradable bait and safer fishing equipment.
By combining decades of practical experience with scientific research, the partners set out to find solutions that would support both anglers and aquatic ecosystems.
A major part of the project focused on creating a more efficient and environmentally responsible fish-rearing system. Researchers tested different farming conditions and feeding methods to identify how fish stocks could be increased without placing unnecessary strain on the environment.
Their work resulted in a safe and sustainable small- and semi-industrial breeding technology for chub and crucian carp. The system is based on nutritionally complete compound feed and was designed to meet both production needs and environmental requirements.
The project also tackled one of fishing’s less visible environmental problems: the equipment and bait left behind in the water. Traditional lead sinkers, which can be toxic to wildlife, were replaced with high-density, non-toxic alternatives.
Researchers also developed a biodegradable fishing bait that breaks down naturally instead of adding to pollution in rivers and lakes. Beyond introducing new products, the partners hoped to encourage anglers to think more carefully about their impact on the natural environment.
The results have proved successful in both recreational fishing and fish farming. More importantly, the project has demonstrated that innovation can make human activity in aquatic environments both effective and environmentally responsible.
The development was implemented from EU funding in the project GINOP-2.2.1-18-2020-00026 under the Economic Development and Innovation Operational Programme Plus.
Find out more about the project in the Project Finder:Details
