Carp-dominant pond aquaculture is a traditional and significant sector in Hungary’s freshwater fish production , with deep-rooted traditions and significant socio-economic value. However, its environmental interactions - such as nutrient loading, eutrophication, sediment accumulation, and biodiversity impacts - raise ecological concerns. Climate change further exacerbates these issues by altering water availability, increasing temperatures, and intensifying weather extremes, all of which affect pond ecology and fish health. In response, sustainable and adaptive management strategies are urgently needed.
Potential solutions include integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), optimized feeding strategies, water quality monitoring, and better sludge and effluent management. From a policy perspective, encouraging data-driven decision-making, farmer training, and the adoption of best management practices (BMPs) will be critical. Strengthening research–industry collaboration and revising subsidy schemes to favor environmentally friendly technologies can support this transition. By addressing both ecological impacts and production efficiency, Hungary can lead the way in developing sustainable, climate-resilient carp pond aquaculture systems.
The work was supported by MAHOP_PLUSZ-1.2.1-24-2024-00001 project.