Fisheries and Aquaculture in the Czech Republic: History, Current Status, Management, and Regulations

The Czech Republic has a long tradition of pond production and recreational fisheries. Today, the Czech fisheries sector has two main pillars: (1) production of Common Carp Cyprinus carpio in semi-extensive pond culture and (2) rod-based recreational angling by approximately 350,000 people (3% of the Czech population). The production of carp supplies fish protein mainly for the local population, but the Czech Republic is also Europe's most important exporter of carp meat. A mandatory national license and reporting system in recreational fisheries has been effective since the 1950s. Anglers purchase a fishing license, and the proceeds are used mainly to stock fish and maintain ecosystems for native fish species. Recreational angling and fish stocking are focused on nonnative species: Common Carp and Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Here, I present a short review of pond culture, aquaculture, commercial fisheries, and recreational fisheries, with examples of history, status, management, and regulations.