Background information
Type of species farmed
The most produced species in 2025 were common carp (Cyprinus carpio), bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), white amur (Ctenopharyngodon idella), Northern pike (Esox lucius), African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and tench (Tinca tinca).
Source: 2026, Lithuanian statistics
Type of production method
Aquaculture activity in Lithuania is limited to freshwater farming. The following main production methods were used in 2023:
- 64% of production: in ponds.
- 30% of production: in recirculation systems.
- The rest of production used other methods for which no detail es available.
Sector’s size (production and consumption)
5 thousand Tn; 20.5 million € (2026, Lithuanian national fisheries data collection program)
Production (2025)
20 Kg per capita
Consumption of fishery and aquaculture products (2023)
11% (2025, EUMOFA)
Variation in consumption (2023/2022)
Source: 2026, Lithuanian statistics; 2025, EUMOFA
Trends (past and future)
- Stable pond aquaculture production with consistent output levels.
- Increasing diversification towards processed fish products.
- Limited export growth.
- RAS systems have been the fastest growing, allowing the production of high-value species, as well as diversifying the production range: i) main species are African catfish and trout; ii) niche species: Alpine char, red claw crayfish, tilapia.
- The production of African catfish has increased by 70% between 2020 and 2024.
- 78% of jobs in 2025 were in ponds farms.
- Recent external shocks (2022): i) feed shortages due to the war in Ukraine; ii) rising operational costs (feed an energy).
- Vertical integration (processing, catering, direct sales)
- Digitalisation through e-marketing.
- Consumer-oriented production (new species and products).
- Preservation of traditional products.
- Increasing risks: climate change, rising costs, labour shortages and competition from imports.
Source: 2026, EuroFish; 2025, STECF
Impact of aquaculture in the country’s economy, food market and labour market
- Contributes to stable and predictable production.
- Drives investment and technological development.
- Increases value creation through processing and integration.
- Partially reduces reliance on imports, although: export performance remains weak.
- Vulnerable to external factors: energy prices and feed supply.
- Ensures a stable fish supply.
- Promotes product diversification (fresh and processed).
- Supports niche market development.
- Better alignment with consumer preferences.
- Strengthens direct producer-consumer channels.
- Faces competition from imported products.
- Job creation in aquaculture production, processing, distribution and sales.
- New opportunities in digital marketing and technological innovation.
- Structural challenges: shortage of skilled labour and limited involvement of younger generations.
Source: 2026, EuroFish; 2025, STECF
Challenges and opportunities
- The aquaculture sector aims to increase energy efficiency and renewable energy use in pond and RAS aquaculture and to encourage the overall use of recirculation aquaculture systems.
- Farming of a wider variety species that can open new markets and fetch higher prices, while preserving traditional extensive aquaculture and organic production, is also a priority.
- The development of pond aquaculture is linked to the utilisation of untapped production potential and diversification of production by increasing the production of valuable species.
- A receptive internal market for fresh fish and its products.
- An increase in demand for organic or higher quality food, in a context of changing dietary habits of consumers.
- The country’s water resources are relatively high.
- Favourable natural conditions (including clean groundwater) and engineering infrastructure for the development of RAS.
- Shortening supply chains.
- Growing focus on the development of the aquaculture sector in both EU and Lithuanian fisheries policy, in line with the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork policy orientations.
- Scientific and technological progress to improve the production of existing and new bio-based products in aquaculture.
- Building on the international experience of innovation in aquaculture.
- Networking between policy makers, producers, consultants, researchers and consumers.
- Ecosystem services such as attractive landscapes, rich biodiversity, healthy habitats, growing demand and consumer readiness to pay for these services.
- Growing demand for local tourism and recreation services, an attractive aquaculture pond environment for recreation.
- Untapped energy efficiency potential, development of renewable energy sources.
- Opportunities for breeding of new fish species in the context of climate change.
Source: 2026, EuroFish and MNSPA
Employment and number of enterprises
In 2025, the aquaculture sector employed 411 persons
Source: 2026, Lithuanian statistics
Multi-annual National Strategic Plans for the development of sustainable Aquaculture
Relevant Authorities
Applicable Legislation
Applicable Procedures
- Permit to keep wild animals in captivity issued by the Environmental Protection Agency
- Veterinary approval number issued by the State Food and Veterinary Service (SFVS)
- Water abstraction permit and permit for the management and discharge of waste water issued by the Environmental Protection Agency
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), if applicable
(Source: MNSPA)
Other Relevant Documents
National associations and networks
Relevant Websites
Contact Details
Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania
Loreta Brazinskaite, Advisor to the Fisheries Unit
- Telephone number: +370 5 239 8422
Uploads
Summary in English of the "Published National Strategic Plan on Aquaculture" for Lithuania