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EU Aquaculture Assistance Mechanism

Background information

Poland Map

Type of species farmed

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), sturgeon (Acipenser spp.).

Source: 2024, STECF

Type of production method

Aquaculture activity in Poland is limited to freshwater farming (2025, EUMOFA): traditional, low-intensity pond farming, and intensive production, primarily uses tanks and raceways (with enclosures and pens on the channels present in a few farms) (2024, STECF).

Source: 2025, EUMOFA; 2024, STECF

Sector’s size (production and consumption)

Production (2022)
46.9 thousand Tn; 191.9 million € (2024, STECF)
Consumption of fishery and aquaculture products (2022)
13.68 Kg per capita
Variation in consumption (2022/2021)
- 4% (2024, EUMOFA)

Source: 2024, EUMOFA & STECF

Impact of aquaculture in the country’s economy, food market and labour market

  • The Polish aquaculture sector has a long history, with the first records of activity dating to the 12th century (Source: EuroFish). During the five years from 2016 to 2020 production increased every year and aquaculture sector has been showing a 5.6% average annual growth. However, in 2021 production decreased to the level recorded in 2019. In terms of volume, the biggest category is trout production, which annually provides almost half of the country’s total aquaculture output, with rainbow trout dominating. Carp, mainly common carp, are the second largest group. Compared to carp, rainbow trout farming is a rather new sector, which developed in the 20th century, and the production began to reach considerable commercial volumes at the end of the 1990s.
  • There is a growing awareness among Polish consumers regarding fish and seafood consumption. They are choosing fish products with more care and attention, getting information about products, and are influenced by campaigns promoting consumption and the health benefits of fish and seafood. Rising health awareness is thought to be the most popular reason for rising fish consumption. In recent years, Poland has observed a dynamic development of sushi bars and restaurants, including major sushi bar chains. 

Source: 2022, NIFRI, EuroFish

Challenges and opportunities

Sources: EuroFish & MNSPA

Employment and number of enterprises

1269 enterprises and 6403 employees in 2021

Source: 2022, NIFRI

Applicable Procedures

Water permit 

Contact Details

Uploads

Summary in English of the "Published National Strategic Plan on Aquaculture" for Poland