Poland

Type of species farmed

The main produced species are rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Other important species reared are African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), sturgeon (Acipenser spp.), pike (Esox lucius) and tench (Tinca tinca).

^{Source: 2025, STECF; 2026, EuroFish)}

Type of production method

Aquaculture activity in Poland is limited to freshwater farming (2026, EUMOFA). 

In 2023, extensive fish farming (pond rearing of carp in polycultures with other species) accounted for 46% of the total aquaculture production intended for consumption, while intensive aquaculture (rearing in tanks and raceways, RAS, enclosures and pens for salmonids, sturgeons, African catfish, roe for consumption) produced 53,4% (2025, STECF).

^{Source: 2025, EUMOFA; 2026, EuroFish}

Trends (past and future) 

Past trends: 

• Long-standing aquaculture tradition dating back to the 12th century. 
• Historical dominance of freshwater aquaculture. 
• Widespread use of traditional earth pond systems with 3-year production cycles. 
• Dominance of extensive carp farming (especially common carp) as the main species by volume. 
• Production based on polyculture pond systems. 
• More recent development of rainbow trout farming, expanding commercially in the late 1990s. 
• Gradual introduction of intensive production systems (RAS, tanks, raceways, etc.). 

Future trends: 

• Increasing share of intensive aquaculture in total production, in line with national strategy. 
• Continued rise of salmonids (trout) overtaking carp production. 
• Greater adoption of modern production technologies (RAS, intensive systems). 
• Diversification of farmed species (sturgeon, African catfish, pike, tench). 
• Ongoing coexistence of traditional and modern farming systems. 
• Continued importance of roe production as an additional revenue stream.

^{Source: 2026, EuroFish}

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

• Aquaculture in Poland has a significant impact on the economy, generating substantial revenues and maintaining stable production of key species such as carp and trout. However, profitability is strongly influenced by market prices, production costs (especially energy, labour, and feed), and, in the case of carp, operational subsidies. Trout farming, based on more intensive and market-oriented systems, shows higher economic efficiency, while carp production remains more traditional and less mechanised. 
• In terms of the labour market, the sector is highly labour-intensive in carp production, where labour costs —including unpaid family work— represent a major share. In contrast, trout production is more mechanised and relies more on paid labour, reflecting a higher level of professionalisation and business orientation. 
• From a food supply perspective, aquaculture plays an important role in providing food, with stable production largely serving the domestic market, particularly in the carp segment. The use of local inputs (such as cereals for feed) also supports sector self-sufficiency. However, challenges such as rising costs and losses due to predators may affect its supply capacity.

^{Source: 2025, STECF}

Challenges and opportunities

^{Sources: 2026, EuroFish & MNSPA}

Employment and number of enterprises

1,148 aquaculture entities in 2023.

^{Source: 2026, EuroFish}

• Inland Fishing Act of 18 April 1985
• Water Law Act of 20 July 2017
• Regulation on detailed veterinary requirements for running activities concerning aquaculture
• Regulation on fish catching and principles of breeding and catching of other aquatic organisms

• Water permit 

• European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund - Programme for Poland (European Funds for Fisheries): Program Fundusze Europejskie dla Rybactwa - Ministerstwo Rolnictwa i Rozwoju Wsi

Sources

• EUMOFA Country Profiles
• EUMOFA “The EU Fish Market” 2025 edition
• EUROFISH Member Countries
• STECF 24-14 - EU Aquaculture