Conditions of Fish Farming In Natura 2000 Areas, Based on the Example of the Catchment of Barycz

One of the factors that contributed to the construction of approx.77 km2 offish ponds in the catchment of Barycz starting from the 13th century, which in turn transformed the woods into a mosaic of waters, forests and arable land, were the advantageous physiographic conditions. Fish farming operations conducted in this area led to the creation of a cultural landscape characterised by unique natural values, similar to the natural landscape. Approx. 240 species of birds are observed here, of which 170 are nesting species. Due to its natural values, this area has been subject to natural reserve protection as part of the Landscape Park “Dolina Baryczy” (the Barycz Valley). It was entered in the “Living Lakes” list and it is protected under the Ramsar Convention as well as under the European nature protection network Natura 2000. The established forms of nature protection mean the introduction of a certain binding regime, pursuant to which the economic activity conducted in protected areas must take into account the prohibitions and orders introduced by documents that establish the said forms of protection. Additionally, there is a legal requirement to create a protection plan or conservation plan that constitutes a basis for the realisation of conservation-related objectives. A commercial company Stawy Milickie S.A. (public limited company) operates in the area of this largest fish pond complex in Poland. The scope of its operations includes more than just the breeding and sale of freshwater fish (6500 ha of ponds) but also environmental protection, environmental education and the development of tourism as well as stimulating the development and professional activation of local communities basing on the natural resources that exist in the catchment of Barycz.This study presents the conditions related to fish farming operations conducted in this area. Conducting an extensive management (i.e. often uneconomical from the economic point of view) is a prerequisite for maintaining the biodiversity of this naturally valuable area. The conservation plan of the nature reserve “Stawy Milickie” (Milicz Ponds) contains a series of obligations and limitations with respect to fish farming. The development strategy of the Stawy Milickie SA Company takes into account all these conditions.