FROV

The Open Day in Pacov is organized annually by the local organization of the Czech Fishing Association to attract visitors from schools and kindergartens. Our faculty was also involved in the rich programme. Participants had the opportunity to get acquainted with different fish species, see fishing equipment and a fish exhibition.

The local fishmonger's premises were temporarily transformed into a restaurant, which offered a variety of fish dishes from hot cuisine (baked and fried fish, carp crackling) and cold cuisine (fish salad, smoked fish). In addition to fish delicacies, people could also buy live fish.

The faculty exhibition included models of crayfish, shells of aquatic molluscs and models of common amphibians and reptiles. Visitors could learn what crayfish look like, what they eat and how to distinguish between native and non-native species. For older visitors, there was more detailed information on the different species of crayfish and their identification marks.

Approximately 500 children from various kindergartens, primary schools and playgroups attended the event.

We are looking forward to next year's event and thank everyone who was involved in the organisation and participation!

V pátek 26. září 2025 se ve více než 70 městech České republiky konal jubilejní 20. ročník Noci vědců – největší popularizační akce svého druhu. Letošním leitmotivem bylo bohatství a Fakulta rybářství a ochrany vod Jihočeské univerzity se k němu připojila bohatým programem ve Vodňanech.

Naši vědci, studenti i spolupracovníci ze Střední rybářské školy nabídli návštěvníkům hned několik stanovišť, kde se mohli zapojit do interaktivních pokusů, ochutnávek i zábavných úkolů:

• Bohatství vodních ekosystémů: od planktonu přes ryby až po vodní ptáky a savce – návštěvníci poznali rozmanitost i vzácné druhy českých vod a vyzkoušeli si přírodovědné úkoly.
• Voda nad zlato: výroba ovocného kaviáru i stavba vlastního filtračního zařízení připomněly, že největším bohatstvím je čistá voda.
• Bohatství ukryté v buňce: pipetování, přenos zárodečných buněk a pohled do mikroskopu na halančíka či tančící trepku ukázaly, jak fascinující je svět pod mikroskopem.
• Bohatství akvaponie: prezentace moderního systému propojujícího chov ryb a pěstování rostlin představila udržitelný způsob produkce potravin.
• Bohatství rybí kuchyně: degustace kapra v netradičních úpravách – od gravlaxu a ceviche po jemnou pomazánku – dokázala, že i tradiční ryba může být kulinářským překvapením.
• Technologie a umělá inteligence v akvakultuře: návštěvníci si vyzkoušeli práci s kamerovými systémy, poznali moderní výzkumné technologie a zapojili se do tematické únikové hry.

Akce přilákala na Fakultu rybářství a ochrany vod JU cca 800 zájemců všech generací a potvrdila, že věda může být nejen poučná, ale i hravá, interaktivní a zábavná. Jihočeskou univerzitu navštívilo přes 4 000 návštěvníků. Děkujeme, že jste s námi přišli oslavit velký svátek vědy.

Ve dnech 26.–28. února 2025 navštívila Fakultu rybářství a ochrany vod JU finská delegace. Vedení fakulty jednalo se zástupci z Turku University of Applied Sciences především o přípravě společného projektu, jehož cílem je zvýšit úroveň vzdělávání v oblasti akvakultury a ochrany vod v Keni.

Dne 14. července 2025 navštívila Fakultu rybářství a ochrany vod paní Eva Horucková, specialistka na společenskou odpovědnost ze společnosti ČSOB. Cílem její návštěvy bylo seznámit se s průběhem vybraných projektů realizovaných na naší fakultě.

Role průvodců se ujali dva řešitelé – Mgr. Tomáš Pěnka a Ing. Jakub Kocour, kteří paní Horuckové podrobně představili své výzkumné aktivity a dosavadní výsledky. Mgr. Pěnka prezentoval projekt zaměřený na chov bráněnek, zatímco Ing. Kocour se věnoval tématu environmentální eDNA a metodám jejího odběru a analýzy, především při monitoringu šíření raka signálního na řece Volyňce, který představuje hrozbu pro naše původní druhy vodních organismů.

Návštěva byla zakončena prohlídkou Genetického rybářského centra, kde si paní Horucková mohla prohlédnout náš chov jeseterů.

Fakulta rybářství a ochrany vod JU pořádala pod záštitou FAO UN (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) ve dnech 20.–26. října 2024 mezinárodní workshop s názvem „Innovations in Fisheries and Aquaculture as a Key Component of Sustainable Aquafood Systems“. Workshopu se zúčastnilo 12 účastníků z 8 zemí, kteří se zaměřili na inovace v oblasti rybářství a akvakultury. Program zahrnoval přednášky, praktické demonstrace a exkurze, které se týkaly reprodukce a výživy ryb, intenzivní akvakultury, nemocí ryb a tradičního rybníkářství.

Tento vzdělávací seminář, podpořený Ministerstvem zemědělství ČR, byl zaměřen na podporu udržitelného rozvoje rybářství v regionech východní Evropy, Balkánu a Blízkého východu a probíhal v Mezinárodním environmentálním vzdělávacím, poradenském a informačním středisku ochrany vod Vodňany (MEVPIS).

The Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters USB organized, under the auspices of the FAO UN (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), an international workshop titled "Innovations in Fisheries and Aquaculture as a Key Component of Sustainable Aquafood Systems," held from October 20^th to 26^thOctober, 2024. The workshop brought together 12 participants from 8 countries, focusing on innovations in fisheries and aquaculture. The program included lectures, practical demonstrations, and excursions covering topics such as fish reproduction, nutrition, intensive aquaculture, fish diseases, and traditional pond aquaculture.

^{This educational seminar, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, aimed to foster the sustainable development of fisheries in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Middle East and took place at the International Environmental Education, Advisory, and Information Centre for Water Protection in Vodňany (MEVPIS).}

European perch (Perca fluviatilis), a native fish species in Eurasia, has attracted significant interest from both academic researchers and the aquaculture industry. Production of European perch through aquaculture has seen a recent rise, with a majority of this production occurring in Eurasian countries. Notably, Switzerland has emerged as a leading contributor in this sector.

Recent research emphasizes the importance of developing specialized feeds specifically tailored for European perch aquaculture in Europe. These feeds should ideally incorporate novel ingredients that offer environmental benefits, promote food-feed independence, and maintain high production performance. The use of protein sources produced under the principles of a circular economy, such as insect meal and secondary products from animal production, has been introduced in aquafeed to achieve these goals.

A collaborative research effort was undertaken by the Laboratory of Controlled Reproduction and Intensive Fish Culture, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic, and Aquaforum, School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland. This joint research aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary blends containing insect meal (black soldier fly Hermatia illucens) and poultry by-product meal as replacements for fishmeal on growth indices and health status of European perch. Additionally, the study considered crucial aspects of the current food system, including environmental impact and competition for human food resources.

The feeding trial, conducted at the partner facility Aquaforum, lasted for 90 days. Researchers from the Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters actively participated in feed formulation and production, regular fish measurements, sample collection, chemical analyses, evaluation and publication of the research findings.

The study revealed that a combination of protein sources derived from the circular economy can effectively replace up to 50% of fishmeal in perch diets while maintaining or even improving all performance metrics compared to the control (fishmeal-based) group. Utilizing this blend in European perch diets offers significant advantages, including reduced reliance on marine forage fish and minimized competition for food resources.

This research exemplifies the application of a circular food system concept in seafood farming by upcycling non-competing feedstuffs from the insect and poultry industries. Further studies exploring a wider range of circular materials within the global food system hold promise for advancing the sustainability of the seafood industry, particularly in the face of diminishing natural resources and a growing global population.

Detail information can be found in the original paper:

Tran, H.Q., von Siebenthal, E.W., Luce, J.B., Nguyen Thi, T., Tomčala, A., Stejskal, V., Janssens, T., 2024. Complementarity of insect meal and poultry by-product meal as replacement for fishmeal can sustain the production performance of European perch (Perca fluviatilis), reduce economic fish-in fish-out ratio and food-feed competition, and influence the environmental indices. Aquaculture 579: 740166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2023.740166

Figure 1: Experimental facility at Aquaforum, School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland

Figure 2: Research team involved in sampling at the experimental facility

Figure 3: Fillets of European perch fed different experimental diets

Figure 4: The use of human food-competing and non-food-competing feedstuff in experimental diets.

On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, young students from the FFPW USB Children's University went on an excursion to the Makov Rescue Stationnear Čížová. The aim of the trip was to introduce the young students to the activities of rescue stations, the importance of animal protection, and to strengthen their awareness of ecological issues.

Banding and caring for wild animals

First, the students listened to an expert lecture on bird banding and the migration of migratory species. They had the opportunity to observe the entire process up close, weigh three banded birds, and then release them back into the wild.

This was followed by a guided tour of the premises, during which the children learned about individual animals, their stories, and the reasons why they ended up at the rescue station. The program also included a practical explanation of what to do when finding an injured animal. The center's iconic guide, Pepa the crow, who lives here in the wild and enjoys accompanying visitors around the grounds, was also present.

Nature, games, and teamwork

After resting and roasting sausages together at the campfire, there was a short walk to St. James' Church, which offered a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. Here, the students played an environmental game called "Animals in Danger," which playfully combined knowledge about endangered species with active teamwork.

Photogaleries on Facebook or Instagram.

The website irybarstvi.cz published an article about the "Aquarium in the heart of Kuala Lumpur," which was mentioned by our colleague Ing. Václav Nebeský, Ph.D.

Illustrative photo: Sua Truong on Unsplash

The ekolist.cz website published an article (in Czech version) about the Rožmberk pond and its role in water retention during floods, which was discussed by our colleague Ing. Ján Regenda, Ph.D.

Illustrative photo: trebon.rybarstvi.cz

Fish can become addicted to antidepressants and drugs that get into the water. It alters their natural behaviour and the fish may have trouble recognising predators. Scientist Daniel Červený explained the details of the problem of drugs in the water to Radiožurnál. Full text of the article in Czech here.

The interview with fish nutritionist and freshwater ecologist Dr. Koushik Roy provided interesting insights into the field of aquaculture systems, freshwater fish and crustaceans, as well as bioenergetics and environmental interactions, and introduced us to the importance of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and aquaponic systems.

Dr. Roy also spoke about the role of young researchers on editorial boards, the benefits of their involvement, and the importance of their participation for the future of scientific journals.

The original English version of the interview can be found here.

Ve dnech 11.–13. září 2024 navštívila Fakultu rybářství a ochrany vod JU dvanáctičlenná delegace v čele s Marošem Martinem Guothem z Velvyslanectví České republiky v Manile, Janem Holubem z Ministerstva zemědělství a 8 filipínskými zástupci z různých rybářských a zemědělských organizací. Cílem návštěvy byla prohlídka vědecko-výzkumného zázemí fakulty a rybochovných pracovišť, ale i střediska MEVPIS Vodňany. Zástupci z Filipín se setkali s vedením fakulty a diskutovali o možné spolupráci v oblasti chovu ryb v recirkulačních akvakulturních systémech.

From 26^th to 28^th February 2025, a Finnish delegation visited the Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters at the University of South Bohemia. The faculty leadership held discussions with representatives from Turku University of Applied Sciences, focusing primarily on the preparation of a joint project aimed at enhancing education in aquaculture and water protection in Kenya.

In the period from February to April 2025, the Secondary Fishing School in Vodňany ran a specialised educational programme focused on fish preparation, which was organised in the form of an afternoon interest group. A total of eight students from the third year of the Fisheries study programme took part in this specialised course, thus expanding their practical skills in ichthyological taxidermy.

During the course, the participants learned the complete process of preparation of river perch (Perca fluviatilis), including the finishing technique and the application of airbrush paint, which represents a modern approach to the finishing phase of preparation. The expert guidance of the course was provided by Ing. Václav Nebeský, Ph.D. from the Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, whose involvement confirms the long-term efforts to deepen cooperation between the two educational institutions.

All graduates of the course successfully mastered the demanding technical procedures of preparation and demonstrated a high level of practical skills in this traditional craft. The continuation of the programme is planned for the spring of 2026, when another fish preparation course will be implemented for interested students.

Czech schoolchildren are eating less fish than experts recommend, missing out on valuable omega-3 fatty acids important for healthy development. Scientists from the Faculty of Fisheries and Water Conservation at the University of South Bohemia have therefore developed a special range of fish products for children, which can already be found in more than 200 schools and kindergartens across the Czech Republic.

Full text of the scientific update here.

Fish is considered a healthy and balanced diet due to its high nutritional value. However, fish consumption remains low in the Czech Republic (~ 6-8 kg/person/year) and, in particular, very low in children, especially in the school diet. School cafeterias in the Czech Republic follow a 30-year-old decree on school dining (107/2005), which determines which ingredients the cafeterias should use under the framework of the so-called consumer basket (CB). To improve the situation, the Ministry of Health has proposed amendments to improve school meals by increasing fish dishes.The ingredients for meal preparation are covered by diners (usually parents), while the maximum price for lunch is 36 CZK.However, to meet CB requirements, many school cafeterias rely on low-quality, processed fish products, which often fail to deliver the nutritional benefits that the policy intends to promote.

Therefore, the students from the Faculty of Fisheries and Water Protection at the University of South Bohemia have launched a unique project named "Fish to Schools" in financial cooperation with ČSOB a.s. The main goal of this initiative is to introduce children to fish dishes as part of a healthy and balanced diet and, at the same time, increase their popularity among the younger generation. 

The first phase of the project focuses on analyzing the current quality and popularity of fish dishes in selected kindergartens and elementary schools. The data obtained will help identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current offerings and will serve as a basis for designing better, more nutritious, and more attractive recipes for children.

A key part of the project is the practical presentation of tasty fish dishes prepared from high-quality ingredients. Children will be actively involved in the project, they will interactively evaluate individual dishes, and will provide valuable feedback.

An equally important part of the project is education about the nutritional importance of fish in the diet. Informational and practical activities will be aimed not only at children, but also at school cafeteria staff. We are preparing professional workshops that will provide training in preparing fish dishes that are tasty, attractive, and economical.

We believe that this project will contribute not only to improving the quality of school meals, but above all to creating healthier eating habits in children.

You can watch the video created for the project here.

A short report from Český rozhlas České Budějovice can be listened to here.

The Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters USB as a traditional co-organizer participated in the 32^nd edition of the Vodňany Fishing Days (16^th–18^th May 2023) and offered visitors a varied and rich program. In addition to live fish, crayfish and other aquatic organisms, visitors could learn all about ongoing research, topics of interest to local scientists and see unique laboratory equipment. One of the faculty's "showcases" is the Laboratory of environmental chemistry and biochemistry, where people could also discuss topics related to inland waters, groundwater or drinking water quality and protection. Children could try their hand at measuring pH, making chromatographic butterflies or filtering polluted water.

In other laboratories, people watched interactive demonstrations of the cryopreservation process (freezing of cells and tissues at liquid nitrogen temperature of -192°C) or watched videos of sperm motility of different fish species with different reproductive strategies. They could also try to guess which species belonged to which eggs, or observe different slides under a microscope. In the Genetic Fisheries Center, sturgeon at all stages of development were on display. Also of interest were live carp eggs just before hatching or a carp roach. There was also a faculty stand on the square in Vodňany, where people could taste various aquaculture products.

A rich programme was also prepared in the faculty environmental centre (MEVPIS Vodňany), in front of which the mobile laboratory of the Biological Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic was anchored, where scientists presented, among other things, research on trout within the project "Living jewels under the water surface of Šumava". In addition, the centre hosted the Kraken organisation, which prepared many board games for children and adults to try out on the spot.

Written by: Miroslav Boček

Photo by: Dana Brožová

Dne 12. března 2025 podepsal děkan Fakulty rybářství a ochrany vod Jihočeské univerzity (FROV JU) memorandum o vědecko-výzkumné a technologicko-inovační spolupráci s vedením společnosti Pure Shrimp s.r.o. v oblasti kontrolovaného chovu krevet a dalších korýšů v České republice.

Tato spolupráce si klade za cíl zdokonalit technologie a postupy chovu těchto cenných vodních živočichů, zvýšit efektivitu chovu a objem produkce krevet a jiných korýšů určených pro český trh.

Dalším cílem je zlepšit marketing odchovávaných a produkovaných korýšů, rozvíjet mezinárodní spolupráci a realizovat různé vědecko-výzkumné projekty v daném oboru. Oba partneři rovněž plánují zapojit studenty FROV JU všech stupňů studia do této spolupráce formou odborných praxí a stáží.

Web ekolist.cz zveřejnil článek o rybníku Rožmberku a jeho úloze při zadržování vody během povodní, o které mluvil kolega Ing. Ján Regenda, Ph.D.

Ilustrační foto: trebon.rybarstvi.cz