On 26–27 February 2026, fisheries practice, academia, and public administration once again came together in České Budějovice. Experts in the field of fisheries from across the Czech Republic gathered for the event. It also brought together production and union fisheries representatives, research and educational institutions, and professionals from the fisheries sector.
The opening remarks were delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters of the University of South Bohemia (FFPW USB), Prof. Tomáš Policar, the President of the Czech Fish Farmers Association, Ing. Jan Hůda, Ph.D., and the Chair of the Agriculture Committee of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Ing. Monika Oborná. Afterwards, an award for lifelong contribution to practical production fisheries was presented to RNDr. Richard Faina by Ing. Eduard Levý, Director of the Department of State Administration of Game Management and Fisheries.
This was followed by presentations on topics that have long shaped Czech fisheries:
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Current Information on the Fisheries Operational Programme 2021–2027 and Preparation for the 2028+ Period, Ing. Pavel Pojer, Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic
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The Water Quality of Ponds Today and What Awaits Us Tomorrow, Prof. Ing. Radovan Kopp, Ph.D., Mendel University in Brno
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Per- and Polyfluorinated Compounds in Fish Muscle, Assoc. Prof. Ing. Kateřina Grabicová, Ph.D., FFPW USB
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Current and Future Possibilities for the Use of Pond Sediments, Ing. Jan Potužák, Ph.D., Povodí Vltavy, s.p.
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Interesting Facts About Pond Plants – Examples and Recommendations for Practice, Mgr. Kateřina Šumberová, Ph.D., Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences
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Black Bullhead – A Current Threat to Aquatic Ecosystems and Fisheries, Ing. Pavel Jurajda, Ph.D., Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the CAS, Brno
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Updates in the Application of Water Law in Pond Management, JUDr. Zdeněk Horáček, Ph.D., private legal practice
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What Do Performance Testing Data Tell Us About the Relationship Between Production, Average Weight Gains, and Stocking Density in Carp?, Assoc. Prof. Ing. Martin Kocour, Ph.D., FFPW USB
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Fish in Schools: How We Teach Children to Eat Healthily and Sustainably, Assoc. Prof. Ing. Jan Mráz, Ph.D., FFPW USB
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Analysis of Christmas Fish Sales, Ing. Ján Regenda, Ph.D., FFPW USB
After the set of presentations, the first day concluded with a summary session, followed by an informal part of the conference with refreshments and tastings of fish specialities, during which important topics related to Czech aquaculture were discussed.
The second day was opened by the Governor of the South Bohemian Region, MUDr. Martin Kuba, followed by another series of presentations:
- Selective Breeding Programmes for Common Carp and Burbot: Current Status and Future Challenges, Ing. Martin Prchal, Ph.D., FFPW USB
- Use of Floating Pontoon Tanks for Rearing Valuable Fish Species, Ing. Václav Kučera, FFPW USB
- Where Are the Hidden Pitfalls in Pond Construction, Operation, and Reconstruction?, Ing. Václav David, Ph.D., Czech Technical University in Prague
- Monitoring Aquaculture Products and Determination of Nitrogenous Factors in Selected Freshwater Fish, Ing. Alena Honzlová, State Veterinary Institute Jihlava
- Combating Diseases and Climate Stress: Scandinavian Biosecurity, Eurasian Strategies, and Czech Know‑How, MVDr. Aneta Pierzynová, Ph.D., Animal Protection Department, State Veterinary Administration
The conference concluded with a discussion and announcement of the best presentation: Current and Future Possibilities for the Use of Pond Sediments by Ing. Jan Potužák, Ph.D., Povodí Vltavy, s.p.
We must also acknowledge our exhibitors:
- AGRICO s.r.o.
- Tekro, spol. s r.o.
- Fakulta rybářství a ochrany vod JU
- Kubíček VHS, s.r.o.
The conference confirmed that Czech fisheries face many challenges but also benefit from strong expert backing and open dialogue across the sector.
We thank all participants for their attendance. We are very pleased that we had the opportunity to meet, talk, and share valuable insights about Czech fisheries.
You can view the photo gallery from the conference here.
The conference was organised by the Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters of the University of South Bohemia in cooperation with the Czech Fish Farmers Association and co‑funded by the EU as part of the Fisheries Operational Programme 2021–2027: CZ.08.02.02/01/25_027/0000716 – 7th Annual Professional Conference
