Preserving heritage, boosting sustainability: Biharugra’s fishpond in Hungary

Fish harvest at Begécsi lake
@Nándor Egon Puskás, Emese Melles

Biharugrai Halgazdaság, located in Hungary’s Southern Great Plains, has revitalised its historic fishpond system with European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) investments. As Hungary’s second-largest fishpond system operator, the company combines ecological sustainability with economic growth.

EU funding enabled infrastructure modernisation, improved fish farming practices, and better working conditions, resulting in healthier fish, cleaner water, and enhanced biodiversity.

A historic fish farm leading sustainable aquaculture in Hungary

Biharugrai Halgazdaság, nestled in the village of Biharugra, has been a significant fish farming entity since the early 20th century. Operating a 1,927-hectare network of ponds, 870 hectares of which cultivate grass carp, bighead carp, and catfish, the company supports the socio-economic fabric of the region.

Committed to sustainable aquaculture, the company uses natural resources to produce high-quality fish while maintaining a closed ecosystem to minimise environmental impact. Manager Nándor Puskás emphasises the need for effective solutions in a rapidly changing world. As Nándor Puskás, Manager at the farm says “extensive fish farming in Hungary is an environmentally and economically sustainable method of fish production and therefore a form of farming worthy of support. However, meeting the challenges requires effective and meaningful solutions from us in a rapidly changing world.”

Certified for pristine waters and eco-friendly feeding practices, the farm raises herbivorous fish without GMOs or antibiotics, ensuring superior quality for consumers.

What EU funding made possible

In 2017, Biharugrai Halgazdaság embarked on a major transformation supported by EMFF funding. The grant enabled the company to upgrade infrastructure, including strengthening pond dams, renovating holding and wintering ponds, stabilising roadways to accommodate heavy machinery and improving employee facilities. These upgrades significantly increased efficiency, reduced fossil fuel consumption, and improved fish quality, creating cleaner, healthier products with a lower fat content.

The funding also allowed the company to implement new offspring-rearing technologies, improve nutrient replenishment systems, and establish effective measures to protect fishponds from predatory birds. It also supported the introduction of advanced machinery, mechanising fishing processes to improve productivity and ensure safe fish harvesting even in challenging conditions.

The ecological benefits have been substantial. The improved infrastructure enhanced the natural habitat for amphibians, birds, and mammals, while fostering biodiversity in the ponds. The cleaner, mineral-rich pond beds have boosted the fish’s nutritional value, making their meat very flavourful. Additionally, the improved plankton dynamics have resulted in healthier ecosystems, increased natural yields, and measurable ecological gains.

A model for sustainable aquaculture in landlocked regions

As global seafood demand rises, Hungary’s innovative approach to aquaculture serves as a model for balancing tradition, sustainability, and economic competitiveness. With plans to expand further, including opening a fish shop and upgrading facilities, Biharugrai Halgazdaság continues to lead by example in creating sustainable opportunities for rural communities and preserving the natural environment.