Module 2 – Fish and Watershed Science / Carp Pond Aquaculture

Carp pond aquaculture is one of the oldest and at the same time most sustainable forms of aquaculture in Austria. It is practiced mainly in the Waldviertel—where our ecological station is located and deeply rooted—as well as in Styria. This production system uniquely combines fish farming with cultural water landscapes and makes an essential contribution to domestic fish supply (approx. 600 tonnes per year), biodiversity conservation, and the preservation of traditional pond landscapes. In addition, carp ponds provide important ecosystem services such as flood retention and water storage within the landscape.
International recognition of this system was achieved through the designation of the Waldviertel carp pond landscape as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System by the FAO.

This interface between fish production and aquatic ecology is exactly where Module 2 “Carp Pond Aquaculture” of the vocational training programme for skilled fishery workers is positioned. The two-week intensive course focuses on building a solid understanding of the biological, ecological and practical foundations required for sustainable pond management.

Participants primarily engage with the biology of cyprinid and percid fishes as well as key secondary fish species typical of pond aquaculture. In addition, other relevant fish groups such as catfish, sturgeons and eels are covered. A strong emphasis is placed on the aquatic environment itself: water chemistry, oxygen dynamics, plankton, aquatic plants, macrozoobenthos and amphibians are taught as integral components of functioning pond ecosystems.

Due to a recent restructuring of the modular training programme, the timing of this course was somewhat challenging. Held in February, some practice-oriented field units had to be reduced. However, this allowed for more in-depth treatment of legal frameworks, pond maintenance, stocking and feeding strategies, fish transport, and other key topics.

Currently, 38 participants across Austria are enrolled in the training programme to become skilled fishery workers, at different stages of qualification—from apprentices to participants in the second educational pathway. Twenty of them successfully completed Module 2 between 26 January and 5 February 2026.