Support for sustainable aquaculture in the Slovak Fishing Association
The Slovak Fishing Association has modernised the equipment of its aquaculture centres. The new machinery and technologies will make fish farming, transport and handling more efficient, reduce the physical demands of the work and contribute to long-term sustainable operation.
Basic information
| Beneficiary | Slovenský rybársky zväz |
|---|---|
| Project code | 402221F098 |
| Programme | Fisheries Programme of the Slovak Republic |
| Fund | European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund |
| Main activity | Support for sustainable aquaculture |
| Implementation of the main activity | 11/2023 – 09/2025 |
| Total eligible expenditure | 743 353,54 EUR |
| Non-repayable financial contribution | 371 676,77 EUR |
| Beneficiary's own resources | 371 676,77 EUR |
Project objective
The aim of the project is to modernise and technically equip the aquaculture centres of the Slovak Fishing Association. The investments increase operational efficiency and safety, reduce physically demanding manual work and allow gentler handling of live fish. At the same time, the project supports stable fish production and environmentally sustainable forms of management.
In some of the centres the original equipment was technically obsolete and its operation was demanding in terms of repairs, energy consumption and labour. The new machinery improves logistics between the centres, supply, harvesting, the transport of feed and fish, as well as the maintenance of banks, dams and access roads. The centres can therefore respond faster to sudden changes in conditions, such as a drop in flow rates, silting of the ponds or the need to relocate fish.
Equipment acquired
Under the main activity, the vehicles and technological equipment needed for the day-to-day operation of the aquaculture centres were acquired. The project covers a trailer for transporting live fish, a universal tool carrier, a utility vehicle, a trailer, a tractor with accessories, a hook loader, two containers, fish transport technology, a professional remote-controlled mulcher, a further mulcher, two circular cages for trout farming and a photovoltaic installation.
The fish transport technology and the trailer allow safer and gentler handling of live fish. Mechanisation reduces the need for manual work when handling feed and materials. The mulchers make it easier to maintain dam slopes and overgrown banks, including in hard-to-reach terrain. The circular cages extend the possibilities of trout farming on Liptovská Mara, and the photovoltaic installation helps reduce grid electricity consumption at the Malé Zálužie centre.
Places of implementation
The project was implemented at the SRZ aquaculture centres in Lučenec, Príbovce, on Liptovská Mara, in Brzotín, Hrhov and Malé Zálužie. The equipment was distributed according to the operational needs of the individual centres: the hook loader, containers, trailer, fish transport technology and utility vehicle are intended for Brzotín; the professional remote-controlled mulcher for Lučenec; the tractor with accessories, the trailer and a mulcher for Hrhov; the universal tool carrier for Príbovce; the circular cages for Liptovská Mara and the photovoltaic installation for Malé Zálužie.
Expected benefits
The project is to maintain aquaculture production at 404.12 tonnes per year and six existing jobs. Modern equipment shortens the time needed to service the ponds, increases the reliability of logistics and handling processes and reduces dependence on external machinery.
Gentler handling and transport of fish will help reduce their stress and mortality and improve the health of the farmed fish. More regular maintenance of banks and dams will help keep the ponds functional. The use of photovoltaic energy will reduce operating costs and support the partial energy self-sufficiency of the centre. The acquired equipment will be integrated into routine operation and used throughout its service life.
Project financing
The total eligible expenditure of the project amounts to EUR 743,353.54. The non-repayable financial contribution from European Union and Slovak state budget resources is EUR 371,676.77, which represents 50 % of the eligible expenditure. The Slovak Fishing Association provides co-financing from its own resources amounting to EUR 371,676.77.
The project is co-financed by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund under the Fisheries Programme of the Slovak Republic, specific objective 2.1 Support for sustainable aquaculture activities.