Deliverable Report for D3 - · PDF fileof fish products and improvement of product presentation to meet ... but polyculture stocks are an ... The Czech Republic is the largest exporter

Project no.: 613912

Project acronym: TRAFOON

Project title: Traditional Food Network to improve the transfer of knowledge for innovation

Instrument: FP7-KBBE COORDINATION AND SUPPORT ACTION

(SUPPORTING ACTION)

Activity 2.2: Fork to Farm: Food (including seafood), health and well being

Topic KBBE.2013.2.3-02: Network for the transfer of knowledge on traditional foods to SMEs

Deliverable Report for D3.7 fish category specific SRIA

Due date of deliverable: M 30

Actual submission date: M 33

Start date of project: November 1st 2013 Duration: 3 years

Organisation name of lead contractor for this deliverable: JU (Partner 11)

Project co-funded by the European Commission within the Seventh Framework

Programme (2007-2013)

Dissemination Level

PU Public x PP Restricted to other programme participants (including the Commission

Services)

RE Restricted to a group specified by the consortium (including the Commission

Services)

CO Confidential, only for members of the consortium (including the Commission

Services)

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TRAFOON Strategic Research & Innovation Agenda (Fish)

Contents

1. Preface ............................................................................................................................................. 3

2. Fish (TRAFOON selection of fish, and TRAFOON countries: Czech Republic and Poland) ............... 4

2.1. General overview of current situation of fish´ sector and traditional food SMEs in the Czech

Republic (including SWOT analysis) .......................................................................................... 5

2.1.1 Primary production .............................................................................................................. 7

2.1.2 Processing ............................................................................................................................ 8

2.1.3 Product............................................................................................................................... 10

2.1.4 Marketing........................................................................................................................... 11

2.2. General overview of current situation of fish´ sector and traditional food SMEs in Poland

(including SWOT analysis) .............................................................................................................. 13

2.2.1 Primary production ............................................................................................................ 14

2.2.2 Processing .......................................................................................................................... 15

2.2.3 Product............................................................................................................................... 16

2.2.4 Marketing........................................................................................................................... 17

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1. Preface

In the European Union, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of the food sector are increasingly

under pressure due to developing open markets, increasing demand of standardized and price

competitive food products by the consumers, rising importance of large retailers, and challenges in

obeying governmental regulations. This raises the risk of losing many traditional foods as well as

traditional techniques of production, processing, preservation, and packaging that are applied by

SMEs using regional raw materials and often have a role in the cultural identity of regions. SMEs of

traditional foods must extend their skills in modern as well as competitive marketing and production

techniques to comply with existing European regulations and to promote the aspects of their products

related to nutrition and health.

To support traditional SMEs, FP7 TRAFOON project (www.trafoon.eu) has established a

knowledge transfer network of 30 European research institutions, technology transfer agencies, and

SME associations from 14 European countries by covering the value chain of four groups of

traditional food products based on (1) grains, (2) fish, (3) vegetables and mushrooms, and (4) sweet

fruits and olives. These food sectors are traditional, healthy foodstuffs which are essential for a

balanced nutrition. Since November 2013 and until October 2016, TRAFOON is supporting

European´s traditional SMEs in these food sectors to foster sustainable innovation and

entrepreneurship in the sector of traditional foods for the benefit of the regions of Europe and the

European consumer.

TRAFOON increases the communication and interaction between traditional food SMEs, SME

associations, and research institutions to improve and increase the knowledge transfer towards

traditional SMEs on different areas of influence/activities (e.g. food production, food processing,

packaging, marketing, labelling, certification, stabilization of production protocols to assure food

quality and food safety, legal issues), and to enable research topics that are needed by European food

SMEs.

TRAFOON WORK PLAN

At the beginning of the project, the needs of traditional food SMEs all over Europe have been

investigated and collected (Inventory of Needs, IoN). With this purpose, four questionnaires, one for

each traditional food category, were developed including issues from the entire food production chain,

but also questions related to food safety and quality, and entrepreneurship & legal aspects. All

TRAFOON partners contacted the identified SMEs and SME associations via email/phone/visit,

extracting the relevant information for the IoN through the corresponding questionnaire. After extract

the needs, SWOT analyses of the results for each TRAFOON traditional food category were carried

out by country and sector.

Five multi-stakeholder workshops (MSWs) took place between September and October 2014 in

Poland, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Czech Republic. In each MSW, TRAFOON

partners, relevant SME associations and external specialist analyzed the results of IoN for the core

regions of the food category. The main objectives of the MSWs were: 1) prioritizing the needs

collected in the IoN, 2) matching the needs identified in the IoN with the available transferable

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innovations identified by partners, 3) identifying those needs which do not require in depth research

and may be solved without the development of new research projects, finding the solutions within the

consortium experts, external scientists, or in collaboration with ongoing projects and 4) identifying

those needs requiring new scientific approaches to be included as recommended research

lines/initiatives in the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA).

During 2015 and 2016, based on the results of MSWs, more than 55 Training Workshops (TWs,

http://www.trafoon.eu/training-workshops/) for SMEs have been held in Europe. During the TWs,

the technological, legal, or business-related solutions for these previously identified needs/demands

have been transferred, where specifically trained mediators have been used to communicate these

solutions in the language of the respective countries.

As additional knowledge transfer tool, a multi-lingual online Information Shop (www.trafoon.org)

containing the information gathered and implemented within the TRAFOON network has been

created. This free access online tool includes information (PDF files, ebooks, audio and video files

etc.) about innovations in primary production, processing and marketing of traditional food using

regional raw materials in different languages. The Information Shop also contains databases of

experts and organizations to enable potential future collaborations and SME-oriented research

projects, and includes all technology/innovation knowledge transferred during the TWs and

guidelines for product innovations in diverse European languages.

STRATEGIC RESEARCH AND INNOVATION AGENDA (SRIA) FOR

TRADITIONAL FOODS

Based on the detected innovation gaps and the identified needs that require further research, and

complemented by SWOT analysis of the demands of SMEs during the MSWs, TRAFOON has

developed four SRIAs for the core regions of the TRAFOON traditional foods categories: (1) grains,

(2) fish, (3) vegetables and mushrooms, and (4) sweet fruits and olives. TRAFOON SRIAs will

inform national policy makers about future research need of traditional food SMEs, especially

fostering rural development.

Additionally, a general SRIA (no product-specific) for traditional foods at European level has been

developed in collaboration with the FP7 TRADEIT project. This joint TRAFOON-TRADEIT SRIA

will inform the European Commission and European policy makers about future research answering

the identified needs of SMEs in Europe.

2. Fish (TRAFOON selection of fish, and TRAFOON countries: Czech Republic

and Poland)

Increasing demand for high quality and healthy marketable fish and fish products is one of the most

important factors determining dynamic development (yearly 2.2 %) of freshwater aquaculture and

fish processing in Europe including Poland and Czech Republic such as fifth and seventh the most

important producers, respectively. Fish food sector is growing and aquaculture has a great potential

to increase food production and generate income in rural areas of this region. However, 55 - 75% of

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the fishery and aquaculture products consumed in Poland and Czech Republic are still imported from

non-European countries. This trade dependence of these countries as the whole Europe should be stop

by giving producers the means to develop their operations while being in full compliance with health

and environmental standards. Moreover, it is necessary to protect European aquaculture from the

sometimes unfair competition from 3rd countries. Generally, the whole European aquaculture (Czech

Republic and Poland cannot be isolated) is recognized for the quality of its products and high health

standards. The traceability requirements for all aquaculture products consumed in Europe must be

preserved and enhanced in the future. Aquaculture is a growing business that needs a clear framework

for its organization. This requires governmental action to resolve conflicts on resource use and

provides support to the professionals’ investments. It is also important to promote aquaculture by new

technology development and fish species for providing sustainable, environmentally and nature

friendly agriculture sector, particularly with regard to water quality. Fish and seafood play an

important role in human nutrition by providing essential fatty and amino acids, minerals and vitamins.

However, fish consumption in the Czech Republic (5.5 kg per capita) and Poland (12.3 kg per capita)

is below the level recommended by nutritionists. Higher consumption of freshwater fish as a healthy

food must be promoted. Future consumer attitudes and behaviour should be evaluated at regional and

trans-regional levels to identify consumer groups that can be specifically targeted by a diversification

of fish products and improvement of product presentation to meet the needs of consumers.

2.1. General overview of current situation of fish´ sector and traditional food SMEs in the Czech Republic (including SWOT analysis)

Fish production in the Czech Republic has long tradition and is based on extensive and semi-

intensive carps farming in ponds and salmonid intensive culture in raceways in highland regions.

Production averages around 450 – 500 kg per hectare. Currently, yearly fish production fluctuates

between 17 to 21 thousand tonnes for last 20 years. Common carp is the dominant fish produced (86-

88%), but polyculture stocks are an important aspect of pond Czech farming. Chinese carps together

with traditional supplementary fish (tench) and predatory species (pike, pikeperch, European catfish

and perch) are all produced in ponds. About 25 to 30% of carp production originates from

supplementary feeding, however, an overwhelming majority of carp production is based on natural

food. Over seven hundred tonnes of market size rainbow trout are produced annually. Live fish (carp

in particular) are the most important product of Czech aquaculture, because carp is a traditional Czech

dish. In recent years, the domestic consumption of carp has increased moderately, but steadily. A

relatively high individual fish weight (2-3 kg) is sold on the domestic market. The usual age of

marketable carp is 3 or 4 years. Most sales occur in December in connection with the Christmas

period. The Czech Republic is the largest exporter of carp in Europe, where 40, 15-30 and more than

10 % of exports go to the German, Polish and Slovak markets, respectively. Around half of fish

production is consumed domestically and the other one is exported. Fish processing is performed in

14 facilities, ten of them being eligible for export into EU countries. There are also about 25 smaller

processing units that only work, at their full capacity, in December to meet the demand for fish

products during the Christmas season. These products include frozen, chilled, smoked and marinated

fish. The proportion of exported and home-sold processed fish comes to 8-10 %. The marketing trends

are currently focused on higher and more diverse offer and consumption of processed fish. Annual

fish consumption in the Czech Republic was only 5.5 kg/cap/year included following categories: 3.6-

4.1 kg of both marine and freshwater fish, 0.02-0.20 kg of crustaceans, and 0.04-0.14 kg of molluscs.

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Only 1.3-1.4 kg per capita and year of the locally produced fish has been consumed in the Czech

Republic. The import of live, fresh, chilled, frozen and smoked whole fish and fish fillets to the Czech

Republic annually fluctuated from 37 127 to 42 645 tonnes what accounts to 92.4-98.1 %. Import of

molluscs is minor compared to fish and fluctuated from 467 to 1470 tonnes and import volume of

crustaceans (mainly shrimps) was currently increased to 2000- 2100 tonnes. Most imported fishery

products (45.2-67.5 %) are a processed fish fillets in fresh, chilled and frozen conditions and frozen

whole fish, which represent 16.8-25.7 %. Import of smoked and dried fish ranges 2.9-5.2 %. Atlantic

salmon (19.7% of all imports i.e. 8 068 tonnes of fresh or chilled whole fish or frozen fillets)

dominates the fish import. The other the most important fish species imported to Czech market are

herring, mackerel, walleye pollock and European hake. Czech aquaculture and the whole fish sector

need further innovation, an increase in the proportion of higher-value fish and other aquatic

organisms, to provide an all-year-around supply to consumers. Further improvements are also needed

in marketing.

Following current SWOT analysis related to the strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O)

and threats (T) of aquaculture and production of fish products were identified in the Czech Republic:

(S): Fish is healthy, dietary and high quality food and delicacy, popular and unusual food for special

opportunity, fast food preparation, long tradition and efficient know-how based on pond aquaculture,

existing of professional organization of fish producers, which coordinating the interests of Czech

fishermen; increasing water quality; support of rural employment; effective using of different

subsidy, high genetic quality of broodstock; sufficient processing capacity; specific regional products

lead by carp and using trademark like a Czech carp etc.; the high level of Fisheries Research and

Education; nonproductive function of ponds; development of leisure time activities; existing of Law

related to fisheries no. 99/2004 Coll;

(W): Low fish consumption; fish is unusual food, unstable support of market by continuous fish

products, high price of products, limited production volume, high production cost and low

profitabilty, very complicated production system, long production cycle, using of specific conditions

and techniques for production, production needs high qualified level of workers, sale in specialized

shops and marketplace, fish products with typical aroma and bones;

(O): Increasing price of all food, application of effective investments in the restoration of ponds,

development of fish farming and processing facilities, continual fish production, increasing of fish

production, higher level of education, science and research, innovation and development of new

culture and processing technologies with lower production cost, shortening production, distribution

of processed fish or fish products without bones in the high quality, implementation of RAS and new

techniques and fish species and products in aquaculture, development of new medicines, foods and

vaccines, development of ecotourism;

(T): Decreasing food quality and safety, competition from other food categories, import of marketable

fish from other countries with lower price, changed Christmas tradition (no carp x turkey), increasing

production costs, unstable fish production, limitated support of genetic and breeding program,

widespread and new diseases, culture and processing problems, degradation of ponds and other

culture systems, climate changes, decreasing water quality, lack of qualified labor, high impact of

natural predators (e.g. cormorants, otters, etc.), limited support of nonproductive function of ponds,

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increasing sediments in ponds, introduction of invasive fish species into Czech Republic, limited

support of research and development and law regulations.

2.1.1 Primary production

A. Ensure an environmentally sustainable, efficient and profit industry by the application of new knowledge and technology innovations Specific challenge As aquaculture moves from being a new farming activity to an evolving modern food industry, it is crucial that technology and systems are used to maximum advantage to fully exploit the potential of the European Aquaculture industry. Contributions to use of different technology systems (RAS, CIES and IMTA), new fish species, automation, monitoring and analysis is key to increasing operational efficiency. Maximizing advances in processing technology, with specific regard to product storage and shelf life, will complement the considerations on product quality. Scope and expected impact To improve technology for transfer, handling and slaughtering of aquaculture products with respect to welfare and ethics. Develop automation for all stages of production (hatcheries, on growing, processing) for present and future production systems. Improve or develop novel systems to control biofouling of aquaculture equipment. Develop technologies for improved quality larvae for all present and future production systems. Develop technologies for complete utilization of farmed products Development of technology preventing escapes of fish and eggs from production systems. Development of renewable energy sources for aquaculture production facilities. To effectively manage nutrients cycling in production systems in order to increase its retention in Aquaculture products (polyculture, IMTA, integrated aquaculture). Reduce waste release from aquaculture production. Develop and upgrade existing technologies for more efficient use of fresh water resources. Develop technology and systems for the mass production of aquatic organisms (e.g. plankton, seaweed) for industrial use. Maximize efficiency of Recirculation Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and reduce accumulation of persistent compounds. Develop integrated aquaculture systems (e.g. polyculture, IMTA) for production of present and new species and environmental services. Develop production systems for new aquaculture products (e.g. new species, premium class and/or certified products) for changing markets. Reduce the incidence of diseases by developing technology and system. Develop technology and system for improved utilization of existing sites.

B. Reduce the impact of natural predators (e.g. otters, cormorants, etc.) Specific challenge Increased population density of natural predators causes enormous loses in primary fish production in the Czech Republic in last twenty years. Elimination of production loses through legislative

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changes and technological means to better protect primary pond production system must be applied in the future. Scope and expected impact Expert discussion and policy authority support for changing of law concerning elimination of fish predators. Knowledge and technology support for technical protection of fish during their culture which will cause increase fish welfare and quantity and quality aspects of final product.

C. Improve the broodstock management of freshwater species through different approaches Specific challenge Generally, European aquaculture needs to increase competitiveness and efficiency to remain at the forefront of an increasingly competitive global aquaculture industry, where the EU is arguably already at a disadvantage. Further advances in fish broodstock husbandry and the optimization of biotechnology will assist in the delivery of four core goals: such as nutrition requirements, environmental stimulation and selective breeding to provide better controlled reproduction, disease resistance, feed efficiency and fillet yield. Scope and expected impact Identify reproduction problems and knowledge gaps for each major fish species in Europe. Evaluate the impact of sexual maturation on growth, welfare and potential risk of disease susceptibility. Understand the role of genetic, physiological, nutritional, behavioural and environmental factors on the spawning of gametes of high quality and the timing of spawning to facilitate year-round supply (for mass spawning) or to reproduce selected broodstock (for implementation of breeding programmes). Control puberty by understanding the role of genetic and physiological factors, including the effects of environment, husbandry practices and Nutrition. Cryopreserve for biosecurity, predictability, distribution and bio-banking including reference libraries of natural populations. Understand the basis of sex determination and sex differentiation (genetic, environmental and physiological) to enable sex-ratio control measures. Develop new sterilization methods as an alternative to triploidy, and, when not possible, methods to allow production of triploids on an industrial scale for species usually propagated from mass spawning. Acquire knowledge on impact/behaviour of sterile animals in the wild. Improve the knowledge of the technical personnel of aquaculture operations on the available methods to control and enhance reproduction in cultured species.

2.1.2 Processing A. Prolongation of shelflife of fish raw material and products

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Specific challenge Fish raw material and products need longer shelf life within the whole market chain for better monetizing and longer fresh keeping because these items expose to rapid deterioration. The way from primary production to customer is long during which we need to protect fresh material and products. Customers prefer fresh and high quality products and raw material for consumption. Scope and expected impact Development new methods and compounds for prolongation of shelflife in fish raw material and products. Selling of fresh and high quality fish raw material and products.

B. Developed or improved existing processing methods Specific challenge The whole fish sector needs develop new process of gutting and fileting with higher yield of final product – fish filet and better utilization of waste material. New develop and create new and attractive fish products are very important for fish sector and for customers with the aim to increase fish consumption as healthy food. New processing methods and ways must be applied in processing process for getting of new and attractive fish products without bones, with increased nutritional and organoleptic quality. Scope and expected impact Development of new processing methods for higher efficiency of fish processing and for creation and introduction on the market of new and attractive fish products. Increasing of fish consumption thanks to new and attractive fish products.

C. Reuse of waste from fish processing plants Specific challenge Fish processing plants produce several sources of waste as valuable raw material and water rich of nutrients. For increasing of effectiveness of the whole fish processing is needed to use this sources for production of human or pet foods, vermicomposting or fertilization of other agricultural systems after their sterilization process. Scope and expected impact

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Increasing of effectiveness of the whole fish processing process, using of valuable raw material which is produced from fish processing plants. Reduced consumption of animal protein for production of human and pet foods.

2.1.3 Product A. Development and establishment of the system for successful commercial implementation of product certification and consumer-friendly labeling based on provenance and quality Specific challenge All fish products should be certified, identified and labeled with same system in the whole Europe which must be easily understood and traceable. Certification of fish product should mainly be based on welfare all fish stages, quality, originating and traceability aspects. Scope and expected impact Develop and improve technology for transfer, handling and slaughtering of aquaculture livestock with respect to welfare and ethics. Develop standardized detection and quantification methods for pathogens affecting humans, nutritional and organoleptic quality. Develop technology to prevent contamination of fish products from external sources of human pathogens. Develop uniform certification and labeling system for fish products in the whole Europe.

B. Promote freshwater aquaculture as a healthy and sustainable protein source for consumer consumption Specific challenge Fish products play an important role in human nutrition by providing essential fatty and amino acids, minerals and vitamins. However, fish consumption in the Czech Republic is below the level recommended by nutritionists. Therefore increased fish consumption is needed to support for improvement of the human health mainly by elimination of civilization diseases. Scope and expected impact Freshwater aquaculture must be organizing and presenting such as environmentally friendly agriculture sector maintaining biodiversity, high quality of water, energy and raw material sources and producing healthy human food.

C. Identification of relevant bioactive compounds present in fish products

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Specific challenge Identification and testing of relevant bioactive compounds in fish products with the aim to find their effect on: 1) human nutrition, health and physiology with or without specific dietry needs and 2) preservation of fish products related to the prolongation of their shelflife. Development of the technology for nutrition improvement of fish products with respect to increase content of bioactive compounds and their effect on human health. Scope and expected impact Detailed chemical analysis of fish tissue with respect to the content of specific bioactive compounds. Testing of the effect of specific compounds on the human nutrition, health and physiology. Using of technology for improvement of fish products with respect to increase content of bioactive compounds and their effect on human health.

2.1.4 Marketing

A. Determine and promote alternative non-production functions of pond aquaculture

Specific challenge Ponds are one of the most important sites for aquaculture and have several functions in addition to food production. They play an important role in the landscape by maintaining biodiversity, fostering the regeneration of groundwater resources, stabilizing the regional climate, diversifying land utilization and food supply, and increasing income potential. Ponds have been an element of the landscape for centuries with pond fish as an essential feature of traditional and religious cuisine. However, aquaculture can only fulfil the above functions if production is economically and environmentally sustainable. Scope and expected impact An economic valuation is urgently needed to quantify the ecosystem services of pond aquaculture. A specific compensation payment system for fish ponds should be elaborated based on the value of ecosystem services achieved by pond aquaculture and should apply the principle “public money for public goods”. There is a need for farmers to improve environmentally-friendly technology and quality management systems in order to ensure a steadier supply of high quality fish. This can be achieved by combining extensive and intensive production technologies and polyculture which will improve the efficiency of resource use, animal welfare, and net economic returns and place greater emphasis on the ecological function of aquaculture systems. Adaptation strategies must be developed so the

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region can be resilient in the face of climate change and the threat of fish diseases as well as development of new food-borne diseases. B. Foster and build the human capital of freshwater aquaculture sector Specific challenge The freshwater aquaculture sector must be attractive to a wide range of highly educated and experienced people, with positive growth an employment opportunities. Aquaculture industry is characterized by its ability to fast-track progress from knowledge development and intellectual protection through to innovation, industrial application and product development. Freshwater aquaculture need to adopt knowledge to support state-of-the art technological development and practices. Scope and expected impact Promotion of formal and informal lifelong-learning opportunities at all levels as a central strategy to ensure knowledge transfer for a sustainable, innovative and competent workforce. Explore new models and partnerships for learning and its accreditation to encourage career development and innovation in the sector. Attract and retain talented, enthusiastic and able individuals to work in the aquaculture sector and to foster entrepreneurship. Seek to maximize appropriate career pathways and job satisfaction. Promote and enable peer-to-peer networking and collaboration as key components of an innovative European aquaculture sector. Create and sustain effective links between industry and research communities.

C. Analysis of dynamics of seafood trade and market in the whole Europe Specific challenge Current European markets need to have better and stable supply with high quality fish products (some region has specific demand related to fish species, size etc.) during the year without any fluctuations and dependency on fish production from non-European countries. European primary fish producers and fish processers need to know dynamic of seafood trade and market for planning and estimation of their production. Scope and expected impact Understand the dynamics of European seafood trade. Issue clear recommendations and guidelines for informed policy making on recommended consumption levels. Identify and close commercially harmful gaps in consumer perception about aquaculture products and the current scientific knowledge.

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2.2. General overview of current situation of fish´ sector and traditional food SMEs in Poland (including SWOT analysis) Freshwater aquaculture has a long tradition in Poland based on extensive, ecological breeding systems. At present carp and rainbow trout are the most important aquaculture species with total production in 2014 about 19.000 and 15.000 tons, respectively. In general carp farms are distributed throughout Poland but trout farms are mostly located in the north (on the Baltic Sea coast) and in the areas with clear and cold water in the south of the country. In 2014 Poland exported of fish and seafood products for 1.500 million Euros, with destinations mainly to: Germany (smoked salmon, cod, shrimp, clams), France (smoked salmon), Denmark (sardines, sprats), Romania (herrings), Sweden, Belarus and Austria. In the same year Poland imported of fish and seafood for a value of 2.000 million Euros. Norway was the main supplier of fish as raw materials to Poland, while other significant partners included Denmark, China, United States, Germany, Denmark or the Netherlands. Poland is one of the biggest salmon importers in the world supplied mostly by Norway, Sweden and United States. Poland imported also mackerel, cod and haddock from Norway, cod from Denmark and Russia, and mackerel from the Netherlands. In 2014 the average annual fish consumption in Poland was 12.3 kg per capita, and was little higher than in 2013 mainly due to higher consumption of imported fish (pollock, salmon and cod). Pollock, herring, and mackerel are the most popular saltwater species, while carp, rainbow trout are the most popular freshwater species. There is a growing awareness among Polish consumers regarding fish and seafood consumption. They are choosing fish products with more care and attention, are getting information about products, and are benefiting from campaigns promoting consumption and the health benefits of fish and seafood. The Polish fish processing industry is one of the largest in Europe. It supplies European countries with processed fish products such as smoked fish (salmon and trout), canned fish (herring, mackerel and sprat) and ready-to-eat fish products (salads and fish in marinades). Other products include fresh and frozen cod fillets, ready-to-prepare frozen fish fillets (breaded fillets) and fresh and frozen whole fish (trout, sprat). However freshwater fish species play only a small role in processing. In 2014 fish processing industry employed approximately 12.000 people. Recently, Poland has started developing more intensive land-based aquaculture and several investors have launched new businesses in the field of controlled breeding of marine or freshwater fish used RAS technology. The established European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) launches new financial instruments and promising perspectives for projects within aquaculture in Poland. Following current SWOT analysis related to the strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O) and threats (T) of aquaculture and production of fish products were identified in Poland: (S): very long tradition of fish breeding, high level of education and knowledge, low environmental impact, modern processing industry; (W): low freshwater fish consumption, low production profitability, seasonal production of fish, low diversification of cultured species, weak marketing of aquaculture products; (O): an increasing awareness of healthy eating habits, ecological function of fish ponds, development of ecotourism, effective use of EU structural funding, possible implementation of RAS

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and new techniques will launch diversification of aquaculture with new fish species, innovation and development of new marketing strategy for aquaculture sector; (T): dangerous infection and diseases of fish and limited therapeutic treatments, high impact of natural predators (e.g. cormorants, otters, etc.), unstable fish production, import of marketable fish from other countries with low prices, weak awareness about health profits related to fish consumption, high economic costs related to implementation of RAS and new techniques in aquaculture, law regulations.

2.2.1 Primary production A. Impact of natural predators (e.g. cormorants, otters, etc.) Specific challenge In the past 20 years, populations of fish-eating birds have increased dramatically and caused substantial economic impacts on aquaculture production. Reduce the impact of natural predators (especially cormorants) through legislative changes as well as technological developments to better protect freshwater primary pond production systems. Scope and expected impact Support of policy authorities is necessary for change the law concerning increasing the number of permits for shooting-out birds in the culture area or compensation for losses for aquaculturists. Reduce the impact of cormorants will cause increase fish welfare and quantity and quality aspects of final product.

B. Control of fish diseases Specific challenge Improve the control of fish diseases (viral diseases e.g. KHV in cyprinids) and management of fish welfare in freshwater production. Scope and expected impact Fish diseases are both an animal health and an animal welfare issue. It is therefore of utmost importance to allow controlled and prudent use of medicines on farmed animals. Additionally dynamic changes in the bacterial freshwater fish pathologies diagnosed in the last years in Poland are observed (infections caused by microorganisms unknown as fish pathogens). The limited availability of authorized veterinary medicinal products to address health risks remains however one of the major problems for the aquaculture industry. New legislation – rules for new/legal drugs

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and prevention methods of fish diseases in Polish aquaculture is needed. Desired effects: increase fish welfare and quantity and quality aspects of final product.

C. Diversification of aquaculture production Specific challenge Diversification of native species production and development of appropriate technologies (RAS) to stabilize and increase the economic development of traditional freshwater aquaculture providing constant supply of product. Scope and expected impact Development and optimization of new techniques of breeding (e.g. breeding program, environmental manipulations, new techniques of controlled reproduction, out of season spawning, rearing technology of early life stages etc.). Diversification of fish production by other traditional species (e.g. perch, pikeperch, whitefish, sturgeon). Improve fish feeds and feeding techniques and their sustainability. Improving systems of rearing fish through the integration of intensive and extensive production systems aimed at better utilization of possibilities for fish farms. Desired effects: increase volume and quality of fish production, employment growth in the sector.

2.2.2 Processing A. Contamination of freshwater fish products Specific challenge The problem of unwanted drug residues and toxins (heavy metals, mycotoxins, and others) in fish tissues. Determine potential sources of such contaminations (environment, feed, disinfectants and others) is needed. Scope and expected impact Drugs in aquaculture raises public concern because antibiotic resistance of bacterial strains, ecotoxicity of antiparasitic drugs and the threat to consumer health caused by the residues of drugs in the tissues of fish. Newly formed antibiotic resistance can be and it is transferred from pathogenic fish bacteria to human ones, and vice versa. The possibility of limitation of antibiotic usage by introduction of probiotics to fish culture.

B. Processing of freshwater fish Specific challenge

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Changing requirements and habits of customers in Poland created the need for an increased market supply of ready-to-cook (e.g., fillets) or ready-to-serve dishes. Scope and expected impact Preliminary processing of freshwater fish usually consists of the following steps or unit processes: evisceration, deheading, scaling, cutting of fins and belly flaps, slicing of whole fish into steaks, filleting, skinning, grinding of skinned fillets. The present level of preliminary processing mechanization is low which results from the overall limited production, seasonal availability of the raw product and lack of inexpensive, efficient mechanical equipment adaptable for processing of various fish species. Moreover, mechanization of the processing lines is very costly, especially for small plants processing freshwater fish. Improvement methods of freshwater fish processing should: assure best possible market quality, provide a proper form of semi-processed of final product, assure health safety of products, apply the most rational raw processing method, reduce waste to the extent possible. Moreover, the development of small processing within the framework of direct sales, margin, localized and restricted activity is expected.

2.2.3 Product

A. Promote European freshwater aquaculture Specific challenge Promote European freshwater aquaculture as a healthy and sustainable protein source for consumers. Scope and expected impact Fish consumption in Central and Eastern parts of Europe is the lowest in Europe and is below the level recommended by nutritionists. In Poland freshwater fish consumption does not exceed 20% of the total amount of consumed fish products. Nutritional properties of freshwater fish should be main argument in the promotion of fish products.

B. Fish product quality Specific challenge Development of practical tools and methods to measure fish product quality including nutritional, biochemical, texture, color, organoleptic parameters etc. Scope and expected impact

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Research of technological and nutrition quality parameters of raw fish, and analysis of the factors influencing these parameters are needed.

C. Functional freshwater fish product Specific challenge Develop functional freshwater fish products with benefits to human health. Scope and expected impact Freshwater fish have often been classified as a good source of raw material for functional foods because they are easily digested protein, vitamins and minerals. Fish oil is the main source omega-3 fatty acids are increasingly demanded as pharmaceutical products, food additives, functional food and dietary health supplements. They have pharmaceutical value in prevention of atherosclerosis, heart attack, hypertension and cancer. Develop improved processing methods to increase the level of omega-3 in the final product and propagation of the role of omega-3 fatty acids in human health.

2.2.4 Marketing A. Support the freshwater aquaculture sector Specific challenge Support the freshwater aquaculture sector in promoting the value of the sector as a viable livelihood for ensuring income generation and food security. Scope and expected impact Growth of total freshwater aquaculture production and increase of employment in sector. Benefits for health consumers.

B. Alternative non-production functions of pond aquaculture Specific challenge Determine and promote alternative non-production functions of pond aquaculture for added value, including recreational activities and biodiversity protection. Scope and expected impact Increase awareness of knowledge about the ecological importance of ponds and use of some ponds for recreational, angling and ecological education.

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C. Transfer of knowledge between RTD and SMEs Specific challenge Improved transfer of knowledge between RTD and SMEs in freshwater aquaculture as well as international cooperation between fish producer organizations. Scope and expected impact Increase efforts in aquaculture R&D, and allocate a sufficient EU budget to aquaculture projects (possible cooperation R&D and SMEs) to further develop the knowledge-base for sustainable and competitive aquaculture.