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Fish stocking in inland waters in Europe and Central Asia

Issues and solutions

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 72 p.

Author Cowx, I.G.;

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (series)

ISBN 978-92-5-139701-5

Series title EIFAAC Occasional Paper

Series number No. 54

To cite or share https://doi.org/10.4060/cd4844en

Synopsis (short abstract) Fish stock enhancement through formal stocking programmes has long been recognized as an important tool to compensate the loss of productivity and diversity. Fish stocking is widely implemented across Europe and Central Asia to increase or maintain fish productivity. However, there are concerns about the benefits and successes associated with stocking fishes, as well as the potential risks, particularly with respect to ecological impacts from stocking, competition and predation, changes in ecosystem functioning, changes in community structure, disease transmission and losses of genetic integrity. Consequently, there is a need to review the factors that drive successes and failures of fish stocking programmes and the risks from stocking, so stock enhancement programmes are carried out in the most effective way.This report summarizes the main conclusions of a review of the benefits and impacts of fish stocking. It provides a framework to mitigate the negative impacts and maximize the benefits of fish stocking activities.

Statutory body / Meeting title European Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Advisory Commission (EIFAAC)

Cite this content as:

Cowx, I.G. 2025. Fish stocking in inland waters in Europe and Central Asia – Issues and solutions. EIFAAC Occasional Paper, No. 54. Rome.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cd4844en

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