14 new fish farmers complete training: Now it's time to get into practice!

14 new fish farmers complete training: Now it's time to get into practice!

Fishing not only has a tradition in Germany and Europe, but also plays a central role in the food industry. This was recently felt by 14 graduates who successfully completed their dual training in “aquaculture and inland fisheries”. These young fish farmers from Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Austria and Switzerland received their certificates and certificates at the end of July at the Fisheries Institute of the State Institute for Agriculture (LfL) in Starnberg. Among the graduates was the best of the year, Ludwig Grötsch, who was honored for his outstanding achievements with a specialist book and an artistic glass sculpture in the shape of a trout. Dr. Helmut Wedekind, head of the LfL Institute for Fisheries, emphasized the importance of the profession, especially in times of climate change, which brings new challenges. Samerberger News reports that the training was supplemented by a variety of subject areas and compulsory courses, which gave the graduates the necessary tools for their professional careers.

How is fishing doing in the face of the climate crisis? The latest developments make it clear that it's not just new fish farmers who have to get involved. The impacts of climate change on fisheries and aquaculture are serious. Rising water temperatures are affecting fish stocks and making the conditions for sustainable fishing more difficult. In many regions, the species' habitats are shifting northward, which can have negative effects on the stability of populations. Inland fishing also faces challenges due to changing environmental conditions - water shortages and high temperatures are just two of the problems that companies have to deal with. According to a report by the Aquaculture Europe The geopolitical and economic consequences should not be underestimated, especially for countries that depend heavily on fishing resources.

The challenges for the fishery

Again Federal Environment Agency explains, fishing plays an important role in many coastal regions of Germany. German fisheries' own production covers around 11% of domestic demand, while imports play an important role in supply. Aquaculture in particular has established itself as the most profitable sector in terms of production volume and revenue.

But the industry also faces a number of challenges. Strict nature conservation requirements, unfavorable stock conditions and the relocation of fishing areas due to Brexit are putting pressure on companies. The pressure on stocks is increasing due to climate change, and companies have to adapt to the changing conditions. The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) has therefore developed strategies to support small deep-sea and coastal fisheries and to secure a sustainable future for them.

Given these challenges, it is crucial that the new fish farmers not only understand their craft, but also take ecological responsibility for the future of our waters and fish stocks. Some of the graduates plan to train to become master fisheries managers in the coming years and pass on their knowledge. It remains to be seen how they will master this essential task in a changing environment.