Proceedings of the Sixth International Carp Conference

Book excerpt: The Sixth International Carp Conference was organized in Szarvas, Hungary, on 31 August–1 September 2023. The conference was attended by 114 participants from 14 countries, representing a range of carp value chain stakeholders. The conference aimed to strengthen the “carp segment” within European aquaculture, improve the image of carp pond aquaculture as common European heritage, and to explore the opportunities for carp within “blue aquaculture”. The conference also aimed to inform carp producers about the latest research findings and European policies. The Sixth International Carp Conference approved the “Szarvas Declaration”. The declaration recognizes the contribution of carp pond aquaculture to sustainable and healthy food production, its role in maintaining and protecting complex socio-economic and environmental values, and that carp farming is a unique segment within European aquaculture. To increase carp production in Europe, policy and decision makers are urged to simplify administrative procedures, provide access to water and suitable locations for aquaculture, and arrange for compensation of damage to sustainable fish farming caused by cormorants and otters. Innovation is necessary for the sub-sector to maintain its economic viability and to attract youth to a career in aquaculture.