France has the largest potential pond surface area in Europe, which could meet the growing demand for aquatic products. Ponds provide a large number of ecosystem services, such as hydrological regulation, pollutants retention, supporting biodiversity conservation and as elements of cultural landscapes. Unfortunately, the use of ponds is declining due to their lack of profitability and the low attractiveness of their fish production.
Our researchers have been working for over two decades to develop an agroecological management approach for fish ponds, based on the entire system and its diversity, in order to produce more sustainably.
Our teams are particularly involved in the Dombes region, which is home to almost a thousand fish ponds. This region is a Natura 2000 area designed to protect the habitats of animal species and plants of European interest.
