POLAND
Gospodarstwo Rybackie Goslawice sp. z.o.o. produces caviar and sturgeon
Sturgeon farm expands production Gospodarstwo Rybackie Goslawice in Konin was established ďŹ fty years ago to exploit the availability of warm water from a nearby thermal power plant to raise grass carp, bighead carp, and common carp. In the years that followed the production of other species was introduced including whiteďŹ sh, pike-perch, tilapia, paddleďŹ sh, ornamental ďŹ sh, European catďŹ sh, and sturgeons.
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or the last thirty years Gospodarstwo Rybackie Goslawice has been run by Antoni Lakomiak, a graduate from the University of Olsztyn’s popular faculty of water protection, fisheries, and ichthyology. In 1992 the radical political changes in Poland also brought changes to the fish farm which started rearing catfish, ornamental fish and sturgeon in addition to carp species. The introduction of some of the new species had far-reaching consequences on the company.
Sturgeon bred for caviar, carp for the table Today, sturgeon breeding for caviar is the main occupation, but the company also has two other commercial activities. A hatchery
for the production of fry and the rearing of market-sized table fish. In addition, the farm provides angling facilities for pleasure fishermen, an activity designed more for promotion than for commercial gain. The hatchery was established in the 70s and at its peak was one of the biggest suppliers of fry to farms all over the country. Today the production is mainly intended for the company’s own purposes, but other farmers can still buy fry of carps (grass carp, sliver carp, bighead carp) and catfish if the order is placed in advance. The rearing of fish for the market benefits from the thermal plant’s warm water, which prevents the ponds and channels from freezing in winter and thus prolongs the period when the fish can be fed. This means that the
Antoni Lakomiak, the CEO and board chairman of Gospodarstwo Rybackie Goslawice Sp.z.o.o., as well as owner of the group. 42
Eurofish Magazine 5 / 2016
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breeding cycle can be reduced as the fish mature faster and reach market size more quickly. Anglers coming to try their luck also benefit from the warm water from the thermal plant as the ponds do not freeze in winter and the fishermen can pursue their hobby also in the cold season. The angling ponds and lakes are restocked with fish from the hatchery and pleasure fishermen come both from within Poland and from outside to fish these ponds. The site has a number of facilities, fishing platforms, small vessels, bathrooms etc., but most important is probably the chance to catch a large specimen whether common carp, grass carp, bream, roach, chub, or a predatory fish such as pike or perch. These catches are acknowledged on websites and
social media generating useful publicity for the company.
Production based on two species of sturgeon Since 2004 the company has focused on the production of two species of sturgeon, Acipenser baerii or Siberian sturgeon, and A. gueldenstaedtii or Russian sturgeon, which are used for the production of caviar. Mr Lakomiak did a lot of groundwork before deciding to produce caviar, travelling extensively in Italy, France, and Germany to meet with people, visit farms, and learn about the market for caviar. The original idea was not to produce the caviar, but to establish collaborations with some of the producers in western Europe and sell them eight to
Marek Szczukowski, the CEO of Gospodarstwo Rybackie Olsztyn II and chairman of the board. www.eurofishmagazine.com