Fish Farmers’ Perception of Ecosystem Services and Diversification of Carp Pond Aquaculture: A Case Study from Warmia and Mazury, Poland

Ecosystem services, multifunctionality and diversity play a particular role in the management of carp pond aquaculture. These three concepts have been increasingly considered in sustainable aquaculture science and policymaking. However, the understanding and acceptance of sustainable aquaculture by fish farmers is a prerequisite for the successful implementation of such a targeted policy. Research on a fish farmers’ perception of ecosystem services, multifunctionality and diversification of carp aquaculture was carried out in Warmia and Mazury, Poland. The results of interviews showed that farmers have a deep understanding of the ecosystem services and multifunctionality of carp ponds. Production services were indicated as the most important, but the role of ponds in the preservation of biodiversity was another highly valued service. The greatest diversity of the activities, and conviction of their significant impact on the profitability of carp pond farming, was observed on farms with ponds of 1 to 50 ha. In the case of larger farms, the assessment of such impact was more moderate. All surveyed farms provided educational services regarding the ecological values of the ponds. All pond users, regardless of their size, highly rated the need for financial support for the conservation and development of biodiversity.