FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network
Good Practice Project
Diversification offers one solution for the fisheries and aquaculture sectors seeking additional sources of income. The case of the Oak Manor Inn fish farm is a prime example of a highly successful business transformation, where a fish farm was turned into a thriving tourism and recreation centre in a relatively short period.
Oak Manor is one of the largest fish farms in the Narol municipality, with a water surface area of 2.5 km2. It is well-known in the Roztocze FLAG area for its dynamism and tradition. The farm’s owner, Miroslaw Zaborniak, who has extensive experience in fishing, has long been aware of the difficulties faced by the fish farming industry. Realising the growing potential for tourism in the area due, in large, to improvements in the region’s road infrastructure and accessibility, Miroslav decided to develop a new business strategy.
The strategy of the enterprise is to diversify its sources of revenue, which used to be mainly generated by the wholesale of fish. In 2012, Miroslav connected and expanded three small ponds to form a 20 hectare lake with an island, where the Lucky Carp tavern is situated. The ‘Oak Manor’ Inn was also opened, where food lovers can enjoy the taste of numerous carp and catfish dishes. The resort is also a great place for business meetings and congresses. The next development phase of the farm strategy is to establish the Podkarpackie Regional Centre of Angling and Aquaculture Education which will be an extension of the existing hotel and restaurant building.
Consistent implementation of a vision and business development strategy resulted in rapid and successful reorientation of a fish farm into a tourist resort offering angling, recreation, conference, hotel and restaurant services, creating five new jobs and helping to maintain another. It also increased the profitability and competitiveness of both the fish farm and its tourist off-spring. The newly established tourist resort contributes to the economic development of the area as a whole.
This project may serve as an example for other areas with inland aquaculture production and potential for tourism development. It can add to profitability of the fish farms and support development of tourist sector.
Lessons: The identification of the market trends and tourist potential of the region were key success elements. Good project timing (shortly after the launch of the FLAG) also contributed to the project’s success.
Contribution to CLLD objective: Supporting diversification inside or outside commercial fisheries, lifelong learning and job creation in fisheries and aquaculture areas.
| Total project cost | €245 000 |
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| FLAG grant |
€106 500
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| Beneficiary contribution |
€138 500 |
| Période de mise en oeuvre | From jan 2012 |
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