Arvydai’s triple success: nature, fish and tourism

For over 60 years, UAB Arvydai has helped shape aquaculture in rural Lithuania. With decisive support from the EU, this family-run company has speeded up its transition towards a fully integrated model that combines organic fish farming, nature restoration and eco-tourism. What might otherwise have taken many years was brought together through one coherent strategy that strengthens biodiversity, boosts production efficiency and opens the farm to visitors. Today, Arvydai shows how innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand to build long-term resilience.

Adomas Banikonis, Managing Director at UAB Arvydai says “The success of UAB Arvydai lies in its three-pillar strategy: innovation and modernisation, active environmental protection, and service diversification. Support from the EMFF/EMFAF fund was a key catalyst, helping us to combine all of this into a sustainable organic aquaculture concept – innovating, protecting the environment, and responding flexibly to the market needs.”

Protecting biodiversity

Nature conservation forms the first pillar of Arvydai’s approach. Spread across more than 580 hectares of ponds and wetlands, the farm provides vital habitats for waterfowl and wading birds such as great bitterns, cranes, ducks, cormorants and river terns, all listed as endangered in Lithuania.

Thanks to projects financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), the company has restored open landscapes, improved feeding and breeding conditions for birds, and protected sensitive areas. These targeted nature management measures ensure that aquaculture ponds function not only as production sites, but also as high-quality ecosystems supporting vulnerable bird populations.

Modernising aquaculture

The second pillar of Arvydai’s strategy focuses on innovation and the modernisation of fish farming operations. Ageing equipment and silted ponds once limited productivity and increased water consumption. With EU support, Arvydai has invested in modern canal- and pond-cleaning technology, cutting water use by up to 50% while improving water quality and oxygen levels.

Preventive health measures replaced reactive treatments, significantly reducing the need for medication and improving sanitary conditions. As a result, production of organically farmed species such as carp, pike, tench and other freshwater fish has increased by 20% to 30%. Safer machinery and better working conditions have also strengthened the farm’s operational stability and competitiveness.

Opening ponds to visitors through eco-tourism

Diversification forms the third pillar of Arvydai’s approach. Alongside commercial aquaculture, the company has developed family-friendly recreational fishing and leisure services that make fuller use of its extensive pond areas. Visitors can enjoy well-managed fishing opportunities, stay in modern eco lodges equipped with Wi-Fi and workspaces, hire bicycles to explore the surrounding countryside, and purchase basic groceries and fishing supplies on site.

These services attract a wider audience, extend the visitor season and reduce reliance on a single income source. By combining nature, comfort and accessibility, the farm has created a distinctive rural tourism offer that complements its core production activities.

What’s next for Arvydai

Building on these foundations, Arvydai plans to continue modernising its ponds, expanding digital tools for visitors and staff, and strengthening habitat restoration efforts. With continued EU support, the company aims to refine its sustainable aquaculture model and inspire others to follow a path that blends business success, biodiversity protection and community engagement.