Dombes fish | ADT Ain

Maintaining a tradition

For over a thousand years, the Dombes region has built its history around its ponds. It has a long tradition of fish farming: carp, pike, zander, tench and other products of our ponds and rivers have always found their way onto Dombes tables. But to maintain this tradition, we need to maintain the ponds, respect the environment and respect the resource. This is the role of the Association de Promotion du poisson des étangs de la Dombes (APPED).

To guarantee the quality of production and its sustainability in the fragile and precious ecosystem of the Dombes, the fish farming industry has joined forces and committed itself to the “Poissons de la Dombes” brand. This approach brings together pond owners, farmers, collectors, processors, distributors and, of course, restaurateurs in a common effort to promote Dombes fish.

Fish farming is a way of balancing and enhancing our ecosystem. We need a responsible ecology… And an economy, because the only way to survive is to make the most of our heritage.

Enhancing the value of Dombes fish

The fish farming tradition of the Dombes region respects the natural heritage and biodiversity of its ecosystem. Fish farming is ecologically sound, taking advantage of the pond’s natural food chain. An appreciable detail in a context of widespread doubt about the food origin of the products we consume.

Today, carp account for around 60% of pond production, where they spend two to three years to reach 1.5 kg, the size at which the flavor of their flesh is perfect: 80% of the fish’s growth is ensured by the pond’s natural productivity (0 pesticides and 0 antibiotics).

Abundantly exported to Germany, part of the fish is processed locally into terrine, goujonnettes or smoked carp fillets… Other species are exploited, such as pike, zander or tench, but carp is the only one to be the subject of separate fry production.

Read more

©Dombes ponds, seen from the sky|Colette Dubois/ Aintourisme

©Pond fishing in Dombes|Claire Curt/ Dombes Tourisme

10 000hectares

Fish surface area

75%

Carp production in ponds

118metric tons

transformed by APPED

80%

Fish growth thanks to the richness of the pond

The ponds of the Dombes

Unique and mysterious, the Dombes region of a thousand ponds invites you to discover its scenic beauty, birdwatching surprises and bucolic walks.

Discover

GOOD TO KNOW

Carp leather from Dombes

Carp leather comes from carp destined for consumption. The aim is to enhance the value of a local, natural product. The leathers are tanned in Lyon by a tanner specialized in fish leathers, for use by local leather goods manufacturers and craftsmen.

The Cuir de poisson de Dombes brand guarantees that the fish was born and raised in Dombes, thanks to traceability throughout its growth, that the skin taken comes from a fish intended for consumption, and respect for the environment thanks to reasoned fish farming practices. Since 2020, the skins have been tanned using a more environmentally-friendly vegetable tanning process.

What better way to remember the beauty and benefits of nature than with products that bear the Dombes label and a commitment to the environment?