History and present state of the landscape of the former fish pond system in the drainage basin of the Opatovický kanál channel (Central and Eastern Bohemia)

This work is focused on the dynamics of landscape change of fish pond system in Polabí region, specifically the drainage basin of the channel Opatovický kanál. Theoretical part provides information about origin, development and present state of fish pond system. Experimental part provides the mapping of ponds in five time periods covering the epoch between the 18th and the 21st century. Information about ponds in the 16th and the 17th century are provided as well but without pond areas. The reason for their absence is insufficiency of sources. Development of the area and quantity of ponds is discussed as well as land use and land cover change on the extinct pond areas. Finally, application of the fish pond development knowledge in landscape planning and revitalization are discussed based on the information gained by the mapping and research. Key words: fish pond systems, land cover, land use, landscape changes, Polabí region, drainage basin of the channel Opatovický kaná