Bolivia, officially the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country in South America whose fishing industry is primarily centered around its abundant freshwater resources, including rivers, lakes, and the Amazon Basin. The country's top fish catches come from species such as surubí (Pseudoplatystoma spp.), pacú (Piaractus brachypomus), sábalo (Prochilodus lineatus), and dorado (Salminus brasiliensis), which are highly valued both for local consumption and regional trade. Historically, fishing in Bolivia has been largely artisanal, supporting rural and indigenous communities along major waterways like the Mamoré, Beni, and Pilcomayo rivers. While commercial fishing remains limited due to infrastructure and market constraints, the sector plays a crucial role in food security and livelihoods, especially in the Amazonian lowlands. Over the past decades, pressures from overfishing, habitat degradation, and pollution have led to concerns about sustainability, prompting initiatives to promote responsible fishing practices and conservation of aquatic biodiversity.
Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Paraguayan caiman | 44,316 |
2 | Freshwater fishes nei | 7,800 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.