Top Botswana Fish Catches

Botswana’s fishing industry is relatively small compared to its neighboring countries, largely due to its arid climate and limited perennial water bodies. The most significant fish catches come from the Okavango Delta and the Chobe River, where artisanal and subsistence fishing are common practices among local communities. The top species caught include tilapia (notably Oreochromis andersonii and O. macrochir), catfish (Clarias gariepinus), and tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus), which are prized both for local consumption and as sport fish. Historically, fishing in Botswana has been a supplementary activity rather than a commercial enterprise, with traditional methods dominating until recent years. Efforts to regulate and sustain fish stocks have increased as pressures from population growth and tourism rise, aiming to balance economic benefits with the conservation of the country’s unique aquatic ecosystems.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.