Georgia, nestled on the eastern coast of the Black Sea, boasts a fishing industry shaped by its rich aquatic resources and strategic location. The country’s top fish catches include anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), sprat, and mullet, with anchovy being particularly significant both for domestic consumption and export. Historically, fishing has been a vital part of Georgian coastal communities, with traditions dating back centuries. During the Soviet era, Georgia’s fishing industry expanded rapidly, especially in the port city of Batumi, but declined after independence due to economic challenges and overfishing. In recent years, efforts to modernize the sector and implement sustainable practices have helped revive catches, with Black Sea anchovy remaining the cornerstone of Georgia’s fisheries, alongside growing aquaculture of trout and sturgeon in inland waters.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | European anchovy | 68,500 |
| 2 | Jack and horse mackerels nei | 55,000 |
| 3 | Atlantic chub mackerel | 40,000 |
| 4 | Marine fishes nei | 12,500 |
| 5 | European pilchard(=Sardine) | 10,000 |
| 6 | Sardinellas nei | 8,450 |
| 7 | Mullets nei | 1,100 |
| 8 | Hakes nei | 900 |
| 9 | Porgies, seabreams nei | 815 |
| 10 | Tuna-like fishes nei | 485 |
| 11 | Crucian carp | 16 |
| 12 | Various squids nei | 10 |
| 13 | Surmullets(=Red mullets) nei | 6 |
| 14 | Mediterranean horse mackerel | 3 |
| 14 | Seven khramulya | 3 |
| 16 | Vendace | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.