In Germany’s “Neue Länder”—the eastern federal states that were formerly part of East Germany—the fishing industry is characterized by a strong tradition of inland and freshwater fisheries, with a focus on lakes, rivers, and aquaculture rather than marine fishing. The top fish catches in this region include species such as carp (Karpfen), pike (Hecht), perch (Barsch), zander (Zander), and trout (Forelle), all of which thrive in the abundant freshwater bodies of Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. Historically, fish farming and managed fisheries have played an important role in the region’s economy and food culture, particularly during the GDR era, when state-run collectives emphasized sustainable yields and local consumption. Today, while the overall economic significance of fishing has declined, these Länder remain known for their high-quality freshwater fish, supporting both commercial fisheries and a vibrant recreational angling community.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.