Poland’s fishing industry has a long tradition, rooted in its abundant rivers, lakes, and access to the Baltic Sea. Historically, fishing was vital for local communities, with the industry modernizing significantly during the 20th century. Today, Poland’s top fish catches come from both marine and inland waters. In the Baltic Sea, the most important commercial species are Atlantic herring, sprat, and cod, though cod stocks have declined in recent years due to overfishing and environmental changes. Inland, carp is a cornerstone of Polish aquaculture, especially for traditional Christmas dishes, alongside trout and pike. The industry also supports a robust processing sector, exporting smoked and preserved fish products throughout Europe. Despite challenges from environmental pressures and EU regulations, fishing remains an important economic and cultural activity in Poland.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | European sprat | 71,197 |
| 2 | Chilean jack mackerel | 22,522 |
| 3 | Blue whiting(=Poutassou) | 20,744 |
| 4 | Atlantic herring | 18,677 |
| 5 | Freshwater fishes nei | 16,020 |
| 6 | European flounder | 10,499 |
| 7 | Pacific chub mackerel | 8,961 |
| 8 | Three-spined stickleback | 2,258 |
| 9 | Small sandeel | 1,490 |
| 10 | Freshwater bream | 1,296 |
| 11 | Whiting | 940 |
| 12 | European perch | 770 |
| 13 | Roach | 698 |
| 14 | Marine fishes nei | 556 |
| 15 | Pike-perch | 303 |
| 16 | Atlantic horse mackerel | 236 |
| 17 | European plaice | 180 |
| 18 | Great sandeel | 174 |
| 19 | Edible crab | 141 |
| 20 | Atlantic cod | 129 |
| 21 | European eel | 115 |
| 22 | Atlantic mackerel | 112 |
| 23 | Crucian carp | 104 |
| 24 | Sandeels(=Sandlances) nei | 61 |
| 25 | Garfish | 46 |
| 26 | Blue fathead | 45 |
| 27 | Sea trout | 40 |
| 28 | Turbot | 37 |
| 29 | Broadtail shortfin squid | 31 |
| 29 | Eastern Pacific bonito | 31 |
| 31 | Greater argentine | 19 |
| 32 | Pelagic fishes nei | 18 |
| 33 | Tench | 9 |
| 35 | Sichel | 7 |
| 35 | Vimba bream | 7 |
| 35 | European hake | 7 |
| 38 | Northern pike | 6 |
| 38 | White bream | 6 |
| 38 | Asp | 6 |
| 41 | Burbot | 4 |
| 41 | Atlantic bonito | 4 |
| 41 | European smelt | 4 |
| 44 | Various squids nei | 3 |
| 44 | Wels(=Som) catfish | 3 |
| 44 | Lumpfish(=Lumpsucker) | 3 |
| 46 | European whitefish | 2 |
| 48 | Common carp | 1 |
| 48 | Gobies nei | 1 |
| 48 | Bullet tuna | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.