Top Syrian Arab Republic Fish Catches

The fishing industry in the Syrian Arab Republic is relatively modest compared to other sectors, largely due to the country’s limited coastline along the eastern Mediterranean and its reliance on inland water bodies such as the Euphrates River and Lake Assad. The top fish catches in Syria include species like mullet, sardines, sea bream, and tilapia, with mullet and sardines being particularly prominent from coastal fisheries, while tilapia and carp are commonly harvested from inland waters. Historically, fishing has played a supplementary role in Syria’s economy, supporting local communities rather than serving as a major export industry. The sector has faced challenges due to overfishing, pollution, and the impacts of prolonged conflict, which have disrupted both marine and inland fisheries. Despite these obstacles, fishing remains an important livelihood for many Syrians, particularly in coastal and riverine regions.

Rank	Fish Species	Metric Tons
1	Freshwater fishes nei	2,580
2	Sardinellas nei	250
3	Atlantic mackerel	160
4	Demersal percomorphs nei	150
5	Marine fishes nei	140
6	Mullets nei	100
8	Atlantic bluefin tuna	80
8	Marine crustaceans nei	80
8	Bogue	80
11	Pandoras nei	70
11	Surmullets(=Red mullets) nei	70
11	Spinefeet(=Rabbitfishes) nei	70
11	White seabream	70
14	Barracudas nei	60
15	Atlantic horse mackerel	50
15	Sharks, rays, skates, etc. nei	50
18	European hake	40
18	Marine molluscs nei	40
18	Scomber mackerels nei	40
22	Rays, stingrays, mantas nei	30
22	Gurnards, searobins nei	30
22	Greater amberjack	30
22	Groupers nei	30
22	Lizardfishes nei	30
26	Scorpionfishes, redfishes nei	20
26	Jacks, crevalles nei	20
26	Pargo breams nei	20
26	Gilthead seabream	20
29	Sand steenbras	10
29	Grey triggerfish	10

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