Belica, also known as the bleak (Alburnus alburnus), is a small freshwater fish native to rivers and lakes across Europe and western Asia. Recognizable by its slender, silvery body, the bleak is often found in large schools near the water's surface. While not a primary target for commercial fisheries due to its modest size, it plays an important role in local economies and traditional fisheries, especially in Eastern European countries. The top belica fishing countries include Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, and Bulgaria, where the species is harvested both for human consumption and as bait for larger predatory fish. In these nations, belica fishing supports small-scale fisheries and is sometimes processed into fishmeal or used in the production of isinglass, a substance historically important in beer and wine clarification. The species' abundance and adaptability have ensured its continued significance in the fishing industries of these regions.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.