The European perch (Perca fluviatilis) is a popular freshwater fish species known for its striking greenish body with dark vertical stripes and red-tipped fins, thriving in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs across Europe and northern Asia. Renowned for its sporting qualities and delicate white flesh, the perch supports both commercial and recreational fisheries. The top European perch fishing countries include Russia, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and Poland, where the species is abundant and targeted by both local anglers and commercial operations. In these countries, perch are harvested using a variety of methods such as gillnetting, angling, and ice fishing, with the catch contributing significantly to local economies and traditional cuisines. The fishing industry in these regions is well-regulated, balancing commercial interests with sustainability to ensure healthy perch populations for future generations.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Russian Federation | 17,308 |
2 | Finland | 12,661 |
3 | Sweden | 2,706 |
4 | Estonia | 1,627 |
5 | Kazakhstan | 1,218 |
6 | Poland | 770 |
7 | Switzerland | 427 |
8 | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | 300 |
9 | Albania | 222 |
10 | Germany | 151 |
11 | Netherlands (Kingdom of the) | 120 |
12 | Lithuania | 35 |
13 | Türkiye | 34 |
14 | Latvia | 29 |
15 | Serbia | 26 |
16 | Romania | 23 |
17 | Ukraine | 21 |
18 | Greece | 17 |
19 | Belgium | 12 |
21 | Belarus | 10 |
21 | France | 10 |
21 | Czechia | 10 |
23 | Denmark | 6 |
24 | Hungary | 3 |
24 | Slovenia | 3 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.