The vimba bream (Vimba vimba), also known as the vimba or zanthe, is a slender, silvery freshwater fish native to rivers and lakes across Eastern and Central Europe, particularly within the Danube and Dniester river basins. This species is prized for its delicate flesh and is a traditional catch in both commercial and recreational fisheries. The top vimba bream fishing countries include Ukraine, Romania, Hungary, and Bulgaria, where the fish is harvested in significant quantities from major river systems and their tributaries. In these countries, vimba bream supports local economies and is often featured in regional cuisine. While not as commercially significant as carp or perch, vimba bream fishing remains an important part of the inland fisheries sector in Eastern Europe, with sustainable management practices increasingly emphasized to maintain healthy populations.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Estonia | 89 |
2 | Lithuania | 59 |
3 | Latvia | 49 |
4 | Romania | 44 |
5 | Poland | 7 |
6 | Azerbaijan | 3 |
6 | North Macedonia | 3 |
8 | Bulgaria | 2 |
8 | Ukraine | 2 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.