TIRANA, June 26 /ATA/ Fish catch across all aquatic categories in Albania reached 15,153 tonnes in 2025, marking a 7.9% decline compared with 2024, which recorded 16,452 tonnes.
According to INSTAT, aquaculture continues to account for the largest share of fish production, with 6,549 tonnes or 43.2% of the total. Inland fisheries accounted for 3,007 tonnes, or 19.8%, while marine fisheries amounted to 4,426 tonnes, or 29.2% of total output.
The report shows that molluscs recorded the largest annual increase, with 550 tonnes produced in 2025, up 158.2% compared with the previous year. Meanwhile, catches in lagoons fell by 8.2%, aquaculture by 8.6%, and coastal fishing by 12.1%.
Regarding the main marine fishing species, the largest shares were held by deep-water shrimp with 802 tonnes (15.9%), sardines with 765 tonnes (15.2%), and cod with 693 tonnes (13.7%). In inland waters, crucian carp dominated with 1,018 tonnes (33.9%), followed by bleak with 709 tonnes (23.6%) and carp with 546 tonnes (18.2%).
INSTAT also states that in 2025, approximately 1.2 million rainbow trout fingerlings, 2 million Ohrid trout fingerlings, and 600,000 carp fingerlings were released into Lake Ohrid to support the replenishment of fish stocks.
In the marine fisheries sector, 854 entities were licensed in 2025, 21 more than in 2024. The fleet operates mainly in the southern Adriatic, while the port of Durrës accounts for 36.3% of licensed vessels, followed by Vlorë with 30.6%.
By vessel type, 73.2% of the fleet consists of single-gear vessels, while 23.5% are bottom-trawling or pelagic vessels.
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