What's the most common fish in Britain? You might be surprised by the answer

Fish have shaped Britain’s history and culture for centuries, with coastal communities built on the fishing trade and the biodiversity of inland rivers vital for maintaining ecosystems. But what are the most common fish in UK seas and rivers?

Most common fish in the UK

While it’s difficult to assess all the fish that may exist in UK waters, it’s easier to find out which species have landed (brought to shore) in the UK by vessels. The top species landed in the UK by vessels in 2023, according to Seafish, formerly the Sea Fish Industry Authority, was mackerel, with 106,533 tonnes brought ashore. The next most abundant species was herring, with 46,833 tonnes.

Mackerel are common in UK waters, particularly the Atlantic mackerel.

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Most common freshwater fish in the UK

According to the Freshwater Habitats Trust, the most common freshwater fish in UK waters is the brown trout. Found in streams and rivers around the UK, the brown trout is native to the British Isles and Europe, and are particularly common in rivers such as the Severn and Trent.  

The three-spined stickleback is said to be the freshwater fish found in the widest array of habitats around the UK, including pools and ditches.

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