Perch is very widespread and no major threats have been identified. It is therefore assessed as Least Concern.

This species occurs naturally throughout Europe to the northernmost extremity of Scandinavia, except Iberian Peninsula, Italy and Adriatic basin; Aegean Sea basin: Maritsa and from Struma to Haliacmon drainages; Aral Sea basin; in Siberia, in rivers draining to Arctic Ocean eastward to Kolyma. Introduced to Ebro River (Spain), Italy, Croatia, Lake Skadar basin (Montenegro, Albania), Cyprus, parts of Türkiye, Amur River (Russia and China), Australia, New Zealand, Morocco and South Africa.

This species is abundant and widespread, and there are no reports of significant population decline.

This species is able to colonise a very wide range of habitats from estuarine lagoons, from lakes of all types to rivers and streams.

Lives up to 21 years, usually to about six years. Males reproduce for the first time at 1-2 years, females at 2-4 years. Spawns in February-July, depending on latitude and altitude, when temperature reaches about 6°C. May undertake short spawning migrations. A female usually spawns with several males, once each year. The female circles the spawning site, followed by one male, while other males remain stationary. The egg strand is released as the female swims in spiral clockwise movements, folding herself into a U-shape. All eggs are released and fertilised within about 5 seconds in a single strand, which becomes twisted around and entangled with spawning substrate. Feeding larvae are positively phototactic, live in open water and feed on pelagic organisms. They may be widely distributed by currents. An opportunistic diurnal feeder, preying mainly at sunrise and sunset, using all available prey. Larvae and small juveniles usually prey on planktonic invertebrates. During first summer, many juveniles come near shores to feed on benthic prey. Often becomes piscivorous at about 120 mm SL. Stocks with different life-histories may co-occur in some lakes (littoral, benthic feeding, pelagic zooplanktivorous), sometimes with different spawning sites and times.

No major threats have been identified.

This species is regionally of major commercial importance and many subpopulations are heavily exploited. It is also a popular target for recreational fishers.

No species-specific conservation actions are in place.