Palestine’s fishing industry is centered primarily along the narrow Gaza Strip coastline on the Mediterranean Sea, where fishing has been a traditional livelihood for generations. The sector is relatively small due to limited access to fishing waters, but it remains vital for local food security and employment. The top fish species caught include sardines (Sardinella aurita), mullets (Mugil spp.), sea bream (Sparidae family), and groupers (Epinephelus spp.), with sardines being particularly important both for consumption and as bait. Historically, Palestinian fishing has faced significant challenges, especially since the mid-20th century, due to political restrictions, overfishing, and environmental pressures, which have all contributed to declining catches and economic hardship for fishing communities. Despite these obstacles, fishing continues to play a crucial cultural and economic role in Palestinian coastal life.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marine fishes nei | 1,850 |
| 2 | Sardinellas nei | 900 |
| 3 | Marine crabs nei | 255 |
| 4 | Common squids nei | 155 |
| 5 | Atlantic chub mackerel | 140 |
| 6 | Jack and horse mackerels nei | 135 |
| 6 | Little tunny(=Atl.black skipj) | 135 |
| 8 | Tuna-like fishes nei | 120 |
| 9 | Natantian decapods nei | 100 |
| 10 | Lizardfishes nei | 75 |
| 11 | Surmullets(=Red mullets) nei | 70 |
| 12 | Barracudas nei | 40 |
| 12 | Cuttlefish, bobtail squids nei | 40 |
| 14 | Smooth-hounds nei | 35 |
| 15 | Bogue | 30 |
| 15 | Spinefeet(=Rabbitfishes) nei | 30 |
| 17 | Groupers nei | 20 |
| 18 | Rays, stingrays, mantas nei | 15 |
| 18 | Sargo breams nei | 15 |
| 21 | Guitarfishes, etc. nei | 10 |
| 21 | Meagre | 10 |
| 21 | Bluefish | 10 |
| 23 | Flatfishes nei | 5 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.