The fishing industry in the West Bank is modest due to its largely landlocked geography, with only a small stretch of access to the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. Historically, fishing has played a minor role in the local economy compared to agriculture and livestock. The top fish catches in the West Bank primarily include freshwater species such as tilapia (locally known as musht), common carp, and catfish, which are harvested from the Jordan River, small reservoirs, and fish farms. Over the years, the industry has shifted more towards aquaculture to meet local demand, as natural water resources are limited and heavily regulated. Despite its small scale, fishing and fish farming provide important protein sources and livelihoods for some Palestinian communities in the region.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.