The Kinneret bleak (Acanthobrama terraesanctae), also known as the Kinneret bream or "Kinneret sardine," is a small, silvery freshwater fish endemic to the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret) in Israel. This species plays a significant role in the lake’s ecosystem and is a staple of the local fishing industry. Israel is by far the leading—and virtually the only—country engaged in the commercial harvest of the Kinneret bleak, as the fish’s natural range is limited to the Sea of Galilee and a few nearby water bodies. The Kinneret bleak is caught mainly by Israeli fishermen using purse seines and other netting methods, with the catch often processed into canned or salted products for local consumption. The fishing of this species is tightly regulated by Israeli authorities to maintain sustainable populations and preserve the lake’s ecological balance, making Israel the top—and essentially sole—country associated with the Kinneret bleak fishing industry.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Israel | 45 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.