An Overview of Israeli Inland Aquaculture
The global aquaculture industry is divided into different categories. These categories include production of fish in fresh and brackish water (with low salinity, approaching freshwater), and production of fish in salt water. Production is mainly for human consumption, as fresh, chilled, frozen or processed products. Ornamental fish are also produced for aquariums and ornamental garden ponds.
Israel is located in a semi-arid zone, with a wet winter and dry summer, and a low average annual rainfall of around 500 mm/year, with the majority occurring in the central-north areas of the country. The only large inland water body is the Lake of Galilee, which mainly supplies drinking water for human consumption. In spite of the obvious climatic constraints and overall shortage of water, both agriculture and aquaculture are highly developed in Israel.