Al-Bahhar farm: years of investment lost in seconds
In the Gaza Strip, a region under blockade for over 17 years, Al-Bahhar Fish Farm stood as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and sustainable aquaculture. Founded in 2014 by Yasser Mahmoud Al-Haj along Al-Rasheed Street, this farm was more than just a fish production site — it was a lifeline for food security, local employment, and community development.
From Modest Beginnings to Full Integration
Against all odds, Al-Bahhar Farm started small but grew into one of Gaza’s leading aquaculture projects. It developed three production units, a modern hatchery, packaging and processing facilities, an ice production station, and even a restaurant that attracted visitors from across the Strip.
At its height, the farm produced over 220 tons of sea bream (Sparus aurata) annually — meeting local demand and exporting around 70% of its output to the West Bank, a rare success under blockade conditions.
Innovation Driving Sustainable Aquaculture in Gaza
What made Al-Bahhar Fish Farm a pioneer in Gaza’s blue economy was its integration of clean energy, education, and local innovation:
- Solar-powered operations reduced energy costs by up to 70%.
- Local hatchery production of fingerlings minimized import dependence.
- More than 80 permanent jobs were created, employing engineers, technicians, feed specialists, and administrative staff.
- Partnerships with local universities transformed the farm into a training and research hub for young aquaculture students.
Through these efforts, the farm became a model for sustainable fish farming in Palestine, proving that innovation can flourish even under extreme constraints.
A Decade of Work Lost in Seconds
On October 7, 2023, tragedy struck. Heavy shelling devastated the area surrounding the farm. Within seconds, an $11 million investment and a decade of hard work were destroyed.
Four staff members, including a hatchery engineer and one of Yasser Al-Haj’s relatives, were killed in the attack. What once stood as Gaza’s aquaculture success story was turned into rubble.
Resilience Beyond Ruins
Despite the immense loss, Yasser Al-Haj continues to speak the language of determination, not despair.
He remains committed to rebuilding Al-Bahhar Farm — not just as a business, but as a symbol of resilience, sustainability, and hope for future generations in Gaza.
“We can rebuild everything,” he says. “Because the land deserves life.”
A Broken Chain, but Not the End
The destruction of Al-Bahhar Farm represents more than the loss of a business. It’s the temporary pause of Gaza’s most successful aquaculture initiative — a project that combined production, education, and environmental responsibility.
Rebuilding this farm means restoring a vital source of food security, employment, and research opportunities. It also means reigniting a vision for sustainable aquaculture in regions facing conflict and environmental stress.
Losing Al-Bahhar Farm was losing a piece of Gaza’s future — but it doesn’t have to end there.
Like fish raised with care, hope can be cultivated again. Rebuilding this landmark of innovation and resilience is not only possible — it’s necessary for the people, the land, and the promise of a sustainable blue economy in Palestine.
Al-Bahhar farm: years of investment lost in seconds
