Israeli Farmer Revives Organic Fishery and Historic Restaurant at Sea of Galilee

At the small fishing port of Ein Gev on the Sea of Galilee, veteran farmer and organic poultry expert Arik Melamed has expanded his agricultural ventures to include the local fishery. Melamed, originally from Kfar HaNagid, has renovated a kibbutz warehouse into a modern fish sorting and packaging facility, employing Thai workers to handle the daily catch of wild, ecologically caught Galilee fish such as tilapia, carp, and sardine-like "Lebanon" fish. These fish are certified under the "Healthy Life" label for animal welfare and environmental standards, and recently received the European organic certification from Skal, the only fishery in Israel to do so.

Melamed emphasizes the environmental benefits of organic fish farming without antibiotics or growth promoters and notes the Sea of Galilee's advantage over the polluted sea waters. The fish are distributed to Nazareth's large fish market, Arab communities that consume more Galilee fish than Jewish ones, and upscale Tel Aviv restaurants like Melach U'Mayim. He also sells organic fish products in health food stores alongside his well-known organic poultry.

Beyond fish farming, Melamed has revived the legendary Ein Gev Fishermen's Meeting restaurant, established in 1945 and once serving up to 1,200 meals a day. After its closure during the COVID-19 pandemic due to declining tourism, Melamed partnered with restaurateurs Maayan Hrashko and Yoav Nisani, and chef Asaf Spector, who brings extensive culinary experience and a passion for northern Israeli cuisine. The restaurant reopened in April and is gaining popularity, serving fresh fish dishes like fried sardines, fish and chips, and grilled amnon (mullet) with homemade aioli.

Melamed, who lives in Tzipori in the Galilee, integrates his operations across locations, including Kfar HaNagid and Ein Gev, and hosts food enthusiasts weekly at his farm. He hopes that renewed peace in the Middle East will bring back tourists to the Sea of Galilee, but meanwhile invites locals and visitors to enjoy the fresh, organic fish and the historic dining experience by the lake.

Summary: Israeli organic farmer Arik Melamed has revitalized the Sea of Galilee fishery with certified organic wild fish and reopened the historic Ein Gev Fishermen's Meeting restaurant, blending sustainable aquaculture with local culinary heritage to attract new customers amid tourism challenges.

Points: - Arik Melamed expanded his organic farming to include wild fishery at Ein Gev on the Sea of Galilee. - The fishery received European organic certification, the only one in Israel to do so. - Melamed renovated a kibbutz warehouse into a modern fish sorting and packaging center. - He reopened the historic Ein Gev Fishermen's Meeting restaurant with experienced partners and chef. - Fish products are sold to Nazareth markets, Arab consumers, Tel Aviv restaurants, and health stores. - The restaurant serves fresh fish dishes and is gaining popularity despite reduced tourism.

Topic: general israel_relevant: true Entities: {"people":["Arik Melamed","Asaf Spector","Maayan Hrashko","Yoav Nisani","Baruch Oren"],"organizations":["Skal"],"places":["Ein Gev","Sea of Galilee","Kfar HaNagid","Nazareth","Tel Aviv","Tzipori"]}