During the event, the fishing boat and the net they were using to fish were seized and confiscated. The net contained dozens of fish of various species, including fish smaller than the legally permitted size. It was also found that the suspects were not only fishing within a nature reserve – they were doing so without a fishing license. The fishermen were detained at the port of Hadera, where they were handed over for further treatment by the Nature and Parks Authority as part of an investigation that was opened.
Guy Levian, Deputy Director of the Marine Unit at the Nature and Parks Authority: “The successful cooperation between the authorities led us to the swift apprehension of the offenders. I thank the Tel Aviv Marine Police for their assistance in the enforcement operation, which was carried out quickly and professionally. Fishing laws exist to keep our sea healthy, which also helps nature but ultimately also helps fishing. Nature reserves serve as a safe haven for fish to reproduce, which leads to an increase in fish populations along all coasts. If we prevent fish from reproducing in nature reserves – their numbers will also decrease in areas permitted for fishing, so protecting them is also in the interest of fishing. We see that gradually fishermen are beginning to understand and internalize the laws, but there are still those who try to find loopholes. We will continue to enforce and protect marine nature with vigilance.”
Guy Rubinstein, Director of the Fishing Department at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development: The Fishing Department at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development views any deviation from fishing regulations seriously, including fishing for fish below the permitted size. The minimum size limit for fishing is one of the principles established for responsible management of the fish resource, with the aim of allowing fish to complete their life cycle and reproduce, thereby maintaining stable and healthy populations over time. Israel’s fishing policy is based on a comprehensive view of the marine and marine-terrestrial ecosystem, and combines breeding seasons, permitted and prohibited fishing methods, supervision and enforcement, alongside continuous monitoring and scientific knowledge accumulation. All these tools are part of a single framework designed to ensure the continued existence of the fish resource for the benefit of the public, fishermen, and future generations.”
The Nature and Parks Authority reminds that fishing within the Gador Nature Reserve is prohibited. Fishing should only be done according to the law and in permitted areas. Since 2018, the Nature and Parks Authority has been acting as the body responsible for enforcing the Fishing Ordinance and the fishing regulations determined by the Fishing Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.