In today’s post: Some relevant information for fishing enthusiasts – a list of fishing beaches in Israel (in the Mediterranean Sea), an explanation of the different types of fish and details on the fishing ban period and where fishing is allowed and forbidden during it.
There are three main natural fishing areas in Israel: the Mediterranean Sea, the Gulf of Eilat and the Sea of Galilee. A fourth historical area, Lake Hula, no longer exists as the lake was dried up during the 1950s.
Fishing in Israel
The Mediterranean Sea is divided in its center into an eastern basin and a western basin by an underwater mountain range that stretches between Sicily and Tunisia. There are a number of differences between the eastern and western basins.
In the eastern basin the climate is warmer than in the western one. For example, the average summer temperature of the water in the western basin is 24 °C and in winter it is 8 °C, while on the shores of Israel, in the eastern basin, the temperatures are: 29 °C and 13 °C, respectively. In the western basin the salinity is 3.5% and on the shores of Israel it is 3.9%.
In addition, each part of the Mediterranean has different currents: the current in the western basin moves from the Strait of Gibraltar along the coasts of North Africa around Corsica and the Balearic Islands and back to Gibraltar. The shallowness of the Strait of Gibraltar (about 800 meters) allows the passage of only upper water, which is poor in nutrients. In the eastern basin, on the other hand, the current is slower and moves along the coasts of Libya, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey and Greece. This means that in the eastern part of the Mediterranean there is almost no mixing between the upper water layer and the lower water layer, which prevents the dispersal of organic matter caused by marine animal mortality, as well as alluvium coming from the few rivers in the area. In their absence, the development of microscopic algae (nano-plankton) that form the basis of the food chain is inhibited. The small amount of algae is the cause of the poor amount of fish in the eastern basin of the Mediterranean.
The amount of fish off the coast of Israel is particularly poor, since the amount of rainfall in the country is small and concentrated in a short season, so the amount of water rich in nutrients flowing into the sea is small.
Types of Fish in the Mediterranean (Off the Coast of Israel)
There are about 600 species of fish throughout the Mediterranean, but due to the fact that most of them originate in the northern climate and due to the fact that as you approach the shores of the country the temperature and salinity increase, there is a gradual decrease in species. On the other hand, the excavation of the Suez Canal had a significant impact on the variety of fish in the area, and its opening in the early 20th century allowed a variety of endangered fish species to penetrate the waters of the Mediterranean.
Types of fish available off the coast of Israel:
- Coastal fish – are found in shallow water most of their lives. Among them: Locus, Farida, Venom, Labat, Marmir, Sargos.
- Ground fish – fish that find their food on or near sea land. Among them: barbounia, cod, meser, red mul (Sultan Ibrahim).
- Upper water fish – are usually found in flocks and find their food in the upper water layer. Among them: sardines, palmida, tuna, entias.
About 70,000 people enjoy fishing as a sporting leisure activity, thus constituting the largest fishing community. For the amateur fisherman, the sea is a refuge from the busy daily life. It is estimated that the sport fishing industry generates about 100 million NIS a year in fishing equipment, and the socio-economic benefit from the leisure system derived from it is very significant.
Fishing Beaches in Israel
Most beaches along the Mediterranean are approved for fishing. Only a limited percentage of the area in Israel is prohibited for fishing – especially in closed military areas, infrastructure facilities and designated nature reserves. So where can you fish in Israel? Here are some recommendations:
Fishing Beaches in Ashkelon
Those who want to fish in the Ashkelon area can do so at Zikim Beach or Nitzanim Beach (where there is an entrance fee), or for free at the beach of the Ashkelon National Park. Beyond the fact that the beach is one of the most beautiful in Israel, it has a sandy part, suitable for leisure and a rocky section suitable for fishing, and admission to it is free. It can also be combined with a visit to the park itself.
Fishing Beaches in Ashdod
The hot water estuary near the power plant.
Fishing Beaches in Netanya
The coastal strip of Netanya abounds in reefs and rocky beaches along its entire length. The recommended one is at Crimson Beach, located not far from the Goldmintz House, at the southern entrance to the city. The beach is sloping with rocks that form small coves where there are fish, and it has easy access that allows you to park a vehicle almost as far as the beach itself.
Fishing Beaches in Haifa
There are not too many places to fish in Haifa itself, since most of the beaches are polluted in light of the port’s activities. On the other hand, we heard about fishermen fishing near the helicopter landing pad of Rambam Hospital and at Bat Galim Beach. In the south of the city the story is a bit different, and Bat Galim Beach is recommended – Although it is no longer possible to reach the shore with a vehicle as it was in the past, you can still find a rocky shore with rich and clean fish, where you can fish in several different methods.
In addition, Tantura Beach and the rocky Atlit Beach are additional recommendations.
Fishing Beaches in Acre
Along the entire coastal strip of Acre to the Mizra Hospital area.
Fishing Beaches in Nahariya
All along the coast of Nahariya to Rosh Hanikra. Recommended point for beginners – the pier of Nahariya.
Prohibition Period for Fishing in Israel
So when is it forbidden to fish on the shores of the Mediterranean?
Fishing is usually prohibited during the breeding season of the fish, in order to help the fish populations to produce a new generation of offspring, thus enabling the regeneration of the fish. The dates are not fixed and change every year depending on the timing of the breeding season – every year the fishing department in the ministry of agriculture publishes the exact dates, usually between April and June.
Throughout the breeding period, fishing is strictly prohibited in all fishing methods and at all depths of the defined fish species. It is advisable to make sure that you do not break the law, and read the full guidelines on the website of the Nature and Parks Authority.
