The shutdown of fishing in the Sea of ​​Galilee is underway

The shutdown is for the purpose of preserving the fish, restoring the ecological balance and maintaining the water quality in the lake

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development announces the absolute non-renewal of fishing licenses in the Sea of ​​Galilee for two years, from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2012. In other words, during these two years, unauthorized fishing activities of any kind in the Sea of ​​Galilee will be completely prohibited in the entire Sea of ​​Galilee, in the Jordan River in the spillway section Kinneret, and in all streams that flow into Kinneret. At the same time as increased enforcement actions, actions will be taken to proactively stock fish in the lake and conduct research.

The announcement of the shutdown of fishing in the Sea of ​​Galilee follows the government's decision of 18.4.10/1604/XNUMX (No. XNUMX). During the shutdown period, the personal fishing licenses and licenses for ships to engage in fishing in the Sea of ​​Galilee will be frozen and their owners will not be required to pay the annual fee.

The decision to shut down was made in light of data collected by the Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, from which it emerged that the amount of fishing in the Sea of ​​Galilee has decreased in the last decade, and especially in the last two years, by tens of percent every year to a critical level. The data raised a real fear of an ecological disaster that would occur following the loss of the fishing resource in the Sea of ​​Galilee and its transformation into a fishless lake.
The fishing ban is forced by reality in view of the public interest in maintaining a sustainable amount of fish in the Sea of ​​Galilee, in order to maintain the ecological balance, and also in order to enable a reasonable livelihood for fishermen in the years to come. The plan is in line with the recommendations of the Fishing Areas Committee of the OECD organization for the management of sustainable fishing areas.

The Director of the Fisheries Division at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Haim Anjuni: "This decision will benefit the real fishermen, who are engaged in the profession for their livelihood, because thanks to it the fish population in the Sea of ​​Galilee will recover, and will allow them to earn a living in the years to come."

In order to minimize the damage to fishermen during the shutdown period, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is currently formulating a plan to support fishermen, whose main livelihood is from the industry. Fishermen who kept books legally, will receive support in relation to their income.

In accordance with the government's decision and towards the end of the shutdown period (31.12.2012), the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will help the fishermen of the Sea of ​​Galilee to return to regular fishing activities, and will support the purchase of equipment and the upgrading of the fishing boats.

A person who fishes in the Sea of ​​Galilee during the shutdown period will be subject to the penalties provided by law, including an administrative fine of NIS 1,000 and the seizure of fishing equipment and the ship, for fishing without a license.