Israel Bans Fishing in Sea of Galilee - Friday, May 14, 2010

Overfishing on the Sea of Galilee has led to a decision by the government of Israel to set a two year moratorium on fishing in Israel’s only lake.  The ban was approved last month by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Cabinet, but has to be approved by Parliament before it can take effect.

During that two year period the 200 licensed fishermen will be out of work, but will receive financial support.  Meanwhile, game officials will restock the lake.  Israeli officials and scientists who study the lake hope the fishing ban will allow the population of a local breed of tilapia, called St. Peter’s fish, to repopulate.  The species is popular with both locals and tourists.

Prime Minister Netanyahu told his Cabinet on April 18 that he is concerned.  He told them that he remembers fishing on the lake and it was excellent. According to scientist Ilia Ostrovsky, who studies the lake and serves on a committee that oversees the aquatic population, in recent years the fishermen started using smaller nets with smaller mesh.  It was necessary because the average size of the fish was smaller than they used to be and more fish were needed in order to match the tonnage of the big fish they caught in decades past.  In recent years, up to 80% of the fish pulled from the lake have been under legal size. 

According to Ostrovsky “the fishermen are sawing off the branch they are sitting on.” He went on to say that while the ban will be beneficial it must be followed by more stringent enforcement of fishing laws.

The ban won’t affect the many boats that ply the Sea of Galilee carrying tourists and pilgrims.  Daniel Carmel who operates two worship boats, Faith and Hope, said he sympathized with his fishing neighbours but didn’t fear for his livelihood.  He said “I’m fishing for men, and they can’t stop me from doing that.

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