The sandy sediment areas
Many of the bathers, swimmers, walkers, swimmers and even divers on Israel's beaches are not aware of the world hidden under the sand. This time we will focus on what is happening in the sandy sediment areas on the coasts of Israel, which is directly related to the increased amount of cartilaginous fish and shellfish.
The animal world in the sand
In recent years, a sharp increase in the amount of animals such as crabs, hermit crabs, molluscs and vaginal worms has been observed on the shores of Israel. This increase is visible both on the sandy substrate and on the rocks, and provides cartilaginous fish and octopuses with abundant food. It is possible that the increase in quantity is related to weather conditions, since according to previous records, only in the last four years has there been a steep increase in the number of these food ingredients.
Cartilaginous fish and octopuses
In areas where a large amount of food was observed, such as in Nachsholim, Bat Galim Mizrah beach, Shekmona and more, trigons, bettas and octopuses were observed in large numbers. The octopuses, with a pair of large chitinous teeth and a strong ring muscle, are able to easily open shells. The betas, on the other hand, use a scraper-like set of teeth to crack their food.
A ban on cartilaginous fish fishing and the enforcement of fishing laws contributed greatly to the positive development of life in the sea. At the time of the Corona, the strict ban on fishing gave life in the sea a chance to recover in a significant way.
invaders and natives
In the Kariyat area, large amounts of parrot crabs were found, an invasive species that arrived for the first time in the sand feeding in 2012. Many trigons and gitrans come to the area to prey on them. Studies have even found remains of parrot crabs in the stomachs of guitarists who were washed ashore dead.
The importance of maintaining a natural balance
According to the researchers, it is important not to go out of town and excessively protect a certain species, as this may come at the expense of another species. The state of the sea in Israel is very good, and recovery in nature is a function of time. The less we interfere with nature, the better it will be.
A rosy future
As proof of this, Bat Galim beach is not a nature reserve, but it is blooming more than ever. The natural recovery of the sea proves that we have a bright future, at least in the maritime field. Thus, when we look at the sand on the shores of Israel, we should remember the world hidden beneath it and the importance of maintaining a natural balance for the benefit of all the creatures living in it.
Thank you very much Manti for the wonderful article. Fascinating photos and most of all a rosy future and hope that is so important to us these days and in general. All the best Moti
Dear Moti, you have pampered us with a magnificent article that shows us the beauty of the depths of the sea:) The photos are charming and of bomb quality! you're the best! Cheers!
Hi all my life I thought it was sea snails.
I have a mental phobia of going into the sea now
As someone who dives, I can testify that Moti is not just an optimist!
You updated me about these crabs, I thought it was a shellfish as usual, a good and interesting article
Shabbat Shalom Eve
Shells that we see are the homes of various molluscs and crustaceans and they serve as the food in the food chain.
An instructive article and brings hope that we have good and positive things!
Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart, Moti!
It is encouraging and refreshing to read today your optimistic opinion in the context of the recovery of the living world in the water. "Pink future".
I wish the day would come when we could say "a rosy future" for our wounded country.
Hello Neely.
This is the truth about nature.
And we hope that we will all arrive in peace.
Shabbat Shalom
Nice and high-quality article, Motty, as usual, the first victims of infections and fishing are indeed recovering and multiplying... The only thing left to do is to change the regulation that allows fishing for locusts because of the permitted size, these are the ones that multiply and are not allowed to be touched. Must change the installation!!!
Hello Bina
There are some animals whose status needs to be changed.
Like the invading sea urchins that are considered protected and this is a mistake and crying for generations.
Shabbat Shalom