A disappearing marine world • Bat Galim's underwater archive

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Bat Galim, that underwater gem that became famous thanks to its biological richness, which is like only a few other beaches in Israel.

Over the years, Bat Galim has become the focus of the story of a world that is increasingly forgotten, a world of fish, coral, and a variety of marine creatures that were an integral part of the ecological fabric of the open coast. Today, as illustrated by drawings made over the years, it is possible to observe the profound change that has taken place in the area - a change leading to a new, perhaps not always positive, balance of underwater life.

Mediterranean gnome (Photo: Motti Mendelsohn)

The early years – a rich and diverse underwater world

Until the 60s, when underwater cameras were not yet available, the coast of Bat Galim thrived in its beauty and marine richness. Divers who spent their time in the sea waters would return with a variety of prey – loaches, red rock stingrays, quok-quok fish that washed up in distress, and hornets that fluttered on the rock surfaces at low tide. All of this was much more than just a natural phenomenon – it was Bat Galim’s golden age.

A large guitar (Photo: Motti Mendelsohn)

Along the open coast, divers experienced fascinating days filled with a variety of marine life. The Bat Galim pool was at its peak, and Miriam's famous kiosk, which was only accessible by stairs, played music by Paul Mauriat and Dalida in the background, and the images of the heavy loco fish pulled from the sea were etched in the memories of everyone who watched them.

The sea date… the bait of fishermen (Photo: Motti Mendelsohn)

The influence of time – change in ecology

Borim Band (Photo: Motti Mendelsohn)

Over the years, human influence and ecological violations have begun to change the situation. A sharp decline in the number of certain fish species, along with the arrival of invasive species, has completely changed the picture. While in the 60s it was possible to see fish such as the locus, the librarian, and the marmyrus, today there are species that have almost completely disappeared such as the albacore squid and the introduction of many invasive species that have damaged the existing ecological balance.

At the same time, the beaches have also changed. The breakwaters, which for years were stable bottom surfaces, have become more vulnerable, and have been damaged by stormy weather, causing cyclical destruction and restoration of coastal and marine areas.

The Western Breakwater before the repair (Photo: Motti Mendelsohn)

The story of the disappearing fish

Without a doubt, what stood out during the golden age of Bat Galim was the variety of fish that grew and lived in the area. Cyphon fish, burins, and various rays that roamed the waters, while alongside the unique Mediterranean sea, magnificent corals also lived. The Marmirus fish (also called "marmors" by the fishermen) that roamed the waters, became a symbol of those days. These scenes may seem like a distant memory today.

Real-time correction (Photo: Motti Mendelsohn)

Will Bat Galim's glory days return?

Can we expect to see as rich and diverse underwater life as in the old days? Perhaps, but certainly not in the same glamorous form. We may never see cars like the Dauphin, the Fiat Topolino, and the Simca Alf parked next to the ballroom at the old casino again, but a positive change is taking place.

Soon, on the beach and in the waters of Bat Galim, a new, refreshing and surprising balance may emerge, reflecting nature’s ability to renew and adapt. This is a process that takes time – but there is reason for optimism. The sea, with all the changes it undergoes, is not only a source of new living conditions, but also a place for the renewal of the nature it represents.

Bat Galim's rosy future will continue to emerge – perhaps not like it used to be, but definitely in a new, interesting and exciting direction.

The Towson… The concentration was high in Bat Galim (Photo: Moti Mendelsohn)

The Divers' Archive: Memories from the Depths

In order to better understand the changes that have occurred in the underwater world of Bat Galim, it is important to go back and examine the memories that have been preserved over the years. Drawings, old photographs and reports from the 60s share descriptions of experiential diving experiences and details of marine creatures that thrived at a certain point. The story of unfamiliar fish, creatures that went extinct or thrived under different conditions, is not only a testament to change, but also a call for awareness and protection of the balance of our marine ecosystem.

Tsalchit and its territory (Photo: Motti Mendelsohn)

Concluding words

The story of Bat Galim is not only a story of the past, but also a story of today and the future. We must remember the wealth that prevailed in the past, and at the same time not ignore the changes that are taking place today. As an article written from memories of the past, but aimed at today and tomorrow, the aspiration is to understand the consequences of ecological changes and commit to maintaining the balance, so that the names of the good days of Bat Galim will remain in our memory not only as a memory, but also as a destination.

Will there be a place for celebrations of Bat Galim's golden age? The answer lies in our power – in awareness, actions, and love for the stunning and wild nature that resides in the depths of the sea.

contact: At watsapBy email

Motty Mendelssohn
Motty Mendelssohn
Marine researcher (diving, underwater photography) and marine and environmental ecology for 35 years. Lecturer in the field for about 20 years. You can order a lecture, or a series of lectures accompanied by unique and spectacular photos, taken during many years of research, in Israel and abroad, ecological tours within Israel and tours of the Dead Sea sinkholes • 050-7271157 • [email protected]

More articles from the same reporter

6 תגובות

  1. Very interesting.
    It is extremely important to maintain an ecological balance between development and nature.
    Bat Galim...remembers the beach, which was clear and certainly bustling with human activity and the life of sea creatures.

  2. Fascinating article!
    I completely agree that the answer to the future of Bat Galim lies in our hands, in our actions and in our love for the underwater world.
    I really liked the picture of the Towson fish :) It's adorable, congratulations

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