Fisheries Division: Strict restrictions on the use of drones for fishing purposes

(Haipo) – The Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has issued a public notice stating that there is a general ban on the use of drones for fishing purposes, following new regulations by the Civil Aviation Authority that prohibit the throwing of objects from drones. The ban also applies to holders of a sport fishing license.
A well-known and particularly disturbing phenomenon in the Shikmona and Bat Galim areas…

New regulations prohibit throwing objects from drones

In a statement issued by Guy Rubinstein, Director of the Fisheries Division and Chief Fisheries Officer, it was stated that back on February 27, 2020, the Fisheries Division announced that the use of drones for fishing purposes requires possession of a sport fishing license. However, following the Aviation Regulations (Operation of Drones) 2024, and in particular Regulation 24 that recently came into effect, which comprehensively prohibits the throwing of objects from drones, it was clarified that there is now a general prohibition on the use of drones for fishing purposes, even for those who hold a sport fishing license.

Exception: Holders of a pilot operating license may submit an application

However, the announcement noted that a person who holds a license to operate aircraft for fishing purposes from the Airports Authority, in accordance with Section 36 of the regulations, may apply to the Chief Fisheries Officer with a request to fish using a drone, and his application will be considered. To the extent that the application is approved, and subject to also holding a sport fishing license, this will be noted on the applicant's sport fishing license. This is therefore a limited exception that is conditional on receiving individual approval from the Chief Fisheries Officer, and not a blanket permit.