(Haipo) – Observations I have been making over the past year in the waters of Haifa Bay and along Israel's Mediterranean coast indicate a recovery in marine life. Many species that had disappeared from the marine landscape have reappeared in significant numbers, including octopuses, spotted stingrays, wingtips and sea hares, alongside increasing reports of sharks at various points along the coast.
The Kishon River's outlet to the sea is recovering and Haifa Bay is teeming with life
The sea areas in Haifa are showing significant signs of improvement, and according to my observations, during regular diving in Haifa Bay, the sea is cleaner than in the past. The Kishon River, which was notorious for its heavy pollution, has begun to recover – the terrible smell that characterized it has disappeared and life has returned to it in part, thanks in part to better pollution control.
The construction of the Gulf Port had an unexpected positive impact:
The port largely blocked the flow of the Kishon River into the sea, thereby contributing to improving the water quality in the bay. As a result, many types of fish, shellfish, and land-dwelling animals now inhabit Haifa Bay.
Disappeared species return to Israeli shores
Octopuses that had disappeared from the Mediterranean landscape for many years have reappeared in good numbers, and large individuals are being reported. Spotted and winged octopuses of various types, not previously seen in large numbers, are now being observed in the Haifa areas, including the sandy harbor breakwaters, as well as on the central coast. Sea hares are being reported from almost all coastal points in the country. Species that were previously seen very rarely can be observed with increasing frequency.
The Corona period as a turning point for marine rehabilitation
The improvement in marine life began during the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns that followed. In the absence of human activity – no boats and no disturbances of any kind – nature was able to quickly restore itself. The break that was imposed on the public, even in open areas, caused dozens of species to come closer to the shore and breed between lockdowns, and the phenomenon was documented almost in real time.
Strengthening fishing restrictions by the Ministry of Agriculture
Restrictions on fishing, especially during the breeding season, and increased monitoring of infections have contributed to the improvement. An accumulation of sharks and rays is observed, which are observed and reported in more and more places, with the large number of rays also consuming food from other species - although ultimately, the ecosystem balances itself.
Great article!
Short and to the point and even optimistic…
Lovely pictures. Thank you for sharing and for the professional and interesting articles. Best regards, dear Moti.
Dear Moti. Interesting article. Thanks for sharing. You have very interesting articles and lovely photography. Straight to the point.
Thank you very much Mark and have a good week.