Due to a number of reasons, including a sharp increase in illegal fishing, a shrinking fish population and water concerns, the Ministry of Agriculture is seriously considering a six-month ban on fishing in the Kinneret.

The ministry has already turned to the treasury seeking funding for implementing a fishing ban, which would include compensatory payment to fisherman who earn their livelihood by fishing the Kinneret. The continued drop in the fish population has officials concerned, and the temporary ban is one possible solution. Other solutions, which are not reported at present, are also under consideration. A final determination is to be announced at a later date.

In the past, there were attempts to address the shrinking fish population by banning fishing one day a week but at present, it marks the first time that the ministry is discussing the possibility of halting fishing entirely.

Ministry officials add that a drastic decision such as banning fishing, even temporarily, will not be taken before proper research data is available, further stating the livelihood of fisherman remains a matter of paramount importance and it will not be ignored.

The pirate fishermen, those without authorization, have officials concerned, as well as establishing criteria as to what classifies one as an ‘authorized fishermen’ and who earns their livelihood fishing and who doesn’t . This too must be determined to decide which fisherman will receive compensation.

Tiveria Mayor Zohar Oveid has another solution which he feels is preferable to paying fishermen NIS 5,000 a month for not fishing, by permitting them to fish for silurid and sell them to people who eat non kosher.

Veteran fisherman Menachem Lev of Kibbutz Ein Gev feels a six-month ban is not sufficient. He claims a one-year ban minimum is required to permit the fish population to replenish. He also suggests that during that time period, fishermen should be compelled to undergo training so upon their return; they are operating on a higher more professional standard.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)