The Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority announce the implementation of a seasonal fishing ban in defined areas in the Sea of Galilee, with the aim of preserving natural resources and ensuring the sustainability of fishing in Israel.
The restrictions will take effect from April 26th and will last until July 15th.
During this period, commercial and sport fishing will be prohibited in the central spawning areas, which will be marked with designated buoys in the area. In the remaining areas of the lake, fishing activity will be permitted in accordance with fishing regulations.
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These restrictions are intended to protect spawning areas during the breeding season, which is a critical period for tilapia and other species, which occurs with the warming of the water in the spring.
During this period, the tilapia build nests on the bottom of the lake, and after laying eggs, the female tilapia carry the eggs and fry in their mouths until the fry are mature enough to become independent.
This is a unique process from which the tilapia's name ("Mother-Nun") is derived, due to its maternal devotion to the fish. Any disruption at this stage could significantly harm the next generation.
As a reminder, several weeks ago, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority announced the beginning of the fishing ban period during the breeding season in the Mediterranean Sea. The decision was made in accordance with the recommendations of the professional committee, with the participation of government ministries, academic researchers, and representatives of the fishing community, and within the framework of which fishing restrictions will be applied in the Mediterranean Sea between May 1 and June 30, 2026, alongside the suspension of trawl fishing between July 1 and August 31, 2026.
In order to enforce the guidelines, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Nature and Parks Authority will increase their field supervision activities, throughout the day and night. Alongside enforcement, emphasis will be placed on educating the fishing public and lake users.
Guy Rubinstein, Director of the Fisheries Division at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security: "Maintaining the fish population in the Sea of Galilee is a national interest of the highest order. The spawning period is a critical window of time during which any disturbance could harm the future generation of fish, and therefore the restrictions we apply are necessary, and are based on professional knowledge and many years of experience. Shutting down fishing during the breeding season is a key management tool, alongside additional actions such as stocking millions of minnows in the Sea of Galilee each year to strengthen and preserve the fishery. We are working together with all parties in the field to allow the fishery to renew itself, and to ensure that the public will also be able to enjoy a sustainable natural resource in the years to come.".
