Health Ministry Advises Fishing Ban Near Desalination Plants Amid Algal Bloom Uncertainty

Israel's Ministry of Health has recommended a temporary ban on fishing in areas near water desalination facilities in the Mediterranean Sea, following an algal bloom and subsequent treatment. The ministry stated that due to uncertainty regarding the identity of the algae and the effects of the treatment applied to the sea, a precautionary approach is necessary. The recommendation, forwarded to the Ministry of Agriculture, advises prohibiting fishing in the treated zone and an adjacent buffer area.

Fishing should only resume after monitoring results confirm no unusual findings in fish and marine life, and no public health risks are detected. The ministry emphasized that this is a precautionary measure, not based on a proven danger, aimed at protecting public health while information gaps exist. The recommendation specifically targets fishing activities and does not advise against consuming fish already available in markets. The ministry also clarified that the water desalination process remains unaffected, and drinking water quality is not compromised.