Health Ministry Advises Temporary Fishing Ban Near Desalination Plants

Israel's Ministry of Health has recommended a temporary suspension of fishing activities in a specific area of the Mediterranean Sea. The recommendation stems from a recent treatment conducted to control algae growth near desalination facilities and in an adjacent buffer zone.

The Ministry of Agriculture has received this recommendation, which is based on an assessment by health ministry specialists. These specialists cited uncertainty regarding the specific type of algae involved and the potential consequences of the sea treatment. Due to this lack of complete information, the ministry is advising heightened caution until further data becomes available.

Fishing can resume once monitoring results confirm the absence of anomalies in fish and the marine environment, and that there are no health risks to the public, according to the Ministry of Health. The ministry emphasized that this is a precautionary measure, not based on confirmed danger.

The restriction applies solely to fishing in the treated zone and does not affect fish already available for sale in markets. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health stated that the incident has no impact on drinking water quality, and tap water remains safe for consumption.