Fishermen's Union Demands Transparency on Ashkelon Pollution, Compensation

Following the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security's declaration of a restricted fishing zone off the coast of Ashkelon, the Professional Fishermen's Organization has called for complete transparency from Israeli authorities regarding pollution incident test results. The organization urged the ministry to clarify the nature and source of the substances contaminating the sea, and whether tests were conducted on seawater, the seabed, and fish to assess risks to public health and the marine environment.

The union also demanded disclosure of the potential damage to the fishing sector and the fish marketing chain, including traders, shop owners, and restaurants. Fishermen stated they refuse to bear responsibility for pollution they did not cause and insisted on a comprehensive economic assessment if losses are confirmed.

The organization further called for a clear mechanism to compensate affected fishermen and provide necessary support, emphasizing that protecting the marine environment and food safety must go hand-in-hand with safeguarding the livelihoods of those in the fishing industry.