Israel Warns of Shark Danger at Hadera Power Plant Outflow
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Israel's Nature and Parks Authority issued a severe warning about sharks gathering at the Hadera power station's warm water outflow, a phenomenon occurring annually from November to May. The authority cautioned against swimming, diving, or snorkeling in the area due to unpredictable shark encounters, strong currents, and discarded fishing gear, recalling a fatal incident in 2025. Sharks are a protected species, and disturbing them is illegal, with authorities urging the public to observe them from a safe distance on shore.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel's Nature and Parks Authority warned of shark dangers at Hadera's power plant outflow.
- Swimming and diving are prohibited due to unpredictable shark encounters and strong currents.
- A diver died in 2025 after a shark encounter in the same hazardous area.
- Discarded fishing gear poses an additional entanglement risk to swimmers and divers.
- Sharks are a protected species, and disturbing them is a criminal offense.
- The public is urged to observe the sharks from a safe distance on shore.
The Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) issued a severe warning on Tuesday to the public regarding diving, snorkeling, and swimming near concentrations of sharks off the coast of Hadera. With the onset of winter, dozens of sharks return to Israeli shores, particularly to the warm water outflow from the Hadera power station. This annual phenomenon, occurring between November and May, attracts many onlookers but is officially designated as a prohibited swimming area where human-shark encounters are unpredictable and uncontrollable.
The INPA emphasized that disregarding these guidelines could have dire consequences, recalling the tragic death of diver Barak Tzach in April 2025 due to a shark encounter in the area. Beyond the direct threat from sharks, the authority highlighted significant environmental hazards at the power station's outflow, including strong currents and whirlpools capable of sweeping away even experienced swimmers and divers. Additionally, discarded fishing gear, such as lines and hooks, poses a serious entanglement risk to divers.
Sharks have recently been sighted not only in Hadera but also along other stretches of Israel's coastline, prompting the INPA to urge the public to maintain a safe distance if encountering them. The authority also stressed that sharks are a protected natural asset, with some species facing severe endangerment. Harming, disturbing, approaching, or feeding sharks is strictly prohibited by law and carries severe penalties.
The shark gatherings in Hadera's warm waters typically consist of several dozen individuals from two main species: the Sandbar shark, reaching up to 3 meters and 150 kg, and the Gulper shark, up to 2 meters and 70 kg. Research indicates sharks are drawn to the warm outflow for rest and physiological processes like digestion and reproduction, making it crucial not to disturb them.
Yigal Ben Ari, Director of the Marine Unit at the INPA, explained that Mediterranean shark populations are significantly depleted due to overfishing and accidental bycatch. He underscored their vital role as apex predators in maintaining marine ecosystems by preying on weaker animals, thereby strengthening other species and the overall marine environment. The INPA reiterated its call for the public to observe the phenomenon safely from the shore only.
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