Rare Incident Highlights Need for Shark Regulation at Ogen Beach

Warning from the Nature Protection Society

In light of a recent incident at Ogen Beach in Hadera where a diver was injured by a shark, the Nature Protection Society has issued a stark warning regarding the dangers associated with shark populations in the area. They emphasized that this occurrence was expected due to the lack of regulatory measures governing shark sightings.

« Every winter in Israel, there is a unique phenomenon where sharks congregate at the outflow of warm water from power plants, » stated representatives from the society. « Given the fascinating nature of this event that attracts crowds, it was crucial for appropriate conservation and safety regulations to be implemented, but over the years, chaos has ensued instead. »

Need for Systematic Management

The Nature Protection Society pointed out that the beach has become overcrowded due to the influx of sharks. This has drawn in fishermen, boats, divers, snorkelers, and beachgoers, all congregating near a dangerous predator that is already at risk of extinction and unaccustomed to close human presence.

The organization conveyed that they had called for regulation of activities in this region four years ago through a professional review document. In their proposal, they highlighted three core principles: seasonal closure of shark congregation areas to fishing, restrictions on motorized vessels within the diving zstarts, and the establishment of a designated safe viewing area.

« The most suitable legal tool would be the seasonal designation of this area as a protected natural value during the sharks’ residency from October to May, » they explained. « This is a small site, less than 1 square kilometer, which could be managed effectively. »

Call for Ecological Tourism

Environmental management department head at EcoOcean, Hadas Gan-Prakal, stressed the urgency of establishing proper management and regulation of the shark congregation site. « The unfortunate incident in Hadera underscores the need for this urgent framework. It is vital for us to convey to the public and decision-makers that this rare event could have been prevented through responsible and organized site management, » she stated.

Gan-Prakal further noted that the fault does not lie with the sharks themselves, which are fascinating and necessary for the ecosystem but rather with the absence of a coherent framework that would ensure safe and respectful interaction with nature. « Now is the time to promote controlled ecological tourism that will protect both the public and sharks while preserving the delicate balance between humans and the marine environment. »

This incident serves as a reminder of the important connection between the community and their environment and the dire need for policies that will safeguard both public safety and our natural heritage