Sponge Fishing Regulation

This Regulation deals with sponge fishing in Israel. It defines rules for the issuance of fishing licences in special areas. The maximum number of fishing vessels and diving equipment operating in the same time are restricted to two. The vessels and the equipment must be technically and mechanically efficient. Personnel must be well-trained and qualified as sponge fishermen; fishing is prohibited from 31.October to 1 April; net fishing, drilling and scrubbing are prohibited sponge fishing methods. Allowed sponge size for fishing is defined from 12.5 cm to 40 cm; Government Inspections can be carried out on vessels and offences may be convicted to the transgressors;