Reforming Provisional (2007-2008) Sarotherodon galilaeus Landing Decline in Lake Kinneret (Israel)

Abstract

The background for the case analysis of the present paper is the landing decline of Sarotherodon galilaeus during 2007-2008 to the annual level of <10 ton whilst normal harvests varied between 170 and 350 t/y. The objectives of the study are aimed at exploring limnological conditions and fishery management which might be the cause for this case. The research methods are focusing at long-term analysis of entire environmental conditions. The results indicatively highlight that, as other fluctuations of limnological parameters (Plankton, Nutrients) in Lake Kinneret, the fishery decline of S. galilaeus is attributed to normal periodical cyclic trends. Therefore, a recommendation that was submitted as a total fishing ban for three years was strongly opposed. The total fishing ban recommendation was rejected because further demolishing processes within the ecosystem were predicted. This conclusion was justified later (2011-2016) when annual landings came to the normal level. Conclusive recommendations considered that the fishing ban was indicated as “Ecological Disorder” and its replacement by controlled fishing policy as “Order Policy” was successfully implemented.