Sponge Fishing Regulation Country/Territory Israel Document type Regulation Date 1937 (1986) Source FAO, FAOLEX Original source Dinim Vol.7 pp. 3737 Subject Fisheries Keyword Marine fisheries Fishing gear/fishing method Size Offences/penalties Equipment Inspection Fishing area Seasons Aquatic animals Fishing authorization Fishery management and conservation Authorization/permit Geographical area Asia, Europe and Central Asia, Mediterranean, Middle East, Western Asia Abstract 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; Full text Hebrew