Sharks return to Hadera coast as Israel Nature and Parks Authority warns swimmers to stay away

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) has renewed its warning against diving and snorkeling near sharks gathering off the coast of Hadera, as the marine predators return to the waters surrounding the city's power plant for their annual winter aggregation.The authority emphasized that swimming is prohibited in the area and that entering the water poses significant risks due to strong currents and whirlpools created by the power plant's warm-water discharge. Fishing equipment, including loose hooks and fishing lines, also presents a danger to divers and swimmers.Dozens of sharks gather near Hadera power plant each winterSharks gather near the Hadera power plant annually between November and May, with the group typically numbering several dozen individuals.However, the INPA stressed that the sharks are not confined to the power plant area and have also been observed at other beaches along Israel's coast.The public has therefore been urged to avoid approaching sharks while diving or snorkeling at other beaches.The authority warned that shark encounters are unpredictable and cannot be controlled. In April 2025, an encounter between a shark and a person who entered the water near Hadera ended in a fatality.Sharks are protected species under Israeli lawThe INPA reminded the public that sharks are protected wildlife in Israel and that harming, harassing, or feeding them is prohibited by law.Violations of these restrictions can…