Sharks classified as top predators, also known as 'Alpha predators', engage in confrontations with humans on an Israeli seashore.
Beachfront Showdown: Israel's Hadera Coast and Its Aggressive Shark Guests
Situated along the Mediterranean coast of Israel, Hadera might as well be any other coastal area with its gleaming sand and azure waters. However, a closer inspection reveals a peculiar sight - shark fins cutting through the waves.
These sharks flock to this coastline during the colder months because of the warmth generated from a nearby power station's turbines. The result is a thrilling, yet potentially dangerous, cohabitation between these paint-black ocean predators and the adventurous bathers who dare to swim in the area.
Last month, a tragic incident occurred when a swimmer was viciously attacked and killed by a shark, leaving only his bones in the churning surf. Since then, locals, tourists, authorities, and marine experts have been grappling with how such a catastrophic incident occurred in waters previously thought safe, and what can be done to safeguard swimmers in the future.
"Sharks don't inflict harm and only attack when they feel threatened or encroached upon," says Irene Nurit Cohn, a member of the Zaka rescue agency's scuba unit and a seasoned diver. "I've been diving since 1982, and I've encountered countless sharks in my life. It's been exciting and awe-inspiring to observe their grace. But rest assured, they are not dangerous."
Cohn, who was part of the search team for Barak Tzach, a 45-year-old father of four, attributes the shocking attack to human recklessness.
"People were touching, taunting, and encroaching on the sharks' territory," she recounts. "The recent media attention has drawn even more crowds, leading to further disregard for the sharks' space."
- The Unheeded Red Alert -
Following the fatal attack, the local authorities promptly installed metal fences and "danger" signs, while blocking the access road to the adjacent nature reserve with a cement barrier. Seventeen days later, the barriers were removed, signaling a return to business as usual.
Despite the recent tragedy, Hadera's young, brave visitors, such as teens Carmel and Einav, appeared unfazed. "Sharks are my favorite animals, so I really wanted to see them," said Carmel. "But we promised each other we wouldn't venture into the water because it's dangerous."
Matan Ben David, a seasoned spear-fishing and diving instructor, echoed the sentiment, urging caution and respect for the ocean environment. "We, as visitors, are merely guests in this marine world. Sharks are an integral part of it, and they need our utmost respect and caution."
Witnessing close encounters with humanity, Ben David lamented the disregard for marine life encountered during his dives. "People congregating for selfies and categorically disregarding warnings and safety guidelines have provoked these magnificent creatures," he added.
Just like all unsupervised beaches in Israel, Hadera's swimming-prohibited coastline remains widely disregarded by bathers.
- Managing Human-Wildlife Conflict -
Leigh Livine, an experienced shark researcher who has been monitoring the area for the past four years, spoke on the escalating human-shark confrontations.
"Surprisingly, initial studies found that the sharks kept their distance from humans," Livine revealed. "However, as the interactions intensify with the increasing presence of human crowds, conflicts become inevitable."
Livine identified the sharks as a mixture of dusky and sandbar species, rendering the area a hub from November until May. And with each year witnessing rapidly climbing temperatures due to climate change, more swimmers venture into shark territories, escalating the risks of conflicts.
"I must admit, I'm shocked by the recent attack, but considering the frequents interactions between humans and sharks, it was only a matter of time," Livine admitted. "Attacks typically surface from invasions of shark territory or provocations."
Effective coexistence between humans and sharks can be achieved by integrating regulated human activity, public education, stronger enforcement, and continuous monitoring. Introducing seasonal bans on fishing, restrictions on motorboats, managed beach access, and safe viewing zones will ensure minimal risk to swimmers and the survival of the marine ecosystem. Furthermore, community awareness and vigilant safety measures during the high-risk colder months are imperative to prevent future attacks.
- In the realm of science and marine biology, Leigh Livine, a shark researcher, emphasizes the importance of integrating regulated human activity, public education, stronger enforcement, and continuous monitoring to facilitate effective coexistence between humans and sharks in order to prevent future attacks on Hadera's coastline, where dusky and sandbar sharks flock during the colder months due to a nearby power station's warmth.
- Meanwhile, in the health-and-wellness and sports sectors, Matan Ben David, a seasoned diver and instructor, stresses the significance of respect for marine life and environment and promotes caution, especially in shark-infested waters, where the thrill of spotting these magnificent creatures should not overshadow the potential dangers they pose.
