More room, but fish still not biting for Gazans

4 April 2016, 8:21 pm

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In Gaza local fishermen say they returned from their first expedition in an expanded fishing zone with a paltry catch.

The head of the Gaza fishermen’s union, Zakareya Bakr, says some 280 boats snatched up an average of just eight kilograms (17 Ibs.) of fish. He says the catch includes red mullet, sea bream, grouper and some small rays.

Palestinian fishermen prepare fish for sale after a night long fishing trip, in Gaza seaport , Monday, April 4, 2016. (AP/ Khalil Hamra) — Palestinian fishermen prepare fish for sale after a night-long fishing trip, in Gaza seaport, April 4, 2016. (AP/ Khalil Hamra)

Israel set a three-mile limit in 2007 after the Hamas militant group seized control of Gaza from forces loyal to Western-backed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. It expanded it to six miles after an eight-day war with Hamas in 2012. The new maritime perimeter expands the fishing zone an additional three miles off parts of Gaza.

“Fishing in six miles is like fishing in a swimming pool,” says fisherman Shaker Salah. “Expanding it provides an open space, which is better.”

— AP