Every winter, dozens of sandbar and dusky sharks make their way to the warm waters near the Hadera power station, turning the Israeli coastline into an unlikely hub for shark-watchers and marine researchers. Drawn by the steady outflow of heated water from the plant, these large but non-aggressive sharks gather in a remarkable seasonal display just meters from the shore—an event unique in the Mediterranean. Earlier today, a sandbar shark was spotted near Hadera by local divers, marking one of the first sightings of the spring and signaling the possible return of the seasonal gathering.
Despite common fears, shark attacks in Israel are virtually nonexistent, and the species frequenting the area are generally docile. From smooth-hound sharks to the elusive catsharks found closer to the sea floor, the country’s marine life offers a safe and intriguing glimpse into the world of sharks. Conservationists hope this growing interest will help protect these misunderstood creatures, whose biggest threats are overfishing and habitat disruption—not curious swimmers.
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