First case study site chosen for detailed analysis: Rosh HaNikra Marine Reserve

The first part of this reserve was approved for protection in 1965 consisted of 311 dunams of mostly terrestrial area along the shore. An extension approved in 2009, added over 2,000 dunam and provides protection over a geographical area from the Rosh HaNikra grottos to the limits of the territorial waters (see chronological establishment of protection in the table below).

The reserve includes a long stretch of beach about 6.5 km, between Rosh National Park in the north to the remains of Achziv port in the south. The marine part consists of a number of small bays with partially submerged abrasion tables (and tidal pools).  It encompasses a reef system at about 1.5 km offshore and six offshore islands in two clusters.

There are the isles of Rosh Hanikra: Techelet (“Light Blue”), Shachaf (“Seagull”), Nachlieli (“Wagtail”) and farther south the cluster of Achziv isles:  Sgavion (named for the head of the synagogue at Achziv at the time of the Mishnah), Achziv Isle and the Achziv Reef isle. The islands are a focal point for nesting birds particularly for the Nachlieli. The isles have been classified as a nature reserve. The Isles, a single geological unit, make up tops of the western calcareous (Kurkur) mountain range of the Galilee coastal plain. They were formed as a result of the destruction of the calcareous ridge and the resulting eastward retreat of the coast.

There are a multitude of caves and tunnels in the natural rock structures along the shore, including a tunnel about 10 m, with a number of openings that create natural water fountains.These caves and holes are home to a variety of organizms, including octopus, sponges, crabs and various fish. In the reserve are a number of dive sites.