State of Palestine · Spearfishing zone
Gaza Strip Maritime Activity Zone L (Oslo II fishing zone)
What this zone is
Overview
How spearfishing is treated at Gaza Strip Maritime Activity Zone L (Oslo II fishing zone).
Under Oslo II Annex I Article XIV, Palestinian fishing (and recreational) boats may operate in Zone L, nominally extending up to 20 nautical miles from the Gaza coast, carrying licences issued by the Palestinian Authority. In practice Israel controls access and has restricted the permitted zone to between 3 and 15 nautical miles, and on 18 January 2025 declared the waters a 'no-go zone' banning all fishing and sea access.
What applies here
Restrictions
Specific rules and limits that apply within this area.
Boats must carry a Palestinian Authority licence; no weapons, no ammunition, no fishing with explosives; engine/speed limits per Oslo II. Actual seaward limit set unilaterally by Israel and frequently reduced or closed entirely.
When it applies
Seasons
Time-of-year periods that affect spearfishing in this zone.
No statutory closed season; access is governed by Israeli security closures rather than a fishing calendar.
On the coast
Location
Approximate reference point for this zone. See the full picture on the interactive map.
31.4500°N, 34.2500°E
View on the mapSource
This zone is documented in the official source below.
Before you dive
License for State of Palestine
Whether you need a license to spearfish here, and how to get one.
Registration with the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture (Department of Fisheries), which maintains the register of Gaza fishers; vessel licences must conform to formats coordinated with the Israeli side per Oslo II.
Get your licenseOpens the official portal · ochaopt.org