Hook removed from eel
(Israel Nature and Parks Authority)
An eel's life was saved on Sunday, off the coast of Eilat when a fishing hook was removed from his mouth by a marine conservationist.
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The Muraena, a large species and is commonly found in the Mediterranean, tropical and sub-tropical waters and around coral reefs.
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hook removed from an eel off the coast of Eilat
(Photo: Israel Nature and Parks Authority)
First reports of the wounded fish came in a Facebook post on Saturday, after he was seen by a local diver. On Sunday, a deep sea diving instructor also encountered the troubled eel and called preservationists from the Nature and Parks Authority who set out to locate and treat it.
It was eventually found at the depth of 14 meters (45 feet). " I saw aMuraena, which I recognized as Gymnothorax undulatus, with a substantial fishing hook in its mouth," preservationist Omri Amosi said. "Using a mechanical cutter that I had carried with me, I was able to release it and set the fish free. I have been trained in the procedure and it is part of my job," he said as he extended his thanks to the local DeepSiam diving club for their vigilance and help.
The Nature and Parks Authority said the divers' cooperation and care for nature was critical and their timely report was received with gratitude.
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Fishing hook removed from eel off the coast of Eilat
(Photo: Israel's Nature and Parks Authority)
Fishing hooks are among the main culprits in the wounding of sea life which is attracted to the bate attached to it.