Jump to content

Rosh HaNikra Islands

Coordinates: 33°04′19″N 35°05′40″E / 33.07194°N 35.09444°E / 33.07194; 35.09444
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rosh HaNikra Islands
Native name:
איי ראש הנקרה
Rosh HaNikra Islands is located in Northern Haifa region of Israel
Rosh HaNikra Islands
Rosh HaNikra Islands
Location of Rosh HaNikra Islands
Geography
LocationMediterranean Sea, near Rosh HaNikra, Israel
Coordinates33°04′19″N 35°05′40″E / 33.07194°N 35.09444°E / 33.07194; 35.09444
Total islands3
Major islandsShahaf, Nahalieli, T'chelet
Administration
Israel
Demographics
PopulationUninhabited
Additional information
Part of a nature reserve, visiting is prohibited

The Rosh HaNikra Islands (Hebrew: איי ראש הנקרה, Iye Rosh Hanikra) are a group of three Israeli islands in the Mediterranean Sea, named Shahaf, Nahalieli and T'chelet. The islands are located approximately 800 meters offshore, near Rosh HaNikra. These islands are a single geological unit with the Achziv Islands, that are further south. The depth of the sea water around them is approximately between 7 and 9 meters. The Rosh HaNikra Islands are characterized by many natural pools that provide a natural habitat for various life forms.

The Rosh HaNikra Islands are a part of a natural reserve, and visiting the islands is prohibited. These islands are the only place in Israel where certain rare birds nest: the white wagtail, the European herring gull, and the common tern. The waters surrounding the islands contain a rich variety of marine life.

In ancient days, the islands had a certain economic and commercial significance as they were a natural habitat for the sea snail from which Tyrian purple dye was produced.[citation needed]

References

[edit]