Biological Danger to the Environment from the Red Sea
"Globes" Israel's Business NewspaperTzvi Levinson, Sharon Amram-Ben Shabat and Gil Dror - Advocates May 2004
Due to the difference of 1.2 meters between sea level in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, numerous foreign species have migrated from the Red Sea through the Suez Canal operated by Egypt, negatively affecting native Mediterranean marine species in Israeli coastal waters. Under Article 2(a) of the Barcelona Convention, dealing with the protection of the marine environment and coastline of the Mediterranean Sea, the term pollution is defined in relevant part as “introduction by man, directly or indirectly, of substances or energy into the marine environment. . . which results, or is likely to result, in such deleterious effects as harm to living resources and marine life, . . . hindrance to marine activities, . . . and reduction of amenities.” In the article we explain why, through Egypt’s negligence and failure to observe the precautionary principle enshrined in the Barcelona Convention, Egypt has committed a violation of the Convention that is actionable and that should be brought urgently by Israel both to redress past harm and to prevent future harm.