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.
Native name: איי ראש הנקרה | |
|---|---|
  Rosh HaNikra Islands Location of Rosh HaNikra Islands | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Mediterranean Sea, near Rosh HaNikra, Israel |
| Coordinates | 33°04′19″N 35°05′40″E / 33.07194°N 35.09444°E |
| Total islands | 3 |
| Major islands | Shahaf, Nahalieli, T'chelet |
| Administration | |
Israel | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
| Additional information | |
| Part of a nature reserve, visiting is prohibited | |
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
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