Israel is well represented at the June 27-July 1 United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon. Director of the National Marine Environmental Protection Unit Rani Amir told the assembly, "Israel’s Mediterranean and Red Sea coastlines are among the country’s most valuable natural assets. Nearly 70 percent of the population, much of the country’s economic and commercial activity and a rich diversity of natural environmental culture are concentrated along these coastline strips."
Amir admitted that Israel’s marine environment had suffered great pollution over the years. Still, he said that since the mid-1990s, and most especially under the current government, conditions have improved, including identifying marine areas to be protected and preventing overfishing.