The Bible recounts two stories in which fishermen, thanks to Jesus, made enormous catches that fed their communities for weeks. These events likely took place on the Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Kinneret, where Jesus preached.
A new study has revealed that the miracle mentioned can be explained by a natural phenomenon that occurs at certain times of the year.
What Did the Scientists Discover?
Researchers from the Kinneret Limnological Laboratory in Israel found that at the depths of this water body, the oxygen levels are significantly lower. This is due to an increase in blooming phytoplankton, which blocks oxygen access, causing fish to suffocate, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The scientists recalled two events from 2012 when thousands of dead fish floated to the surface of the lake along the shore.
“Our research may explain the appearance of a large number of fish available near the shore, as described in biblical accounts,” the team noted. According to the scientists, their theory supports the idea that Jesus’s miracles regarding the colossal fish catch could have actually occurred.
Satellite image of the Sea of Galilee
How Was the Research Conducted?
The scientists aimed to determine how the fishermen achieved such an incredible catch. The team deployed sensors in the lake to track water temperature, as well as wind direction and speed. The data collected confirmed that the low oxygen levels in the water were caused by strong winds blowing from the west.
Co-author of the study, Yael Amitai, explained: “The Sea of Galilee is a stratified lake. The upper layer is warm and oxygen-rich, while the lower layer is cold and devoid of oxygen.”
Lake Kinneret is a warm lake, with surface temperatures never dropping below 3.9 °C. It features layers of varying temperatures formed by differences in water density. Twice a year, the lake undergoes a process known as thermal stratification, where the warmer upper layer mixes with the colder lower layer.
During the 4-6 weeks of thermal stratification in March and April, Lake Kinneret becomes anoxic, meaning it effectively loses oxygen and can no longer support most aquatic life.
According to the study, in 2012, this natural phenomenon primarily affected the zooplanktonic carp, which make up a significant portion of the lake’s population. However, other dead fish were also found, including catfish, tilapia, and mullet.
The researchers noted that this phenomenon is not uncommon; it is also observed in other lakes around the world. Ultimately, the scientists suggested that the conditions in the lake 2,000 years ago were similar to those today. During the time of biblical miracles, the region was densely populated by farmers, with an estimated population of around 200,000, comparable to the current numbers.