Israel has imposed a two-year ban on fishing in the Sea of Galilee in an effort to preserve the supply of fish, which has dropped dramatically.

"This stems from a desire to maintain an ecological balance, preserve water quality and revive fishing which has nearly died out in the Kinneret," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a cabinet meeting Sunday.

"We will support the fishermen and make sure the lake is restocked with fish," he added.

The Agriculture Ministry blames the drop on overfishing and the use of illegal nets.

The new law puts a halt to a practice that dates back to biblical times, according to Agence France-Presse.

The Bible describes how Jesus recruited some of his apostles from among the lake's fishermen, and how he performed many of his miracles there, including walking on its waters.