A multi-disciplinary team was commissioned by the Environmental Protection Service to prepare a statutory land use plan for the Mediterranean coast of Israel. Suitability for tourist and recreation development was assessed on the basis of geological, vegetation and landscape surveys. Five levels of intensity of development were defined for beach activities and four levels for visitor activities and accommodation in the hinterland. The allocation of level of development for each site along the Mediterranean coastline was checked in relation to resource sensitivity. The plan includes regulations for the protection of natural and manmade resources, for maximum visitor capacity, for beach services and accommodation, for the location of offshore structures and for development at river mouths,