The team, which included 10 divers, from Israel and the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park, examined 36 underwater sites at different depths. The aim of the research was to understand the invasion routes of the alien algae and to develop more effective monitoring methods for the marine reserve
Dr. Tal Lozato Canaan and her team fromSchool of Marine Sciences Charney at Haifa University recently completed a fascinating research trip to the Galapagos Islands. For 8 days, the Israeli researchers collaborated with their local colleagues in the study of invasive algae that threaten the unique ecosystem of the islands.
The team, which included 10 divers, from Israel and the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park, examined 36 underwater sites at different depths. The aim of the research was to understand the invasion routes of the alien algae and to develop more effective monitoring methods for the marine reserve.
Omri Nahor, a doctoral student from the laboratory of Dr. Lozato Canaan, in collaboration with Prof. Alvaro Israel from the Institute for the Study of Seas and Lakes in Israel, is leading the research with the support of the AKD scholarship which encourages cooperation between Israel and the Galapagos. The project combines knowledge from the Mediterranean Sea, which serves as a "laboratory" for climate change, with the unique challenges of the Galapagos Islands.
The expedition, hosted on the research ship Cachalote Explorer, collected a lot of data and samples that will help in understanding the invasion processes and formulating recommendations for decision makers regarding the protection of biodiversity on the islands.
The international collaboration, with Dr. Inti Keith from the Charles Darwin Research Station, emphasizes the importance of the global effort in maintaining unique ecosystems.
While the research results are still being processed, the expedition marks a significant step in understanding the environmental challenges in the Galapagos Islands and developing strategies to protect one of the most special places in the world.
