Poleg Sea Reserve

A variety of sponges in the Poleg Sea Reserve. Photographs: Tal Idan, Prof. Micha Ilan's laboratory, Tel Aviv University. The photo was taken using an underwater robot, robot operators: Oded Ezra, Itay Katzman, Assaf Giladi.

A Wonderful World in the Deep: Why Israel's Deep Sea Must Be Protected

Deep-sea research reveals unique habitats – from methane seeps and deep-sea corals to “sponge gardens” – but gas development, fishing and maritime traffic threaten them. The Society for the Protection of Nature presents a master plan for declaring marine reserves