Marine ecology

Prof. Omri Bronstein of Tel Aviv University holds dead sea urchins. Photo courtesy of Tel Aviv University

Have we reached the point of no return in sea urchin extinction?

Naaman Stream with lots of debris at the end of the dry summer. Photo: Annalise Perry

Israeli study: Seasonal streams release microplastics into the Mediterranean Sea in “release” waves after rains

An Israeli study has revealed that seasonal streams are dumping large amounts of microplastics into the Mediterranean Sea. In the summer, the plastic particles accumulate, and during the rains, they are released in a large wave into the sea.
Sea urchin research at Tel Aviv University. Photo by Shahaf Ben Ezra

Pathogens, storms and extreme temperatures: the causes of mass sea urchin deaths

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A pair of studies from Tel Aviv University map 110 mass mortality events of sea urchins since 1888 and show that pathogens are the main cause, while also presenting a "corona swab" method for non-invasive genetic sampling under the skin.
Underwater military remains. Illustration: depositphotos.com

Weapons from World Wars on the Seabed – A Surprising Habitat for Marine Animals

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New research reveals that World War II munitions dumped in the Baltic Sea are home to a rich variety of marine organisms – despite high levels of toxic substances. Another finding points to a phenomenon
Global warming is causing stony corals, which already live at the edge of their suitable temperature range, to exceed their tolerance threshold. Corals in Eilat. Photo: Tom Schlesinger

Stony Corals: Reef Builders and Guardians of the Underwater World

Dr. Tom Schlesinger explains how tiny, fragile creatures create vast ecosystems, why they are sensitive to the climate crisis, and how childhood in Eilat led him to explore one of the great secrets of the sea.
Sampling using the ship L'Atalante

"Hitchhiking" microorganisms reflect ocean currents better than free-floating microorganisms

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New study finds that microorganisms associated with gastropods reflect ocean currents and environmental conditions better than "free" microorganisms
Small snails and sea urchins come to the boards in droves and destroy everything growing on them. Photo: Maxim Rubin-Blum and Yitzhak Makowsky

Palmachim Disorder: What is hiding hundreds of meters below the surface of the Mediterranean Sea?

Animal habitats have been placed deep in the sea off the coast of Israel. They reveal unique living conditions that have been almost unexplored.
Eilat's northern coast near the Kinet Canal, 23/4/2024. Collecting details and photographs by Omri O'Oshai

Who painted the beaches of Eilat pink?

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In April 2023 and 2024, mass die-offs of planktonic amphipods occurred in the Gulf of Eilat. Researchers have found that this was the effect of seasonal circular currents called eddies.
A whole and shining sea lily. The green color marks the location where there is enrichment for stem cells. Photo: Shani Talisa

A unique method from the world of medicine will save the corals from bleaching due to the climate crisis

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The researchers from the Laboratory of Comparative Immunology at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev decided to develop the ability to transplant stem cells between corals, just like bone marrow transplants in humans
Marine sediments containing many fossils, dated to the end of the Miocene, about 8 to 7 million years ago. Fish otoliths, oyster and snail shells, bryozoans and microscopic shells indicate the presence of many creatures in this area, which were analyzed in this study. Credit: Constantina Agiadi

When the Mediterranean became the Dead Sea: Scientists reveal new insights into an ancient marine mystery

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A close-up photo of the tube's shell openings. Photography by Ayelet Nir

A snail without limits

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The 'pipe builder' snail was awarded the title of 'environmental engineer', in light of its contribution to the construction of rocky surfaces on the coastline and reducing their rate of weathering in an effective way. It came to the brink of extinction, but researchers from Ben Gurion University succeeded
Studying the reproductive timing of corals. The image was prepared using DALEE and should not be considered a scientific image

Citi coral and village coral

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Prof. Oren Levy researches the timing of the reproduction of corals around the world and is surprised by Dioc. However the biological clock of the corals is not adapted to the volume lights
Almog Beach, Eilat. Illustration: depositphotos.com

Between sky and water

How growth of the mineral calcium carbonate affects the carbon dioxide cycle in the waters of the Bay of Eilat, and thus the ecosystem and climate warming
The "ZIM" company announced that due to the threats of the Houthis, it will route at least part of its cargo ships that arrive from the Eastern countries through a longer route around Africa. Illustration: depositphotos.com

Thus the Houthi threat may increase the pollution of cargo ships

Beyond the security and economic implications, the Houthi threat to the Red Sea may also have significant environmental consequences, which will further increase the polluting footprint of the maritime transport industry
A diverse coral reef off the coast of Sinai. Illustration: depositphotos.com

The preservation of genetic diversity increases the chance of preserving the survival of corals in various extreme conditions

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His groundbreaking research on corals and his environmental struggles to preserve them positioned Levia as one of the most respected researchers in Israel and the world. Photography: David Salem, Josip Productions

The researcher who fell in love with the coral reefs - and became a fighter for their preservation

A Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded as part of the 51st Annual Science and Environment Conference to Prof. Yossi Levia. In a celebratory interview, he talks about his love for the profession, the corals and the researchers who grew up in his laboratory - and also warns:
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