Mediterranean Coast Of Israel Research Articles

Cryptocentrus steinhardti (Actinopterygii; Gobiidae): a new species of shrimp-goby, and a new invasive to the Mediterranean Sea.

A new species of shrimp-goby was collected at depths of 60–80 m off the southern Israeli Mediterranean coast. A unique ‘DNA barcoding’ signature (mtDNA COI and Cytb) revealed that it differs from any other previously bar-coded goby species clustered phylogenetically with the shrimp-gobies group, in which Cryptocentrus is the most speciose genus. A morphological study supported the assignment of the fish to Cryptocentrus and differentiated the new species from its congeners. The species is described here as Cryptocentrus steinhardti n. sp. However, the present phylogenetic analysis demonstrates a paraphyly of Cryptocentrus and emphasizes the need for revision of the genus based on integrating morphological and genetic characteristics. This finding constitutes the third record of an invasive shrimp goby in the Mediterranean Sea. An intriguing ecological issue arises regarding the possible formation of a fish-shrimp symbiosis in a newly invaded territory. Describing an alien tropical species in the Mediterranean prior to its discovery in native distribution is an unusual event, although not the first such case. Several similar examples are provided in the present article.

Results of the First Herpetological Survey of Israel’s Mediterranean Coastal Islets

Small islets in the Mediterranean Sea are often home to reptiles, typically representing an impoverished sample of the continental fauna, yet with high population densities and signs of rapid morphological and behavioral evolution. In this paper, we present the first herpetofaunal survey of several small islet clusters in close proximity to the Mediterranean coast of Israel, only recently geologically separated from the mainland. We performed surveys of five islets during March of 2017 – 2018 and recorded the presence of five different species of reptiles on four of the surveyed islets. Species richness varied between 1 and 4 species, and appeared to be correlated with island area, with a distinct nested structure. Reptile species may have colonized the islets by natural dispersal from nearby coastal populations, or by hitch-hiking on fishing boats and similar methods of human-assisted dispersal. Alternatively, the recorded reptiles may represent relictual populations from earlier geologic periods, when lower sea-levels supported continuous land-bridges between the islets and the mainland. These insular reptile populations require further study to establish the exact means of colonization and describe if and how they differ from mainland populations. We stress the importance of such small Mediterranean islets such as these as centers of unique biodiversity and encourage future study and conservation action aimed at them and similar islets.

The Maʻagan Mikhael B shipwreck: a summary of four excavation seasons

The Maʻagan Mikhael B shipwreck was discovered off the Mediterranean coast of Israel in 2005. The hull remains are in a good state of preservation, comprising the endposts, aprons, framing timbers, hull planks, stringers, mast step assembly and bulkheads. The most significant finds are the ceramic shards and the complete amphorae. Other finds include bricks, rigging elements, wooden artefacts, coins, organic finds and animal bones. The ship was dated to the 7th-8th centuries AD – a good reason to excavate it in order to evaluate its significance in the period of transition in ship construction from shell-first to frame-first.

Stormwater systems as a source of marine debris: a case study from the Mediterranean coast of Israel

Drainage (or stormwater) systems are a potential source of marine debris. Approximately 67 km (33%) of the land along the Mediterranean coast of Israel is considered urban, covered by concrete and asphalt. The purpose of the present pilot study was to determine the composition of the solid waste in a drainage system and evaluate to what extent municipal sources contribute to marine debris. We sampled the waste in Netanya, a medium-size city (245,000 residents) on the central Mediterranean coast of Israel. Samples were taken from seven street stormwater receptacles prior to the first significant rain and then on the beach near a drainage outlet, a few hours after this substantial rain. In terms of composition of the debris, paper, cigarette butts, and sanitary items made up a higher proportion of the drainage system debris than those items did on the beach. In contrast, single-use items, polystyrene pieces, bottle caps, and plastic drinking bottles composed more of the debris on the beaches compared to the debris in the drainage system. Overall, we found that municipal stormwater systems contribute significant amounts of solid waste to marine debris on Israeli beaches. Preventing the waste from reaching the streets might help reduce marine debris on the beaches, especially at the beginning of the rainy season. There are multiple solutions, but all will require creativity and resources and constant maintenance. Educating the public to prevent disposal of solid waste items in the street is also important as a way to reduce terrestrial as well as marine debris.

Macrofauna Inhabiting Massive Demosponges From Shallow and Mesophotic Habitats Along the Israeli Mediterranean Coast

Sponges have long been considered as “living hotels” due to the great diversity and abundance of other taxonomic groups often found in association with them. Sponges are the dominant components of benthic communities in the Levant Sea; and especially in the recently discovered mesophotic sponge grounds off the coast of Israel. However, almost no data exist regarding their associated macrofauna. The current study sought to identify the macrofauna associated with massive sponges along the Israeli Mediterranean coast; and to compare the role of sponges, as ecosystem engineers, or “living hotels,” in both the shallow-water and mesophotic habitats. Sixty-four massive sponge specimens, from 10 different species, were collected from shallow and mesophotic habitats by SCUBA diving and Remotely Operated Vehicle, respectively. Sponge volume was estimated, specimens were dissected, and the associated macrofauna were identified. Our results reveal that the sponges supported a diverse assemblage of associated macrofauna. A total of 61 associated taxa were found, including species reported for the first time in Israel. A clear, differentiation existed in the structure of the associated assemblage between the two habitats, which is mainly attributed to four species (two polychaetes, a crustacean, and a brittle star). The trophic composition remained stable across the two habitats. No correlation was found between sponge volume and the associated fauna community parameters. The highest richness of associated fauna was found in the mesophotic habitat, where sponge diversity is also higher. In contrast, a greater endobiont abundance and density were recorded in the shallow habitat, where massive sponges may be a limiting factor due to their lower richness and abundance. Our findings emphasize the importance of sponges as ecosystem engineers, and suggest that sponge diversity may be an important factor that contribute to benthic biodiversity in these regions.

Correction to: Non-indigenous species along the Israeli Mediterranean coast: tally, policy, outlook

After publication of the above mentioned article, previously undisclosed material was made available resulting in an altered population status for the below mentioned species:

Identification of plastic-associated species in the Mediterranean Sea using DNA metabarcoding with Nanopore MinION

Plastic debris in the ocean form a new ecosystem, termed ‘plastisphere’, which hosts a variety of marine organisms. Recent studies implemented DNA metabarcoding to characterize the taxonomic composition of the plastisphere in different areas of the world. In this study, we used a modified metabarcoding approach which was based on longer barcode sequences for the characterization of the plastisphere biota. We compared the microbiome of polyethylene food bags after 1 month at sea to the free-living biome in two proximal but environmentally different locations on the Mediterranean coast of Israel. We targeted the full 1.5 kb-long 16S rRNA gene for bacteria and 0.4–0.8 kb-long regions within the 18S rRNA, ITS, tufA and COI loci for eukaryotes. The taxonomic barcodes were sequenced using Oxford Nanopore Technology with multiplexing on a single MinION flow cell. We identified between 1249 and 2141 species in each of the plastic samples, of which 61 species (34 bacteria and 27 eukaryotes) were categorized as plastic-specific, including species that belong to known hydrocarbon-degrading genera. In addition to a large prokaryotes repertoire, our results, supported by scanning electron microscopy, depict a surprisingly high biodiversity of eukaryotes within the plastisphere with a dominant presence of diatoms as well as other protists, algae and fungi.

Non-indigenous species along the Israeli Mediterranean coast: tally, policy, outlook

Of the 452 multicellular non-indigenous species (NIS) recorded off the Israeli Mediterranean coast, nearly 90% are considered to have been introduced through the Suez Canal (Erythraean NIS). The Israeli shelf serves as an important way station and breeding ground for Erythraean NIS, with 260 and 91 species already recorded in the greater Levant Sea and Central Mediterranean, respectively. The positive relationship between time since first record and spread indicates that Erythraean NIS populations may not be at equilibrium and are likely to spread further. Thus, the greater NIS numbers recorded in the past half century augur a sizable invasion debt. A review of the policy of the State of Israel concerning marine NIS, as reflected in recent official documents and regulations, reveals how these enhance their establishment, proliferation and spread in Israeli waters and in waters under the jurisdiction of other Mediterranean States. The continued role of the enlarged Suez Canal as corridor for invasion, and the increasing temperature of Mediterranean seawater, portend unceasing propagule pressure and likely rising establishment success of species not yet introduced. Recognition that factors driving the introduction and establishment of marine NIS are increasing, and the large-sized accrued invasion debt, impel us to urge the Contracting Parties to Barcelona Convention to undertake prevention and control measures to curb marine introductions into the Mediterranean Sea.

First report of cepheid scyphozoan jellyfish Marivagia stellata Galil & Gershwin, 2010 from Palk Bay, southeast coast of India

During a regular survey along the Palk Bay on 25th July 2018, 16 specimens of Marivagia stellata were collected from shore-seine operations at Dhargavalasai in Ramanathapuram District of Tamil Nadu, southeast coast of India. The presence of M. stellata has been reported along the west coast earlier, however, this is the first time the occurrence of this species is reported along the Palk Bay coast of India. M. stellata is relatively a smaller jellyfish species and has been described only in 2010 from the Mediterranean coast of Israel. This species’ sting is not harmful to human.

Fungi in sands of Mediterranean Sea beaches of Israel-Potential relevance to human health and well-being.

Sand of sea harbour bacteria that may cause enteric and other infections in humans, and are controlled by regulatory measures. Data on fungi in sea sand are scarce. Thus, an international group of mycologists was formed to explore fungal flora in sand of various waterbodies. The aim was to explore fungal sand contamination in beaches of the Israeli Mediterranean Sea Coast, regarding possible impact on human health in three aspects: (a) faecal contamination, as judged by presence of the human enteric fungi; (b) contamination by fungi, causing dermal infections; (c) and the presence of moulds, causing respiratory allergies and pose a risk for infection in immunocompromised individuals. The study included sand screen of six urban beaches from north to south of the Israeli Mediterranean Coast. Sand samples were extracted by water, and the water wash was cultured and quantitated. The fungi were identified phenotypically, by MALDI-TOF MS system and ITS sequencing. The screen revealed that about 80% of the isolates were moulds and about 20% yeasts. The mould species included opportunistic pathogens and potential allergens: Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium and Mucorales species. Yeast isolates included Candida, Cryptococcus and Rhodotorula species. (a) Fungi are contaminating Israeli Mediterranean sand beaches; (b) the contaminating fungi include various yeast and mould species; (c) some of the yeasts and mould species found in sand are known opportunistic pathogens, or respiratory allergens; (d) the data could serve as basis for initiating regulatory measures to control fungal contamination of sand for the benefit of public health.

New records of amphipod crustaceans along the Israeli Mediterranean coast, including a rare Mediterranean endemic species, Maera schieckei Karaman & Ruffo, 1971.

BackgroundA survey has been carried out at four Israeli rocky sites to evaluate the diversity of the amphipod fauna on various hard substrates, still scarcely monitored, as potential pabulum for amphipod crustacean species.New informationA survey of shallow rocky reefs along the Mediterranean coast of Israel recovered 28 species and integrated the Amphipoda checklist for the country ofIsrael with 12 newly-recorded species. Such renewed national list includes Maera schieckei Karaman & Ruffo, 1971, a rare species endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, recorded here for the first time from the southern Levant Basin. The species, described from specimens collected in the Tyrrhenian Sea in 1970, has been only recorded eight times within the whole Mediterranean Sea. A revision of the bibliography on the distribution and ecology of M. schieckei showed that, although mentioned only for the western Mediterranean basin by some authors, it is listed in the checklist of amphipods of the Aegean Sea and neighbouring seas and has been found in the eastern Mediterranean basin since 1978. Maera schieckei was rarely found in the Mediterranean, one of the most studied marine biogeographic region as concerns the amphipod fauna; and the species seems to prefer bays or gulf areas. The role of updating and monitoring faunal composition should be re-evaluated.

Beach Nourishment Alternatives for Mitigating Erosion of Ancient Coastal Sites on the Mediterranean Coast of Israel

Since 2011, beach nourishment has become the preferred solution for mitigating coastal erosion along the Mediterranean coast of Israel, as it is considered “soft” and environmentally friendly. However, using fine sand for nourishment in Israel without supporting measures is problematic due to the high wave energy and strong longshore currents in the littoral zone that tend to drift the sand away. This would require ongoing, multiyear, costly, and never-ending maintenance. In the present study, we analyzed sand and pebble alternatives for nourishment of the eroded beach in front of Tel Ashkelon, an important coastal archaeological site in southern Israel that suffers from severe erosion. Based on Pranzini et al. (2018), we analyzed the alternatives, evaluated their cost and efficiency, and assessed their potential environmental impacts. The study concluded that for protecting the southern part of Tel Ashkelon beach, pebble nourishment is the optimal solution, mainly regarding durability and cost. Using this material for nourishment will better absorb the storm wave impact and protect the foot of the archaeological Tel from erosion, and require lower maintenance cost than using finer sand nourishment.

Developing novel microsatellite markers by NGS technology for Rhopilema nomadica, an invasive jellyfish.

Twelve microsatellite loci, obtained by whole genome sequencing approach, were developed and validated for the rhizostomatid jellyfish Rhopilema nomadica, the most pernicious invasive species in the Mediterranean Sea. A sample of 40 specimens collected at six locations along the Mediterranean coast of Israel were genotyped and all loci presented suitable outcomes to population genetic studies, revealing 5-19 alleles/locus with clean and reproducible amplifications. Observed and expected heterozygosity ranged 0.0.353 to 0.971 and 0.335 to 0.870, respectively, and the fixation index (inbreeding coefficient) and the polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged between - 0.190 and 0.240 and 0.32 to 0.858, respectively. The new set of microsatellite loci will be used to study long-term changes in the population genetic parameters of this invasive species.

Occurrence of Didemnum perlucidum Monniot F., 1983 on artificial substrates along the Mediterranean coast of Israel

Introductions of non-indigenous ascidian species are highly common nowadays due to their ability to establish successfully on artificial substrates. Didemnid species are of particular concern because of their rapid a-sexual growth and high fecundity. The colonial ascidian Didemnum perlucidum Monniot F., 1983 was first described from Guadeloupe Island in the Caribbean, although its native range remains unknown. To date, it has been recorded from numerous sites across the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Here, having employed both classic taxonomy and genetic tools to verify its identification, we document for the first time its occurrence in the Mediterranean Sea – on two artificial substrates along the Israeli coast. The ability of D. pelucidum to establish reproductive populations despite the harsh environmental conditions of this region, with temperature fluctuations between 16-31°C and a salinity of 38-39 ppt, raises concern regarding this species’ potential for introductions at numerous sites across the Mediterranean.

The Late-Antique Ma‘agan Mikhael B Shipwreck, Israel

The Ma‘agan Mikhael B shipwreck, dated to the seventh–eighth centuries CE is located about 70 m off the Mediterranean coast of Israel, at a maximum water depth of 3 m, buried under 1.5 m of sand. T...

Modelling the distributions of desalination brines from multiple sources along the Mediterranean coast of Israel

We use numerical simulations to study the possible spatiotemporal effects of brine release from five desalination plants, located along the Israeli Mediterranean coastline. It is commonly believed that salinity anomalies, associated with brine discharge from desalination plants, causes effects which are confined to an area of several hundreds of meters from the discharge outfall. We show that discharging brine using diffusers produces small but robust salinity anomalies that propagate tens of kilometers as density currents (DCs). In contrast, premixing the brine with power plant cooling water compensates the negative buoyancy and prevents their generation. The propagating DCs can impact coastal water dynamics by increasing the velocities and transports in alongshore and downslope directions. The spreading and trajectories of the DCs was strongly influenced by seasonal stratification. In winter, due to a mixed water column, the DCs were relatively focused and propagate downslope. While in the summer they are confined to a narrow band along the coastline. Our model results highlight the possibility that brine discharge might have a large scale, non-negligible effect on shelf circulation than previously considered. Further studies are needed to assess the environmental, dynamical and ecological effects of desalination brine propagation, especially in the far field.

Ocean warming and tropical invaders erode the performance of a key herbivore.

Climate change and bioinvasions are two facets of global change that can act in tandem to impact native species and ecosystems. However, their combined effects on key species have rarely been studied. The Mediterranean Sea is a hot spot of both ocean warming and bioinvasions, where their impact can be tested together. In recent years, the population of a key herbivore, the European purple sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus), has virtually collapsed along the Israeli Mediterranean coast (southeastern Levant). Here, we used field and lab experiments to test two complementary hypotheses that may explain the urchin population collapse: (1) resource competition that may lead to competitive exclusion by invasive grazers (two Red Sea rabbitfishes) and (2) reduced performance due to ocean warming. An inclusion-exclusion in situ caging experiment revealed a strong negative impact of fish grazing on algal cover and on the urchin's gut content and gonado-somatic index (GSI). Laboratory experiments revealed a considerable negative impact of both elevated temperature and food deficiency on sea urchin respiration and GSI, and consequently on its energy budget and reproductive potential and, potentially, fitness. Such reduced reproductive capacity must have greatly lowered the sea urchin's population viability, contributing (and possibly even leading) to its collapse in the southeastern Levant in the past two decades. Urchin population declines are expected to spread to the west and north of the Mediterranean Sea following further warming and rabbitfish expansion. This study is the first to demonstrate the potential additive effects of ocean warming and implied competitive exclusion by an invader on a native species at its warm biogeographic distribution edge.

Seawater quality at the brine discharge site from two mega size seawater reverse osmosis desalination plants in Israel (Eastern Mediterranean)

Two mega-size seawater desalination plants, producing 240 Mm3/y freshwater, discharge brine into the Mediterranean coast of Israel through two marine outfalls, located 0.8 km apart. Six years monitoring brine discharge have shown almost no impact on seawater quality. The brine dispersed near the bottom following its initial mixing, and was not detected near the surface. Maximal excess salinity at the salty layer ranged from 4.3 to 9.1% over the reference and the affected area was highly variable (2 km2 - >13 km2), with maximal plume size from 1.75 to more than 4.4 km. Brine increased seawater temperature by up to 0.7 °C near the outfalls. It had no impact on oxygen saturation, turbidity, pH, nutrients (except for total organic phosphorus (TOP)), chlorophyll-a and metal concentrations. TOP, from the polyphosphonate-based antiscalant discharged with the brine, was correlated with excess salinity.It is unknown if the results of this short term study represent a steady state, with temporal variability, or the beginning of a slow incremental impact. Israel is planning to more than double desalination along its 190 km Mediterranean coast by 2050. A long term, adaptable, program, in conjunction with specific research and modeling, should be able to assess and predict the impact of large scale brine discharge on the marine environment.

The occurrence of the Lessepsian migrant Lutjanus argentimaculatus in the Mediterranean, (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Lutjanidae) first record from the coast of Israel

Two specimens of the Lessepsian migrant, the Mangrove red snapper Lutjanus argentimaculatus are reported from the Mediterranean coast of Israel. L. argentimaculatus was first recorded in the Mediterranean in 1979 by a single specimen. Over three decades later and only in the last two years four specimens, including the two reported herein, were recorded. This pattern strongly suggests that L. argentimaculatus has established a sustainable population in the Mediterranean.

Light Gradient and Moonlight Effects on the Ventral Calcified Stripes and the Thallus Aspects of Padina spp. on the Mediterranean Coast of Israel

Light Gradient and Moonlight Effects on the Ventral Calcified Stripes and the Thallus Aspects of Padina spp. on the Mediterranean Coast of Israel