Mediterranean Coast Of Israel Research Articles

Long-Term Population Genetic Features of the Rhopilema nomadica Jellyfish from the Israeli Mediterranean Coasts

The rhizostomatid scyphozoan Rhopilema nomadica is one of the most notorious marine invasive species established in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Using seven microsatellite loci, here, we examined the population genetic structures on 587 individual tissue samples collected from 21 sites along the Mediterranean coast of Israel over a period of 16 years. The results indicate unique microsatellite landscapes for all samples, which belong to a single unstructured population. The >20 alleles found in most loci, low fixation index (F) values (average 0.106), and high heterozygosity (average 0.667) suggest random or assortative mating. Additionally, the low overall differentiation (Fst) values (0.043) and pairwise Fst values between the samples collected in different years indicated gene flow and random mating over the years, potentially due to the long-lasting podocytes, scyphistomae, and adults causing a population overlap between the sampled months/years. Likewise, analyses were conducted between seasons, sites, and early/intermediate/late periods of collecting years. These results support the previous analyses performed on the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences, altogether indicating a highly polymorphic single unstructured R. nomadica population in the Levant, possibly backed by independent introductions. The results hint to the existence of highly functional connectivity with a genetically highly diverse source population.

Spatial and temporal community composition changes of Cumacea (Crustacea: Malacostraca: Peracarida) from the soft-sediment habitats of the Mediterranean coast of Israel

The present study provides a zoogeographic and faunistic update on the cumacean species that inhabit the soft substrate habitats of the Israeli waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Published and new unpublished cumacean records are both used to enable an overview of a 74-year period of species composition and distribution, providing a broad perspective of temporal faunistic changes. As a result, 43 cumacean species have now been recorded from the Mediterranean coast of Israel. Previously unpublished results, starting from 2013, were derived from intensified sampling of the continental shelf and slope as well as the bathyal plain, and revealed eight new species records for the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. The cumacean community included species primarily of the Mediterranean zoogeographic province with several Mediterranean-Atlantic examples. Three species, postulated to be of Indo-Pacific origin were also previously recorded on the continental shelf of the area. Finally, species composition and structure of the continental shelf indicated spatial and temporal changes between 2010 – 2021, partly due to different sampling methods as well as anthropogenic activities that took place in the area. The continental slope and the bathyal plain seem to remain as relatively stable environments.

Two Decades of Coastal Dolphin Population Surveys in Israel, Eastern Mediterranean

Along the Mediterranean coast of Israel, two near-shore dolphin species are prevalent; Tursiops truncatus (least concern, IUCN) and Delphinus delphis (endangered, IUCN). Ship-board surveys and sporadic sightings over the last two decades have shown that the two differ in distribution-T. truncatus is found along the entire coast and D. delphis only in the south. The environmental and anthropological factors affecting these species' spatial distribution and determining their habitat preferences in this area are largely unknown. This work is a first attempt at summarizing 20 years of observations and studying habitat preferences for both species, by use of Generalized Additive Models. T. truncatus was found to be present in all areas of the continental shelf where survey effort coverage was sufficient, with a high affinity towards bottom trawlers. Model results showed D. delphis distribution to be associated to (shallow) water depths, though the factors driving their limited latitudinal distribution currently remain unknown. It is evident that T. truncatus and D. delphis are present in segregated areas of the Israeli continental shelf and T. truncatus currently sustains a delicate balance with continuously shifting human activities, while the drivers of D. delphis distribution are more specified, yet still not fully understood.

Depth Partitioning and Diel Movement of Two Large Carcharhinid Sharks in Extremely Shallow Waters

Two species of carcharhinid sharks aggregate every winter at the warm water effluent of a coastal power plant on the Israeli Mediterranean coast. The two species (Carcharhinus obscurus and Carcharhinus plumbeus) cooccur in a highly confined area for several months every year and are highly associated with the area in and around the hot water effluent. Niche partitioning has recently been suggested as a mechanism that enables the coexistence of similar shark species by resource partitioning, spatial partitioning, and temporal partitioning. In this study, we used acoustic telemetry to study the individual diel movement and activity patterns within this enclosed area and examined the differences between the two species sharing it. Although this location only reaches a maximum depth of 7.5 m, we found both species perform a diel vertical movement, rising closer to the surface at night and moving deeper during daytime. Furthermore, the two shark species swam at different depths both day and night, with C. obscurus swimming in the upper column, about 2 m shallower than C. plumbeus. The very small scale of movement, which nearly equals the sharks’ body length, suggests movement patterns might be conserved at the species level. Moreover, spatiotemporal differences between the two species may reflect a mean of interspecific partitioning that occurs even in a highly confined and shallow habitat.

First confirmed record of Zu cristatus in the Mediterranean coast of Israel and the eastern shores of the Levant

In the present paper we report the first substantiated record of the Scalloped ribbonfish Zu cristatus (Bonelli, 1819) from the Mediterranean coast of Israel. The previous unsubstantiated record from Israel was based on a juvenile specimen that was found on the shore over seven decades ago and was not saved. This report constitutes the first confirmed record of this species from the Levant.

Long-Term (2002–2021) Trend in Nutrient-Related Pollution at Small Stratified Inland Estuaries, the Kishon SE Mediterranean Case

Nutrient pollution may negatively affect the water quality and ecological status of rivers and estuaries worldwide, specifically in stratified and small inland estuaries. We present a long-term, two-decade data set of dissolved inorganic nutrient concentrations, chlorophyll-a (chl-a), dissolved oxygen (DO), and potentially toxic algal cell concentrations at the Kishon River estuary (Israel) as a case study for assessing nutrient ecological thresholds in such type of estuaries, prevalent along the Mediterranean coast of Israel. In-situ measurements and water samples were collected at 3 permanent stations at the lower part of the estuary every March and October/November in 40 campaigns over the years 2002 to 2021. In spite of an improvement in nutrient loads and concentrations as recorded over the last 2 decades, the nutrient and chl-a levels at the Kishon estuary surface water represent mostly a ‘bad’ or ‘moderate’ ecological state, considering the recommended thresholds discussed in this study. It is suggested to develop a combined suite of nutrient and biological variables for assessing Good Environmental Status (GES), considering the relatively high residence time of such small, low-flow estuarine water bodies.

Key Environmental Impacts along the Mediterranean Coast of Israel in the Last 100 Years

In the last 100 years, the population of the land of Israel has increased dramatically, accompanied by a very intense and accelerated economic and industrial growth. The objective of the present review is to reveal how these major changes have affected the Mediterranean marine and coastal environment. The present review analyzes the global, regional, and local factors and processes that cause substantial environmental changes affecting a variety of marine habitats and taxa. During the past century these include: (1) seawater warming that enhances the considerable introduction and establishment of non-indigenous tropical, i.e., Lessepsian, species; (2) overfishing of native biota that seems to contribute to this process; (3) sea-level rise, associated with climate change, which may threaten the sensitive intertidal abrasion platforms; (4) chemical, noise, and light pollution and marine debris; (5) massive sand mining from the beaches, which caused severe erosion in many coastal sections and was banned in Israel in 1964; (6) extensive dredging in the sea, mainly related to the construction and development of large ports, which can be detrimental for the benthic biota, especially in rocky substrates; and (7) marine structures (harbors, marinas, detached breakwaters) that interfere with the natural pattern of sand transport along the coast and cause morphological changes (sand erosion or accumulation) on nearby beaches and the seabed. Israel’s coast is presently characterized by intense anthropogenic activity and many stakeholders with considerable conflicts between them and with the marine ecosystem. A few environmental impacts have ceased, and others have been reduced considerably, but the extent of many additional types have increased significantly, and new impacts have appeared in recent years. Some environmental impacts are beyond our control, and others can be reduced by proper management, but it is predicted that certain major environmental impacts, such as Lessepsian migration, will continue in the future at enhanced rates.

Parasites of pufferfish, Lagocephalus spp. and Torquigener flavimaculosus of the Israeli Mediterranean: A new case of Lessepsian endoparasites.

With the opening of the Suez Canal as a link between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea in 1869, the biogeographical event of the Lessepsian migration has been starting. Aided by beneficial conditions in the new habitat, almost 500 marine species have immigrated and often established themselves in the Mediterranean Sea, including several pufferfish species, with all of them extending their range and becoming important components of the local fauna. The parasitic fauna of these pufferfish has scarcely been examined in the Mediterranean Sea or in their native range, which provides the opportunity to study host-parasite interaction in a new habitat. The present study describes the parasitic fauna in four alien invasive pufferfish species (Lagocephalus guentheri, L. sceleratus, L. suezensis, and Torquigener flavimaculosus) of various sizes and ages on the Israeli Mediterranean coast. The parasite fauna of these species was diverse (Maculifer dayawanensis Digenea; Calliterarhynchus gracilis, Nybelinia africana and Tetraphyllidea larvae Cestoda; Hysterothylacium reliquens, Hysterothylacium sp. and Raphidascaris sp. Nematoda; Trachellobdella lubrica Hirudinea and Caligus fugu and Taeniacanthus lagocephali Copepoda) and consisted of mostly generalist species, most likely acquired in the new habitat, and specialist copepod ectoparasites, having co-invaded with the pufferfish. Additionally, the oioxenic opecoelid digenean Maculifer dayawanensis was found in two pufferfish species. The genus was previously only known from the Indo-Pacific Ocean, representing the eighth reported case of a Lessepsian endoparasite so far. Our results suggest a change in parasite fauna to native Mediterranean species in the pufferfish like previously reported in other Lessepsian migrant predatory fish species and a wider spread of co-invasion of fish endoparasites to the Mediterranean Sea than previously assumed. The study also provides several new host records and the first report for parasites in T. flavimaculosus.

Beachrock Morphology along the Mediterranean Coast of Israel: Typological Classification of Erosion Features

Beachrock is composed of intertidal-associated sediments, rapidly cemented by calcium carbonate, and has important implications for understanding coastal morphological processes. This study focuses on the morphodynamic erosion patterns of Late Holocene beachrock outcrops along the Mediterranean coast of Israel that have formed since the sea reached its present level about 4000 years ago. Exposed beachrock is subjected to erosion, affecting its seaward and landward facing fronts and upper surface, and creating distinct morphological features due to wave pounding and coastal currents which remove unconsolidated sediment supporting layers. The current state of beachrock morphology is presented, based on field measurements and field relation interpretations of selected sites, backed by petrographic and sedimentological data. It shows and studies selected beachrock exposures along Israel’s coast, and characterizes their morphological features in various field-relation configurations. A classification is developed of the main erosion patterns of beachrock embedded on loose, hard, partly hard and partly loose substrate.

S3.5a Contamination in sand and water of sea, lakes, and river beaches: Risk factor for fungal human disease

S3.5 Environmental exposure - risk for human fungal disease, September 21, 2022, 4:45 PM - 6:15 PMMarine and freshwater bodies, such as rivers and lakes are known as possible niches harboring microbes that may affect human health.These ecosystems have been extensively researched, and even regulated, for the presence of bacterial contamination.Fungal contamination has been less researched and lacks regulation, notwithstanding the recent finding that the antifungal resistant yeast species Candida auris has been isolated from a marine ecosystem.The present lecture will focus on a recent collaborative study, involving 13 countries, spanning from the Atlantic to the Eastern Mediterranean coasts, and including the Italian lakes and the Adriatic, Baltic, and Black Seas. The study explored fungal contamination of sand and water of the sea, lakes, and river beaches in 91 bathing sites, and water of 67 of these.This study considered several fungal parameters: all fungi, several species of the genus Aspergillus and Candida, plus other yeasts, allergenic fungi, Dematiaceous fungi, and dermatophytes. The study took in account four variables that might influence the results of the analytical parameters, such as: (1) coast or inland location, (2) urban and non-urban sites, (3) period of the year, and (4) geographical proximity and type of sediment.A site-blind median was found to be 89 Colony-Forming Units (CFU) of fungi per gram of sand in coastal and inland freshwaters, with variability between 0 and 6400 CFU/g. For freshwater sites, that number was 201.7 CFU/g [0, 6400 CFU/g (P = .01) and for coastal sites was 76.7 CFU/g (0, 3497.5 CFU/g)]. For coastal waters and all waters, the median was 0 CFU/ml (0, 1592 CFU/ml), and for freshwaters 6.7 (0, 310.0) CFU/ml (P <.001). The fungal load in water has to be further corroborated in additional ongoing studies.Some of these will be presented herewith.The lecture will also include, as an example, the data collected at the Israeli Mediterranean coast. This study included a screen of sand and water 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. Water samples were quantitated as well. The fungi were identified phenotypically, by MALDI-TOF MS system and ITS sequencing. The screen revealed that about 80% of the isolates were molds and about 20% yeasts. The mold species included opportunistic pathogens and potential allergens: Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Mucorales species. Yeast isolates included Candida, Cryptococcus and Rhodotorula species. The collaborative study and the example study confirmed the relevance of all variables for some of the fungal parameters. The results suggest that beaches should be monitored for fungi for safer use and better management, and for the benefit of public health.

Holocene sea-level rise and coastal aquifer interactions: Triggering mechanisms for environmental change and impacts on human settlement patterns at Dor, Israel

Future sea-level rise is expected to affect coastal aquifers and environments and have significant impacts on coastal communities. Here, we describe the impact of early to late Holocene sea-level variations on the coastal environment and human settlements of the Carmel Coast, Israel. One of these ancient communities, Tel Dor, was settled initially during the Late Pottery Neolithic (ca. 7 ka) on a wetland surface and then abandoned for ca. 1.5 ka before resettlement occurred on the adjacent aeolianite ridge from the Middle Bronze Age to the Crusader period (4.3–0.9 cal Ka BP). For the first time, high resolution chrono-bio-chemo-stratigraphy of sediment cores collected landward of the current shoreline at Dor are presented capturing a record of poorly sorted sand mixed with marine shells, well sorted aeolian sand and silty clay deposits. The record represents a series of brackish-freshwater wetlands formed in the coastal area of Dor between ca. 15 to 7 ka in response to relative sea-level rise and resulting rise of the coastal aquifers. After 7 ka, due to rising sea level and a transgressing shoreline, sand largely derived from the Nile Delta, reached the coast including the coastal wetland. Landward from the current shoreline, the period between ca. 7 to 4 ka is represented by alternating sand-silt facies consisting of reworked marine shells and brackish-fresh water biota. These lithological cycles reflect fluctuations between coastal and wetland environments governed by the response of the coastal aquifer to sea-level rise. Rapid sea-level rise led to a rise in the groundwater table and inundation of the area around Tel Dor, while periods with slower rates of sea-level rise resulted in coastal sand deposition. The settlement gap at Dor between 7 and 5.6 ka possibly reflects the behavioral response of the coastal settlers to sea-level fluctuation, and sediment depositional variation instigating aquifer inundation coastal marsh development and mobilization of sand bodies. This study provides a record of beach profile build-up along the Mediterranean coast of Israel and serves as an example of how sea-level rise affect unconfined coastal aquifers and the formation of wetlands due to rising water tables in low elevation coasts. Coastal inundation is a long-term risk factor for densely populated low-lying coastal regions that require a proactive approach for solving cascading impacts of sea-level rise.

What Is Hiding in the Israeli Mediterranean Seawater and Beach Sand.

Objective: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the presence of fungi that may affect human health in sand and water on Israeli Mediterranean Sea coast beaches. Methods: The study included screening of the sand and water of six urban beaches from north to south on the Israeli Mediterranean coast. Sand samples were extracted with water, and the water wash was cultured and quantitated. Water samples were quantitated as well. MALDI-TOF MS analysis and ITS sequencing identified the fungi. Results: The study considered several parameters: 1. Presence of fecal-contamination-related fungi; 2. Presence of dermal-infection-related fungi. 3. Presence of allergy-related fungi; 4. Presence of fungi posing risk for immunocompromised individuals. The screen revealed that about 80% of the isolates were molds and about 20% yeasts. The mold species included opportunistic pathogens and potential allergens: Aspergillus fumigatus and other Aspergillus species, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Mucorales species. Yeast isolates included Candida—including the human commensals Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis—Cryptococcus, and Rhodotorula species. Conclusions: The results suggest that beaches should be monitored for fungi for safer use, better management, and the benefit of public health.

Thermal vulnerability of the Levantine endemic and endangered habitat-forming macroalga, Gongolaria rayssiae: implications for reef carbon

Ocean warming is a major threat to marine ecosystems, especially to species with a narrow thermal niche width and narrow biogeographic distribution, like some habitat-forming seaweeds. Declines of marine forests have been reported for several canopy-forming species in temperate regions, including the Mediterranean Sea, where they are dominated by species from the order Fucales, but most of the information on their ecology and status comes from the western basin. Here, we studied the thermal vulnerability and metabolic functioning of the endemic Gongolaria rayssiae located in fast-warming waters of the Israeli Mediterranean coast. We followed seasonal changes in phenology and ecology of G. rayssiae and its associated community during 2018-2020. Its highest biomass, density and thallus length were documented in spring-early summer (March-mid June). When seawater temperature exceeded 25°C, it shed its branches until February, when re-growth normally occurred. The thermal performance curve of G. rayssiae was determined by exposing it to 11 temperature levels in the range 15-35°C. The thermal optimum temperature for gross oxygen production, determined from the fitted curve, was 24.5°C. This relatively low thermal optimum suggests marked sensitivity to warming and supports the notion that G. rayssiae is a temperate relict species in the area. Additionally, we conducted seasonal ex-situ incubations during daytime and nighttime and recorded the highest primary productivity in spring, when it is at its peak of growth. In this season, its net inorganic carbon uptake was 42 ± 11 µmol C g dw-1 h-1 ( ± SD), while in its branchless form during late summer, it decreased six-fold. Due to the fast ocean warming conditions of the area, we hypothesize that the growth season of the species will shrink, and the species may eventually disappear. Finally, when exposed to high temperatures in natural and manipulative conditions, G. rayssiae exhibited a dramatic decline in its carbon sequestration rates with important implication for the carbon budget of the reef. This study highlights the importance of establishing a species phenology and environmental sensitivity (and especially that of endemic ones) in rapidly warming ecosystems, to estimate its potential fate due to climate change.

The State of Beach Litter Pollution during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of the Israeli Coasts

This research examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on marine litter pollution along the Israeli coast, which constitutes a terminal area in the Mediterranean Sea large-scale circulation. Surveys for litter were conducted on four beaches along the Israeli Mediterranean coast. Sampling was done pre-pandemic in June, September, and December of 2019; during the first year of the pandemic in March, June, September, and December of 2020; and during the second year of the pandemic in March 2021. The study revealed that during the first year of the pandemic, beach litter concentration was reduced by 47 ± 27% on all beaches. The decrease in beach litter continued during the second year on most beaches (34 ± 22% reduction) and was most observable for plastic products, which have a high potential to float and travel long distances. The decline in beach litter concentration in the Israeli beaches during the pandemic was statistically significant. The barcode analysis indicates the appearance of non-Israeli debris on the shores (22-81% pre-COVID-19 and 5-47% during-COVID-19), which supports the assumption that the reduction in marine litter pollution was affected by the decline in beach activity both locally and in other coastal neighboring countries. An additional effect of the pandemic was the appearance of single-use plastic masks and gloves in April 2020, influenced by the epidemic’s regulations and restrictions. Despite the decline in beach marine litter concentration during COVID-19, plastic pollution is a high concern in this heavily populated coastal region. Our data set provides an indication for the potential of local and regional regulations to reduce further beach litter pollution and a baseline for continuous monitoring of these processes. Highlights The impact of COVID-19 on beach litter pollution along Israel’s coast was studied Significant decline in beach litter concentration during the Covid-19 pandemic. Barcode analysis reveals debris is 22-57% from non-local sources. Litter associated with COVID-19 was identified for the first time just as pandemic start

The ancient Levantine Botryllus schlosseri (Tunicata): population genetics landscape under frequent natural disturbances

The colonial ascidian Botryllus schlosseri is a cosmopolitan species, commonly found in sheltered temperate marine environments, primarily marinas/harbors. B. schlosseri larvae settle immediately upon release on hard substrates in vicinity (&lt;50cm) to maternal colonies, suggesting genetically structured populations on fine spatial scales. By employing seven microsatellite loci, this study characterizes long-term (2004-2008) genetic structures of a B. schlosseri population residing underneath stones at Michmoret harbor, the Israeli Mediterranean coast, revealing a persistence of genetic structure through time. Further, the Michmoret harbor was exposed to episodes of natural disturbances (October 2006 and November 2007), during which the entire populations were eradicated from shallow waters. These disturbances provide a unique opportunity to study the population genetic dynamics of newly established populations of a marine invasive species, within its geographic origin. The results revealed a four year-long structured single population in Michmoret harbor, homogeneous at the time but not at the micro-geographic scales. The B. schlosseri population from Michmoret harbor, unlike other populations of B. schlosseri worldwide, showed no genetic changes such as changes in the distribution of allele frequencies that were reported in other B. schlosseri populations after natural catastrophic events.

The relationship between plant and butterfly richness and composition and socioecological drivers in five adjacent cities along the Mediterranean Coast of Israel

Abstract Urbanization is the land-use process that most significantly impacts flora and fauna. We conducted a multiple city comparison of two taxa to assess whether richness patterns are similar across cities and taxa. This study aimed to examine the effects socioecological factors, namely open area size, socioeconomic status and the built-up cover, on species richness and composition of plants and butterflies in five adjacent Mediterranean cities in Israel’s coastal plain. Vegetation surveys were conducted in 170 open area sites in various urban settings. In 34 of them, the presence of butterfly species was also recorded. Mixed-effect generalized linear models were used to examine the site's characteristics effect on the species richness. The identity of each city was included as a random effect in the models. Results indicated that overall plant species richness increased with patch size, whereas butterfly richness was not associated with this factor. Plant and butterfly species richness in all categories decreased with the increase in building cover, except for endemic plant species. The results demonstrate the complex contribution of urban open area patches to the biodiversity of different taxa, being conditional on their size, surrounding built-up area and socioeconomic values.

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.