Mediterranean Coast Of Israel Research Articles

Spatial distribution and sources of organic matter and pollutants in the SE Mediterranean (Levantine basin) deep water sediments

A study of deep sea sediment quality was conducted at 52 stations off the Mediterranean coast of Israel (50–1900m depth). Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (∑PAHs), Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls (∑PCBs) ranged between 0.58 and 1.44%, 12–190 and <0.3–7.7μgkg−1, respectively. The TOC distribution indicated the Nile delta as an important source of organic matter and the important effect of topography on deposition patterns in this region. PCBs and PAHs quantitative levels were associated with nearby gas well drilling (well below environmental criteria) and dredge-material dumping sites. A significant correlation between these pollutants and TOC was found in the southernmost stations suggesting a common source. PAHs isomer ratios in most of the stations indicated a petrogenic source, while the contribution of pyrogenic sources appears to be very small. These findings form a sound baseline for assessing the potential impact of future deep sea drilling activities that are expected to increase significantly in the Eastern Mediterranean basin.

Exceptionally high abundances of microplastics in the oligotrophic Israeli Mediterranean coastal waters

Seasonal sea surface microplastic distribution was recorded at 17 sites along the Israeli Mediterranean coast. Microplastics (0.3–5mm) were found in all samples, with a mean abundance of 7.68±2.38particles/m3 or 1,518,340particles/km2. Some areas had higher abundances of microplastics than others, although differences were neither consistent nor statistically significant. In some cases microplastic particles were found floating in large patches. One of these patches contained an extraordinary number of plastic particles; 324particles/m3 or 64,812,600particles/km2. Microplastic abundances in Israeli coastal waters are disturbingly high; mean values were 1–2 orders of magnitude higher than abundances reported in other parts of the world. Light-colored (white or transparent) fragments were by far more abundant than all other microplastic colors and types. The results of this study underline the need for action to reduce the flux of plastics to the marine environment.

Sources, composition and spatial distribution of marine debris along the Mediterranean coast of Israel

Marine debris (litter) is a complex problem that affects human activities and the marine environment worldwide. The Clean Coast Program in Israel has had some success in keeping most of the coasts clean most of the time, but without understanding the mechanisms of accumulation of marine debris on the coasts of Israel. In 2012, we initiated a study to characterize the types of marine debris, its origins and spatial distribution. Nineteen surveys were done from June 2012 to March 2015 on eight beaches that spanned the coast of Israel. Average debris density was 12.1 items per 100m2 and 90% of the items were plastic. The top debris categories were food wrappers and disposables, plastic bags and cigarette butts. However, there was variation in the top debris categories among the beaches indicating that a flexible approach with multiple options will be important when addressing the marine debris problem.

Cumacean assemblages on the Levantine shelf (Mediterranean Sea) – spatiotemporal trends between 2005 and 2012

ABSTRACTCumacea (Crustacea, Peracarida) are an important component of soft-bottom macrofauna. Their assemblages are influenced by environmental parameters, including the presence of alien species. Cumacean assemblages from 443 samples collected between 2005 and 2012, at 148 sites along the Israeli Mediterranean coast were analysed. In all, the 31,508 cumaceans were identified to 18 species. Three of the species, Eocuma rosae, E. sarsii and Scherocumella gurneyi, are considered alien for the Mediterranean Sea. Pseudocuma longicorne, S. gurneyi and Cumopsis goodsir were the most abundant species in our samples. Cumacean densities were significantly higher in spring than in autumn, except on the shelf, where the opposite was observed. At the deeper sites (55–63 m) species composition changed between seasons, suggesting a migration of some shallow-bottom dwellers (P. longicorne, Iphinoe spp.) into deeper waters in wintertime. Comparison among years revealed great differences in density, especially in P. longicorne, which experienced an outbreak in 2009. Although seasonal changes may be explained by the natural dynamics of the species' life cycles, inter-annual variability is more difficult to explain. It may be related to environmental changes and especially to the infralittoral hypernutrification along the southern Israeli coast, causing an increase in food availability. Cumacean alien species occurred only in Haifa Bay.

Trace elements in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Eastern Mediterranean: A 10-years perspective

Concentrations of Hg, Se, Cd, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and As, in kidney, liver, muscle and blubber from 7 specimens of Stenella coeruleoalba, stranded along the Israeli Mediterranean coast (IMC) from 2006 to 2011 (2011-series) were determined and compared to previous data on S. coeruleoalba from the IMC (2001-series). No differences were observed in essential and toxic elements concentrations, between the two series, except for hepatic Mn which was higher in the latter. Hg/Se molar ratios in blubber, kidney and liver increased linearly with log Hg concentrations, while muscle was more heterogenic in this respect. Means (±SD) of hepatic Hg concentrations (134±89 and 181±200mgkg−1, from the 2011 and 2001 series, respectively) were similar to that found in 2007–2009 specimens from Spain, possibly reflecting the relatively high natural background levels of mercury in the Mediterranean Sea.

Can desalinated seawater contribute to iodine-deficiency disorders? An observation and hypothesis.

Over 300 million people rely on desalinated seawater and the numbers are growing. Desalination removes iodine from water and could increase the risk of iodine-deficiency disorders (IDD). The present study assessed the relationship between iodine intake and thyroid function in an area reliant on desalination. A case-control study was performed between March 2012 and March 2014. Thyroid function was rigorously assessed by clinical examination, ultrasound and blood tests, including serum thyroglobulin (Tg) and autoimmune antibodies. Iodine intake and the contribution made by unfiltered tap water were estimated by FFQ. The contribution of drinking-water to iodine intake was modelled using three iodine concentrations: likely, worst-case and best-case scenario. The setting for the study was a hospital located on the southern Israeli Mediterranean coast. Adult volunteers (n 102), 21-80 years old, prospectively recruited. After screening, seventy-four participants met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-seven were euthyroid controls. Among those with thyroid dysfunction, twenty-nine were classified with non-autoimmune thyroid disease (NATD) after excluding eight cases with autoimmunity. Seventy per cent of all participants had iodine intake below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) of 95 µg/d. Participants with NATD were significantly more likely to have probable IDD with intake below the EAR (OR=5·2; 95 % CI 1·8, 15·2) and abnormal serum Tg>40 ng/ml (OR=5·8; 95 % CI 1·6, 20·8). Evidence of prevalent probable IDD in a population reliant on desalinated seawater supports the urgent need to probe the impact of desalinated water on thyroid health in Israel and elsewhere.

Bryozoa from the Mediterranean coast of Israel

The impact of global warming on the composition of marine biotas is increasing, underscoring the need for better baseline information on the species currently present in given areas. Little is known about the bryozoan fauna of Israel; the most recent publication concerning species from the Mediterranean coast was based on samples collected in the 1960s and 1970s. Since that time, not only have the species present in this region changed, but so too has our understanding of bryozoan taxonomy. Here we use samples collected during the last decade to identify 47 bryozoan species, of which 15 are first records for the Levantine basin. These include one new genus and species (Crenulatella levantinensis gen. et. sp. nov.), two new species (Licornia vieirai sp. nov. and Trematooecia mikeli sp. nov.), and two species that may be new but for which available material is inadequate for formal description (Reteporella sp. and Thalamoporella sp.). In addition, Conopeum ponticum is recorded for the first time from the Mediterranean Sea. Non-indigenous species make up almost one-quarter of the 47 species identified. All of the non-indigenous species are native to tropical and subtropical regions, implying a change of the Levant bryozoan biota from a temperate to a more tropical state, probably related to both higher temperature and salinity and to the opening of the Suez Canal connecting the Red Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Cotylorhiza erythraea Stiasny, 1920 (Scyphozoa: Rhizostomeae: Cepheidae), yet another erythraean jellyfish from the Mediterranean coast of Israel

An unfamiliar scyphozoan jellyfish species has been observed along the Mediterranean coast of Israel since 2003. Morphological characters such as the densely anastomosed radial canals and the stalked cupped appendages on the oral arms identified it as closely allied to Cotylorhiza. Comparison with the type of C. erythraea, collected over a century ago in the Suez Canal, shows close similarity. Molecular analyses based on the mitochondrial barcoding gene cytochrome oxidase sub unit I (COI) and 28S ribosomal DNA support its placement among the Cepheidae. This is the fifth-introduced scyphozoan species recorded along the Mediterranean coast of Israel. The presence of sexually mature specimens detected as far back as 2003, and the occurrence of the species in the past summer at sites nearly 90 kms apart, indicate the existence of widespread, established populations.

First record of the Indo-Pacific areolate grouper Epinephelus areolatus(Forsskål, 1775) (Perciformes: Epinephelidae) in the Mediterranean Sea.

The number of alien species in the Mediterranean Sea is steadily increasing and it seems that the pace has been accelerating since the turn of the century (Galil et al. 2014). In 2015 alone five additional fish species have been reported, Epinephelus geoffroyi (Klunzinger, 1870) (Golani et al. 2015); Stolephorus indicus (van Hasselt, 1823) (Fricke et al. 2015); Sardinella gibbosa (Bleeker, 1849) (Stern et al. 2015); Mobula japanica (Müller & Henle, 1841) (Capapé et al. 2015); and Cryptocentrus caeruleopunctatus (Rüppell, 1830) (Rothman & Goren 2015). Among the ca. 100 alien fish species reported from the Mediterranean to date (Galil & Goren 2014), five Indo-Pacific species belong to the genus Epinephelus Bloch, 1793: Epinephelus coioides (Hamilton, 1822), Epinephelus fasciatus (Forsskål, 1775), Epinephelus malabaricus (Bloch and Schneider, 1804) Epinephelus merra Bloch, 1793 (Golani et al. 2013a) and Epinephelus geoffroyi (Klunzinger, 1870) (Golani et al. 2015). Additional alien Epinephelus species reported from the Mediterranean are excluded for various reasons (Golani et al. 2013b). Here we report the finding of a sixth Indo-Pacific species of this genus along the Mediterranean coast of Israel.

Trace metal bioaccumulation in Israeli Mediterranean coastal marine mollusks

During the period 1995–2012, trace metal levels were monitored on an annual basis in marine mollusks (Donax trunculus, Mactra stultorum, Patella sp. and Cellana rota) along the Mediterranean coast of Israel in polluted and unpolluted areas. In general, these records show that: 1) Mercury and cadmium concentrations declined precipitously in Haifa Bay specimens in response to pollution load reductions; 2) Nonetheless, Haifa Bay specimens still show higher trace metal concentrations compared to specimens from other sites along the Israeli shore; 3) Hot spots of pollution were identified along the Haifa Bay shore, demonstrating the sensitivity of these specimens to events of contaminated sediments re-suspension. These events were likely caused by winter flooding in Qishon and Na'aman rivers and dredging operations in Haifa Port; 4) Trace metal concentrations in Patella sampled north of Haifa Bay are higher than those measured in specimens sampled south of Haifa Bay, suggesting that the impact range is greater than previously considered and pollution loading in Haifa Bay could be projected northward via general transport processes; 5) Cadmium levels in Patella sampled along the coast displayed an increasing trend over time that could hypothetically be associated with ocean acidification and warming trends; 6) Excess of wet weight to shell length ratio in Patella specimens from Haifa Bay that exhibited higher trace metal accumulation, was lower than expected, possibly because of environmental stress, e.g. the energetic cost of detoxification. These findings provide supporting evidence for the importance and utility of trace metal bioaccumulation monitoring and sediment rehabilitation in polluted estuaries and other coastal regions as well as providing a basis for closer regulation and inspection of dredging operations.

Molecular Phylogeny and Ecology of Textularia agglutinans d'Orbigny from the Mediterranean Coast of Israel: A Case of a Successful New Incumbent.

Textularia agglutinans d’Orbigny is a non-symbiont bearing and comparatively large benthic foraminiferal species with a widespread distribution across all oceans. In recent years, its populations have considerably expanded along the Israeli Mediterranean coast of the eastern Levantine basin. Despite its exceptionally widespread occurrence, no molecular data have yet been obtained. This study provides the first ribosomal DNA sequences of T. agglutinans complemented with morphological and ecological characterization, which are based on material collected during environmental monitoring of the hard bottom habitats along the Israeli Mediterranean coast, and from the Gulf of Elat (northern Red Sea). Our phylogenetic analyses reveal that all specimens from both provinces belong to the same genetic population, regardless their morphological variability. These results indicate that modern population of T. agglutinans found on the Mediterranean coast of Israel is probably Lessepsian. Our study also reveals that T. agglutinans has an epiphytic life mode, which probably enabled its successful colonization of the hard bottom habitats, at the Mediterranean coast of Israel, which consist of a diverse community of macroalgae. Our study further indicates that the species does not tolerate high SST (> 35°C), which will probably prevent its future expansion in the easternmost Mediterranean in light of the expected rise in temperatures.

Patterns in molluscan death assemblages along the Israeli Mediterranean continental shelf

The Mediterranean coast of Israel can be divided into two distinct provinces (south to north): the Nilotic, which up to the construction of the Aswan Dam received most of its quartz-rich sediments from the Nile, and the Levantine, which receives most of its sediments from local, carbonate-rich sources. These differences in sediment composition should have a strong effect on the faunal composition. We studied the very abundant molluscan fauna, a major biogenic component of the shallow Mediterranean sediments and suggest that variations in assemblages are associated with different substrates. We examined the dead molluscan component of sediment samples collected at 40 m water depth at five stations along the Israeli Mediterranean coast to determine the variations in biodiversity trends. The use of shelly death assemblages that accumulate on the seafloor averages out short-term, environmental fluctuations such as seasonality and reproduction, and presents a more complete “modern” picture than would be attained based on single live censuses alone. More than 2000 specimens yielded 114 species, with the bivalve Corbula gibba being the most abundant. Samples originating from the Levantine Province show greater species richness and a higher portion of epifaunal species compared to samples from the Nilotic Province. Specifically, 30 bivalves and 20 gastropods were only found in the Levantine samples, while only six bivalves and three gastropods were only found in the Nilotic samples. Our results point to a spatial biodiversity pattern along the Israeli coast, in which the Levantine Province is richer in species, feeding strategies and life habits than the Nilotic Province. The data collected can be used as a baseline for future ecological studies in the area, as they shed light on the under-studied molluscan benthos of the intermediate continental shelf of the Israeli Mediterranean.

The effect of sea-level rise in the 21st century on marine structures along the Mediterranean coast of Israel: An evaluation of physical damage and adaptation cost

This study presents estimates of the impact adaptation costs due to damage to coastal and marine structures located along the Mediterranean coast of Israel caused by sea-level rise in the 21st century. The study examines the effects on various types of constructions, including seaports, power plants, marinas, desalination plants, sea walls, detached breakwaters, and bathing beach infrastructures for sea-level rises of 0.5 m and 1 m. To this end, we conduct an analysis of hydrodynamic forces on the structures and an uncertainty analysis of their occurrence. The study find that the impact of wave overtopping of breakwaters can lead to extensive damage to port infrastructure and to the vessels moored inside. Adaptation costs are computed as the corrective measures to be taken to maintain the functionality of the structures.

Two new Mediterranean Stenothoe (Crustacea, Amphipoda) from the coast of Israel

Within collections along the Mediterranean coast of Israel, two new species ofStenothoe(Amphipoda) were found. They were found to be living on sand or mud and probably licking the surface of grains.

Not so rare: Plocamopherus ocellatus (Nudibranchia, Polyceridae) in the Eastern Mediterranean

Plocamopherus ocellatus, a conspicuous but very rare Erythraean nudibranch, was first collected in the Mediterranean Sea off the Israeli coast in 1977, but no additional observations from Israeli waters were recorded in the scientific literature. Biodiversity assessment surveys of the hard bottom biota off the Mediterranean coast of Israel and sightings by recreational divers/underwater photographers in the past dozen years seem to support the presence of a local self-sustaining population off the Israeli coast.

MANAGEMENT OF THE UNDERWATER AND COASTAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE IN ISRAEL'S SEAS (II): THE ENDANGERED COASTAL SETTLEMENTS

The two articles titled Management of the underwater and coastal archaeological heritage in Israel's seas – parts A and B aim at presenting the diversity, nature and significance of an important cultural resource at risk, namely the underwater and coastal archaeological sites of Israel. Part I introduces the typology of the sites on the Mediterranean coast and the inland seas (The Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea). Part II presents the main endangered sites along the Mediterranean coast of Israel, their archaeological and historical significance, the risks they are facing and the measures that have to be taken in order to ensure their long term preservation.

Early stages of establishment of the non-indigenous ascidian Herdmania momus (Savigny, 1816) in shallow and deep water environments on natural substrates in the Mediterranean Sea

The solitary ascidian Herdmania momus (Savigny, 1816) was first recorded in the Eastern basin of the Mediterranean, off the coast of Israel, in 1958. Since then, H. momus established along the shores of Israel, albeit restricted to artificial substrates (e.g., pier pillars, artificial reefs, and shipwrecks) and deeper waters (20–30 m) in comparison to its native range. It has recently spread to natural substrates (i.e. the rocky reef) and shallow water environments (< 1 m). Field surveys, augmented by observations by recreational divers, were conducted along the Israeli Mediterranean coast on natural substrates to assess the present distribution. H. momus was detected on natural substrates at eleven sites, some of them at very shallow depths. This change in the distribution of H. momus that now includes natural substrates in shallow waters along with deep water environments may have negative impacts on the native fauna in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Local perspectives on regional challenges: jellyfish proliferation and fish stock management along the Israeli Mediterranean coast

The composition and abundance of marine biota in Israeli marine ecosystems are affected by natural and anthropogenic pressures, including blooms of non-indigenous jellyfish and overfishing. While overfishing is itself a major stressor of fish stocks, it appears that jellyfish may be outcompeting fish for scarce planktonic food resources. Beyond this direct impact on fisheries, jellyfish–ecosystem interactions are also important because of the disturbance they cause to multiple users of marine and coastal resources. This paper documents the concurrent changes in the composition of marine biotic communities, including jellyfish proliferation and dwindling stocks of endemic, commercially valuable fish and the rising rate of bottom trawling in Israeli fisheries. The capacity to deal directly with jellyfish is limited by lack of knowledge about their ecology. Therefore, we suggest that bolstering fish stocks and increasing their competitive advantage in the food web may be instrumental in limiting jellyfish blooms. Coordination of fishing and conservation policies is recommended, as are modifications to marine waste management and deployment of submerged artificial substrates.

Trace elements in tissues of cetacean species rarely stranded along the Israeli Mediterranean coast

In this paper we present the concentrations of Hg, Cd, Se, Pb, Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe in organs of 6 non-common specimens of cetaceans that were stranded along the Israeli Mediterranean coast (IMC), during 2002–2010: two fin whales, one minke whale, one Cuvier’s beaked whale, one rough-toothed dolphin, and one Risso’s dolphin. Most of the specimens were calves stranded by accident. Concentrations of Hg and Cd were low in tissues of the baleen whales and higher in the toothed whales, with maximum concentrations of 1067mgkg−1 Hg in the liver of the Risso’s dolphin and 29mgkg−1 Cd in the kidney of the Cuvier’s beaked whale. As far as we are aware, this is the first report of trace elements in baleen whales in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the first report of trace elements in minke whale and rough-toothed dolphin in the Mediterranean.

Sulfur and oxygen isotope tracing of sulfate driven anaerobic methane oxidation in estuarine sediments

We use multiple stable isotope measurements in two highly stratified estuaries located along the Mediterranean coast of Israel (the Yarqon and the Qishon) to explore the consumption of sulfate through the anaerobic oxidation of methane (sulfate-driven AOM). At both sites, pore fluid sulfate is rapidly consumed within the upper 15–20 cm. Although the pore fluid sulfate and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration profiles change over a similar range with respect to depth, the sulfur and oxygen isotopes in the pore fluid sulfate and the carbon isotopes in the pore fluid DIC are fundamentally different. This pore fluid isotope geochemistry indicates that the microbial mechanism of sulfate reduction differs between the studied sites. We suggest that in the Yarqon estuary, sulfate is consumed entirely through AOM, whereas in the Qishon, both AOM and bacterial sulfate reduction through organic matter oxidation coexist. These results have implications for understanding the microbial mechanisms behind sulfate-driven AOM. Our data compilation from marine and marginal marine environments supports the conclusion that the intracellular pathways of sulfate reduction varies among environments with sulfate-driven AOM. The data can be used to elucidate new pathways in the cycling of methane and sulfate, and the findings are applicable to the broader marine environment.