” My research examines how the thermal niche of early life stages can predict the establishment success of invasive fish species. While most studies focus on adult thermal constraints, earlier stages, and particularly larvae, are known to be sensitive to temperatures. By analysing species-specific abundance data of larvae and adults from both the source (Red Sea) and invaded (Eastern Mediterranean) regions, I compare the thermal niches of these life stages. This approach offers new insights into the role of thermal tolerance in invasion success. As biological invasions and rising temperatures intensify, understanding thermal limits across ontogeny is crucial for assessing invasion potential and pathways.”

” I am a student in the direct PhD program at the school of Zoology in Tel-Aviv University under the suprervision of Prof. Micha Ilan. I study the ecology, connectivity, and biodiversity of shallow  (up to 30 meters) and mesophotic (80-120 meters) sponge populations and communities in the Mediterranean Sea. My research focuses on the factors that make the Israeli mesophotic habitats biodiversity hotspots and understanding their potential as refuges for sponge species facing threats induced by human activities, such as the rise in sea water temperatures and pollution. My research will (and already is) contribute to the promotion of marine conservation and management of marine protected areas in the Israeli coast”.

RECEIVED MEDITERRANEAN SEA SCHOLARSHIP for 2024

” My research thesis is on “The Israeli Sea Trail – as an economic tourism leverage”. The Israeli Sea Trail is a new walking Trail that will run along the Israeli coastline of the Mediterranean Sea, and it is expected to join the trend of walking tourism that is developing in Israel and around the world. Traveler traffic that will pass along the trail, will pass through and alongside existing rural settlements and various municipal and regional authorities and tourist cities.

The length of the trail is about 250 km, along the coastline there are about 14 km of declared bathing beaches open to the public, and another 109 km which are open to the public but undeclared beaches.

The hypothesis of the research is that similar to walking trails in the world, those walking along the Israeli sea trail will also need different tourist services: accommodation, food services, Tuor guides, culture services and road assistance which can be provided by private entrepreneurs as well as local authorities and towns along the trail.

In the research I will analyze and measure the touristic needs of the travelers, of the touristic service providers and I will perform an economic research to check the economic, marketing and legal programming of the touristic services. The research will focus on demand, supply, limitations, economic analysis and promotion possibilities for the local communities.

The research recommendations will suggest practical and organizational ways and mechanisms for providing sustainable local economic tourism services that provide the required services without harming the natural treasures and the beach along the Israeli sea trail”.

RECEIVED MEDITERRANEAN SEA SCHOLARSHIP for 2024

” Rotem Taasa, 29. Connected to Nature and especially to the Great Blue and its wonderful mammals. Skipper, lifeguard and diver. Engaged in nature photography for ten years in Israel and around the world, above and below water. Carrying out a master’s thesis at the Department of Maritime Civilizations at the University of Haifa, with support from The Mediterranean Sea Research Center of Israel (MERCI). The subject of research is: Inadvertent Capture of Dolphins by Trawl Equipment in the Israeli Mediterranean Sea: Practical Attempts at Risk Mitigation”.

RECEIVED MEDITERRANEAN SEA SCHOLARSHIP for 2024

” Monitoring marine environments is vital for understanding ecosystem resilience, especially with rising human impacts and natural disturbances. The Suez Canal, opened in 1869, allowed non-native species to migrate from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, significantly changing marine ecosystems.

This study aims to establish a baseline and assess the transformation of Israel’s coasts before further non-native species spread. Key objectives include mapping submerged rocky ecosystems, conducting benthic surveys, and evaluating non-native species. Using Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetry and a BlueROV2 robotic platform with advanced mapping tools, the study will provide detailed spatial data. This research will support conservation efforts and promote sustainable marine ecosystem management”.

About me:

Bar is a postdoc at the MEDs (Marine Ecosystem Dynamics) lab, Bar-Ilan, specialized in palaeo-ecology of coral reefs. In har PhD she established a geological and historical records of shallow coral reefs in the Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba by radiocarbon dating, reconstructing the coral species distribution throughout the Holocene and reconstructing their chemical and isotopic composition to differentiate between anthropogenic and natural climatic effects.

RECEIVED MEDITERRANEAN SEA SCHOLARSHIP for 2024

My name is Rotem Elinson and I am a post-doctoral student at the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of Haifa, under the guidance of Prof. Noga Collins-Kreiner and Prof. Andrea Ghermandi.
In my current research (which is part of a wider area funded by the Ministry of Environmental Protection), I am investigating spatial and temporal patterns of leisure activities, outdoor recreation and tourism, in the Nahal Gaaton basin – a basin with diverse land uses, beginning in the mountains of the Western Galilee, and ending at the Mediterranean sea in the city of Nahariya, using volunteered geographic information.
I have a bachelor’s degree in geography and the Middle East from Tel Aviv University, a master’s degree (with honors) in geography from Tel Aviv University, and a doctorate from the Department of Geography at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
I have a specialization in the field of geographic information systems for various needs, including advanced analysis methods, for the spatial study and its components.
In addition, I am a member of the Israeli outdoor magazine (Outpanel), in which I write diverse articles dealing with travel, hiking and recreation in Israel.