We investigate the impacts of climate change, including increased water temperature alongside fluctuations in CO2 and nutrients.
We study ecological relationships between seagrasses and microbial communities (microbiome), as well as interactions with organisms like Foraminifera.
Mapping seagrass meadows is an important part of our work. We use near and remote sensing techniques to survey deep and shallow habitats. We're deeply engaged in exploring biotechnological applications of seagrasses and spearheading a project on seagrass restoration (rewilding) to foster blue carbon stocks.
Our experimental approach integrates photophysiological methods with cutting-edge molecular profiling and modelling. Our fieldwork extends across the Red, Mediterranean, and Caribbean Seas.
We collaborate with numerous Israeli and international partners (see maps of collaborations).
Most of our work is focused on Halophila stipulacaea, a small, tropical seagrass species, native to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean but invasive in the Mediterranean and, more recently, the Caribbean. Following the recent findings of Cymadocea nodosa growing along Israel's Mediterranean coast, we have "branched out" to also work on this species, native to the Mediterranean Sea.
The motivation behind our work is to contribute to the management, conservation, and awareness of seagrasses in Israel and elsewhere.
Ongoing and recent collaborations
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